Participating in First-Year Experience (FYE) will help you make the most of your first year as part of the exciting and diverse Amherst College community. FYE programs will provide opportunities for you to heighten sense of belonging, enhance academic success, engage with faculty and staff, enrich overall wellness, and create connections to the college community. FYE will introduce you to conversations and resources at the moments during the year when you most need them!

The Hub: Student opportunities at Amherst College

The Amherst College Hub

Check out the First-Year Experience page on The Hub!

Amherst College Orientation and First year Programs Facebook page

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Join the Amherst College Orientation and First-Year Programs Facebook page! 

Advice from First-Year Students

Kevin

Kevin Zhangxu

(he/him/his)

“First, always remember self-care and self-love. You’ve already given this college so much with just being here. Set time for you to be able to step away from your classes, your co-curriculars, your social life. Treat yourself! And step out of your comfort zone. Take the step in joining a club that vaguely interests you—it may change your life!”

An image of Ruth Manzanares on the beach in front of the ocean in a bright green shirt

Ruth Manzanares

(she/her/hers)

“Remember that it is okay for you not to know everything from the start, after all that is why you're going to college. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; go to office hours, ask for help, form a study group, use the resources available to you! It helps when you begin to reach out and it will help you realize the community you have.”

Christopher Lewis

Christopher Lewis

(he/him/his)

“Change the definition of ‘Cool’. Walk up to a random person in the dining hall, classroom, Keefe, gym or wherever and just start a conversation. Amherst has many resources but the best resource is the diverse body of people on this campus, and you can gain the most knowledge out of your Amherst experience just by stepping out of your comfort zone and talking to someone you normally wouldn’t.”