Transfer Students - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the meal options at Amherst College?

A: Two meal plans are available from Dining Services:

Note: The Full Meal Plan is required for first-year students.

Q: Can I opt out of the meal plan if I have dietary restrictions or food allergies?
A: Accessibility Services and Dining Services work together to accommodate students with food allergies/intolerances, medical conditions, or other compelling reasons which require a restricted diet. In most cases, Dining Services can accommodate special dietary requirements with modified or alternative food preparation and products. In some cases, if the college determines that Dining Services is not able to reasonably meet a student’s dietary needs, a meal plan exemption may be granted as an accommodation.

Q: When do I register for courses? 
A: As a transfer student, you will register for courses during New Student Orientation and into the first week you are on campus . The Registrar’s Office and the Student Affairs Office will guide you through this process, so don’t worry too much. During the summer, you will receive an email with instructions on how to use Workday Student to search for courses, plan a saved schedule, and register. Please follow those steps to view available courses based on your Q:

Q: Will I attend a First Year Seminar in the Fall of 2023?
A: There won't be a FYS specifically designed for transfer students, mainly to be mindful of transfers who may want to meet course requirements for their planned major or other academic interests. That being said, the purpose of FYS is to prepare all new students for the writing and reading expectations at Amherst College so in lieu of it, you should plan to discuss with your academic advisor what course might help to fill the space of the FYS, which is something that might be writing attentive and/or more of an introductory 100 level course in a department area that most aligns with your course plans and interests. 

Q: Will I be guaranteed on-campus housing? 
A: Yes, all Amherst College students are guaranteed on-campus housing for their academic career. You will receive your housing assignment in mid-August from Residential Life.

Q: Can I live off-campus my first semester as a transfer student?
A: Occasionally exceptions are made for students in extraordinary cases.  Nevertheless, we advise that all new incoming transfer students live on campus their first year in order to acclimate to the social and academic culture of Amherst College. 

Q: Can I have a car on campus? 
A: Yes, as a transfer student, you may have a car on campus. You will need to register your vehicle with campus police. For more information, go to the Campus Police page on parking. 

Q: What other transportation is available at Amherst College?
A: For public transportation, students often take the PVTA buses to travel into Hadley for Target, Walmart, or the movie theaters at Hampshire Mall or to the other colleges in the 5-College Consortium. Additionally, students can also reserve AAS cars and vans for free. You can learn more here. 

Q: When do I have to declare my major? 
A: If you are transferring in as a first semester junior, then you must declare your major by the beginning of your second semester at Amherst College. If you are transferring in as a sophomore, then you must declare your major by the end of your sophomore year. 

Q: What course credits will be transferred in from my previous institution? Is there a list of approved courses?
A: Courses accepted by the Registrar’s Office will be posted to Workday based on the courses approved in your official admissions letter. Please ensure that your final college transcripts are sent to the Registrar's Office to ensure that any in-progress work has been completed and added to your Amherst College transcript.  

Q: Are there other Amherst College transfer students whom I can contact or with whom I can speak? 
A: Yes, the Class & Access Resource Center (CARC) and the Transfer Student Association (TSA) on campus regularly coordinate community building programs throughout the year. During the first week of school, you will be able to meet the CARC staff and members of the TSA as well as other transfer students. TSA e-board members and CARC transfer student staff are availabile throughout the year to answer your questions and provide support for your first semester at Amherst College. Reach out to Lupita Méndez, Director of the Class & Access Resource Center, or Scarlet Im, Assistant Director of the Class & Access Resource Center, if you’d like help getting connected to the transfer community.

Q: Is it possible to petition for an extra semester?

A:  Yes, transfer students can petition for an extra semester at Amherst College. Here is important information about the process (updated June 7, 2018):

  • Transfer students who arrived at Amherst College with junior status might be eligible for an extra semester in order to complete their major while exploring the curriculum and taking advantage of other experiences.
  • Any student who transferred to Amherst with less than junior status is not eligible to be approved for an extra semester. 
  • Petitions must be submitted no later than the last date of classes of the student’s third to last semester, prior to any extension; that is, the second semester of the student’s junior year.
  • The first step is for the student to have a conversation with their Class Dean, followed by submission of a letter of petition (.5-1 page single spaced) to their Class Dean. The letter should present a clear educational plan and a letter, including an explanation of a course plan without the extra semester, and a course plan with the extra semester. The request should also include a letter of support from the student's academic advisor, and, when useful, supplementary letters from other faculty.
  • Petitions will be read and evaluated by all Class Deans, together with other relevant staff such as the Dean of Students, Chief Student Affairs Officer, and College Registrar.
  • Completion of two majors is not considered a compelling argument for an extra semester.