How do housing options compare between UMass Amherst and UConn?

UMass Amherst’s residence halls are organized into distinct areas, each with a different location, building style, and social atmosphere. Most first-year students live in traditional residence halls, often in doubles, while apartment-style options are more relevant for returning students.

Southwest is known for large high-rise halls and an active, social environment near recreation and athletics. Northeast is close to many science and engineering buildings and has a more residential feel; Central is wooded and near the arts; Orchard Hill is elevated and relatively close to parts of the academic core. The Commonwealth Honors College Residential Community is a distinctive option for eligible honors students, combining housing with classrooms and program space.

UConn may appeal to a student who wants a broad menu of residential programs and is comfortable living on a very large campus where housing is spread across multiple areas. Storrs has traditional halls as well as suite- and apartment-style residences, with the latter more commonly available beyond the first year. First-year students commonly live in standard corridor-style halls and share bedrooms or bathrooms depending on the building. UConn also has learning communities, special-interest housing, and honors-oriented residential opportunities, so students can connect housing to an academic interest, identity, or activity. Its newer and older halls vary substantially, making the specific assignment important.