Dorm life: the microwave dinners, the paper-thin walls, the communal bathrooms that always seem to be just out of paper towels. If you’ve done your time in the UMass Amherst residence halls, you might be wondering… is it time for an upgrade?
Short answer: yes. Long answer? Read on.
Here’s why more UMass students are making the move to off-campus apartments—and why Cliffside Apartments might just be the best next step.
1. More Space, More Privacy, More Sanity
In a dorm, your entire world fits into one small, shared room. Need to take a phone call? Say it in front of your roommate. Want to eat something other than ramen? Good luck fitting a skillet next to your mini fridge.
At Cliffside, you can stretch out in a real apartment—with a real kitchen, a real living room, and yes, doors that actually close. Whether you live alone or with roommates, you get space to breathe, study, and be your own person.
2. No More Communal Bathrooms
We’ll say it: nothing will make you appreciate off-campus living faster than your own bathroom. No more carrying a shower caddy down the hall. No more surprise encounters in the mirror at 6 a.m.
At Cliffside, your bathroom is your own (or shared with one person, max). It’s cleaner, more private, and honestly? Just a better vibe.
3. A Quieter, More Balanced Lifestyle
Dorms are fun—until you’re trying to sleep and someone starts a hallway karaoke session at midnight. Off-campus apartments offer the kind of peace that helps you stay focused (and sane).
Cliffside offers a calm, residential setting that’s still close enough to campus for easy access. It’s popular with students who want independence without the all-night chaos.
4. Real Kitchens = Real Meals (Even If It’s Just Pasta Again)
Dorm cooking is basically boiling water in a borrowed kettle. When you have a real kitchen with full-size appliances, your food—and your budget—thank you.
Cliffside units come with full kitchens, lots of cabinet space, and the kind of setup that lets you meal prep or panic-cook five minutes before class. You’ll save money and eat better, even if you’re just rotating through the same three meals.
5. Freedom to Come and Go—Without Signing In a Guest Every Time
Want a friend to stay over? Planning a group project meetup? In the dorms, you’re dealing with sign-ins, curfews, and RA policies that make you feel like you’re still in high school.
At Cliffside, you’re the boss of your own space. No sign-in sheets, no noise checks (as long as you’re respectful), and no one telling you how many string lights are too many.
6. Off-Campus Living Is Still Connected to Campus Life
Moving off campus doesn’t mean disconnecting from UMass. With public transportation close by and plenty of other students living at Cliffside, you’ll still be in the loop—just with better sleep and more square footage.
Final Thoughts: Dorms Are Fine. But Cliffside Is Better.
If you’re craving more independence, comfort, and peace of mind, apartment living might be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. Cliffside Apartments gives UMass Amherst students a smart, flexible housing option that feels more like home—without giving up everything you love about campus life.
Ready to level up your college experience? Contact us today to see Cliffside for yourself.
