There are several options: 1) WordPress.com;  2) UMass OIT which uses the WordPress platform; 3) other blogging platforms such as Blogger, a Google platform.

My preference is for WordPress.com as it offers many design features and is a widely-used platform that can also be used to build website.   WordPress.com and the UMass version are essentially the same with the latter adding some tools, but offering less themes.

1.  WordPress:  Go to WordPress.com http://wordpress.com/and follow instructions to “sign up now.”

2.  UMass:  To Activate your personal UMass blog go to “Blogs at UMass Amherst – OIT”.  Click on “Log in to Blogs at UMass Amherst.”    Enter your  UMass user name and password and you’re ready to go.

3.  If you have experience with other blogging platforms such as Blogger,  that’s another option.