Name: Siyang Luo
Pronouns: She/her
Class: 2025
From: Beijing, China
Studying: Anthropology (major), Italian (cluster), Audio and Music Engineering (cluster)
How did you hear about the University of Rochester? What impacted your decision to apply?
The flexible curriculum was one of the most attractive features that urged me to apply to the University of Rochester. I struggled a lot with choosing my major in high school because I was unsure how long my interests would last to support my dedication to academic study in a particular field. However, Rochester gave me the chance to study almost everything I wanted purely out of my own interest and explore what I truly want to study the most, since there are no general requirement classes such as math and history. I got the opportunity to avoid classes I hoped never to take and invest more time in exploring my interests.
What advice would you give to an incoming international student?
Reach out for help if you’re stuck with something! As part of the first COVID generation, I couldn’t have my freshman experience on campus. There was no orientation, and I was extremely unfamiliar with the resources our school offered. I entered the school as a sophomore without knowing anything or anyone, and I must admit, it was a challenging time! To cope, I made an effort to talk to different people and ask for help. Your academic advisors are always your best resource to reach out to as a first step! Additionally, don’t hesitate to “bother” your professors. I sometimes visit my department and chat with anyone who’s available. This not only aids in understanding your coursework but also helps you get to know your professors and your department better.
What do you do on campus or around Rochester when you’re not studying or in class? How did you initially get involved in those things?
I was the president of the Undergraduate Anthropology Council (UAC) for the 2023-2024 academic year. I initially joined because the club is closely associated with the Department of Anthropology, and they were holding activities to explore the local community. I feel that such events are great opportunities to learn more about the city of Rochester and our department since the professors are also involved in various activities held by the UAC. Last year, we invited professors to join us in the community kitchen in Douglass Commons to teach us about the food, coffee, and tea cultures from their research sites. This became our most influential and popular activity, as students had the chance to learn about the professors’ research and meet them outside the classroom.
What’s your favorite thing to do off campus?
To go for a walk! There are lots of great hiking spots around the Rochester area with beautiful views. Some parks are also great places to take a walk. I have lived off-campus since my junior year and stayed in downtown Rochester for a year. My favorite activity is to walk all the way from downtown to Park Avenue.
What’s your favorite place on campus and why?
I really enjoy spending my time in the stacks. In most cases, I like to study alone, so finding a quiet space with fewer people is important to me. My friends showed me the 200 and 300 levels of Rush Rhees Library, where the stacks are located. Initially, I didn’t go there frequently because the Wi-Fi connection was not great. However, once our school fixed that issue, the stacks became my favorite spot!