Ever wonder what it is like to spend a day as a student at the University of Rochester?
Hi, my name is Ariel, and I am a senior majoring in English: Language Media & Communication with minors in Political Science and Spanish. Here is a day in the life with me, come follow along!
Today is a Wednesday which means I have two classes: Spanish Surrealism and Environmental Law and Policy. I have actually finished my minors but I was really interested in these classes and I wanted to fill my schedule a bit more so these were my picks for the semester.
First things first, I wake up to my Hatch alarm bright and early at 7:25 a.m. Well, actually I snooze until 7:55 a.m. to give myself some extra rest time before the long day ahead of me. I live in an apartment so I have access to a large space including a kitchen, which is great because I love cooking and meal prepping for the day. I like to start my day with some breakfast and tea while completing the daily Wordle. Unfortunately, today I did not get the Wordle, but that’s okay. Next I get ready and pack up for the day. Today, I had a call scheduled with my Public Speaking professor to discuss feedback on a recent speech I had to give. My professor likes to do these calls just to touch base with everyone and I really like it because the feedback is truly helping me improve my public speaking.
Up next, I made my way to the GAC (Goergen Athletic Center) for a quick workout before class. This time of day, around 10am, the gym is usually not too busy so I can use any equipment I need.
Taken by Ariel Greenberg.
Before heading to my first class of the day, I made a stop in Wilson Commons (WilCo) for a bagel brunch hosted by Hillel, a Jewish Group I am a part of on campus. We enjoy delicious bagels, veggies, and cookies prepared by our lovely director. These usually happen a few times a month and even if I stop by quickly to grab something on the go and say hi, it is always something to look forward to. And free lunch is always a plus!
Taken by Ariel Greenberg.
My Spanish Surrealism class takes place from 12:30-1:45 in Lattimore Hall, which is where the Modern Languages Department is located. This is one of my smaller classes so it is lead seminar style.
After my class, I head to one of my campus jobs as an Office Assistant in the Admissions Office. I work 2-5 on Wednesdays. Usually we do not have too many emails or calls to attend to during this shift so while I wait for some to come in I like to get some school work done.
Next, I have an hour long break before my second class in which I like to meet some friends in Starbucks lounge. Sometimes a little pick me up is necessary during this half of the day. Usually I like to get a chai latte or an iced matcha. I am in my next class with some friends so we usually take the tunnels together to get to class.
From 6:15 – 7:30 p.m. I have my Environmental Law & Policy class in Goergen Hall. Goergen Hall is actually the Optical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering building but alas, we still have our class in the lecture hall here.
Finally, at 7:30 p.m. I am finally finished with classes, but my day does not end here. I am a member of Ballet Performance Group and I have one rehearsal tonight from 8:30-9:30 p.m. But after rehearsal, I am done for the day and ready to head back to my apartment. Before going to bed, I like to get some work done. Usually during my busy days, I like to also study in the PRR or the Great Hall because they are both silent work places and allow me to be very productive.
This for me is a very typical day but everyone’s day looks very different! One of the greatest things about URochester is the ability for students to chose their own schedule based off of the open curriculum offered here. Each day is a new and exciting one!