A Look into Rochester’s Campus Setting
This weekend, I visited my friends in Boston. After residing and visiting the Cambridge area multiple times, I have come to grasp the large distinctions present between the University of Rochester’s campus and campuses that are encompassed within major cities.
A secluded campus
Coming to Rochester, I did not realize the extent to which a school’s campus impacts a student’s experience. For those who have visited, Rochester is enveloped in its own bubble—this is not necessarily good or bad, but it is what it is. Most students at the University, particularly first years, do not consider the outer Rochester community as part of campus life. In general, most students do not leave campus on a day-to-day basis. Overall, the City of Rochester is smaller and more accessible than New York City or Boston might be.
Feels like home
This type of campus environment, where the school is distinct from the outer city, creates a more homey feeling. When you see someone in the library or at Starbucks, you can assume that they are a student at Rochester. I feel strongly tied to Rochester’s community. I am unsure if this feeling would be to the same extent if I attended a college in a more urban or downtown setting. Moreover, I find it much easier to focus on studies and my work; I am not distracted by city goers, attractions, or exploring the city. Those things await me when I want them, like on the weekend. In all honesty, I would never do school work or eat at dining halls (my wallet would definitely be broke) if I lived in the middle of a big city.
A sense of community
On the other hand, the bridging of city and university like in Boston provides a way to transition into the “real world.” There is not a clear distinction between college and outside of college; you see everyday people going to work and class, getting ice cream with their kids, while you go to class, study, etc. The setting is a reminder that an outside world exists, which is less obvious at Rochester. There could also be more opportunities for networking and finding jobs. The downside is the lack of a stasis point and lesser sense of community.
What’s right for you?
I highly encourage all prospective students to visit their potential college options to get an idea of the campus feel. I personally did not visit Rochester because of the distance, but I wish I had. The campus setting was what I had in mind, but if it had been different, I am unsure how I would have felt or if it would have been the right place for me.