First Year – Admissions Blog

Bringing Your Authentic Self to the Supplemental Essay

October 15, 2026

When I was applying to the University of Rochester, I wanted my application to show more than my grades, activities, and accomplishments. I wanted the admissions team to get a…

The view from Genesee Hall at sunset.

Ever-evolving interests at URochester

October 2, 2026

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question I’m sure most of us have been asked ever since we were little. And when I was…

How to make friends in college: 8 tips from real students

Is one of your biggest concerns how to make friends in college? You aren’t alone. Every college student hopes to find their people, friends they can comfortably confide in and…

Find Your Hive, Feel the Vibes: A First-Year Yellowjacket Friendship Guide

Hi everyone! I hope you’re excited to start your journey at the University of Rochester. I remember feeling so excited to begin my college experience, meet new people, and ultimately…

You’ve Enrolled… Now What?

Congratulations! You have officially enrolled at the University of Rochester. So… what happens now? The first thing you should do is celebrate. Enrolling in college is a massive accomplishment,…

Wonder awaits you at URochester

Being admitted to the University of Rochester is a big deal! We chose you for a reason — and we’re excited about what you’ll bring to our community. As…

Life lessons from a senior

In less than two months, I will be graduating from the University of Rochester. While this is an exciting milestone, I cannot help but feel nostalgic. Lately, I have found…

Staying Balanced During the Semester – Mentally and Physically

College wellness advice often sounds polished. It comes packaged as neat routines and productivity tips, as if balance can be achieved by following a checklist. But, I’m sorry, the reality…

What Being a D’Lion at URochester Actually Means

By: Miki Chiu, Class of 2028 Publicity Chair of the D’Lion Organization 2025 – 2026 Hi! I’m Miki Chiu. I’m part of the Class of 2028 majoring in Business –…

Many Possibilities But Only One Choice for Me

February 23, 2026

In March 2020, the world came to a halt, except for the college admissions process. As a sophomore in high school, this served as an amazing opportunity to visit and…

Students sharing a Thanksgiving dinner together at the University of Rochester.

Finding Your Community at the University of Rochester

December 1, 2025

One of the most important parts of the college experience and one that many students underestimate, is finding your community. At the University of Rochester, your community often ends…

What the Dining Hall has Taught Me About Choosing for Myself

November 20, 2025

The first week of college, I found myself standing in the middle of the dining hall, plates in hand, and overwhelmed by abundance – at that time, I mislabeled it…