I want to start my blog by first congratulating the incoming Class of 2017 on completing their high school careers. All of you deserve a standing ovation. You are about to start a very exciting time of your life. This may be your first time away from your family for an extended period of time. While this is both a scary and defining time in your life, I am positive that you have the strength and resources to continue on this thrilling path. The only advice I have for you right now is to enjoy your summer (and buy the sale winter coats for next winter).
But, before you start thinking about winter, I wanted to share a picture that I took recently at the Lilac Festival just down the road from UR. Here is a sneak peek of what spring is like in Rochester:
Because you are about to be on your own, I wanted to start a list of resources for you to use as you start your college career. While all offices on campus will welcome any question you have and try to get you going in the right direction, I have created a list of four offices that you can use as a point of contact along with some scenarios on why you might contact them.
Financial Aid
(585) 275-3226
Email your counselor
The Financial Aid Office is available to help you with any questions regarding documents needed to receive financial aid, along with an explanation of the financial aid you are receiving. I would also recommend you review your FAOnline account to see if your question can be answered online first. There is a lot of great information on your FAOnline account, including the financial aid you are receiving, the documents you are missing, and the cost of attendance. If you have questions once you review your FAOnline, give financial aid a call or email your counselor.
Orientation Office
(585) 275-4414
orientation@mail.rochester.edu
The Orientation Office is available to help you with any questions that may come up before you arrive in August regarding campus life. International student move-in day is on August 26. Move-in day for everyone else is on August 27, with orientation continuing through September 2. Parent orientation is August 27–28. The orientation website offers a lot of information about your upcoming transition to college and is updated regularly throughout the summer. Once the schedule for orientation is set, they will post a copy of it on their website. Mid to late June, you will receive a mailing from the Orientation Office containing your Freshman Academic Handbook as well as information on academic advising and foreign language placement. I know you are very anxious for this information to come, but trust me, you will get it with enough time to plan everything out. In the meantime, if you have any questions, you can always contact the Orientation Office.
Bursar’s Office
585-275-3931
bursar@admin.rochester.edu
The Bursar’s Office is available to help you once you receive your first bill in July. Prior to the first bill, you can set up your payment agreement online. This allows the Bursar’s Office to know how to bill you. It is also recommended that you set up your parents as “Authorized Payers” for your bill. You can do this through your Blackboard account by accessing UR ePay. Their website is a great resource for the 2013-2014 Schedule of Charges. Please keep in mind that the Bursar’s Office is unable to tell you before the July bill how much you owe, since the bill is based on your housing and meal plan. Once you receive your bill, you can contact them with any questions you may have.
University Health Services
585-273-5770
ldudman@uhs.rochester.edu
The University Health Services (UHS) Office is a great resource for accessing your Health History Form and Immunization Requirement. On top of that, you will need to complete the Health Insurance Enroll/Waive Process. I suggest reading their FAQs about the Health History Form and Immunization Requirement online to clear up many questions! Other than the forms you are required to fill out, you can talk to UHS about any health concerns you may have before you move on campus. The UHS website has a great section that explains how UHS can help when you are sick. Reading the website can help relieve some of the stress you're feeling moving away from home. You have a large family at UR that is always willing to help! If you have any questions in the meantime, you can always contact UHS.
With everything that you had to turn in to get admitted to college as well as the financial aid forms that you had to fill out, you may be feeling a little bit of withdrawal from turning in forms. Just make sure you submitted the forms that are asked of you. Always be sure to check your email for messages from the Financial Aid Office as well as your mailbox for packets of great information! If you have any questions, feel free to contact any of the offices. Even if we aren’t able to help you, we will direct you to the best office that can help.