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 up becoming your support system, your motivators, and the people who turn the campus from just a place you study into a place that genuinely feels like home.
For anyone wondering what building a sense of belonging at Rochester looks like, here’s what I’ve learned.
1. Start With the People Who Understand You
For many students, the first sense of belonging comes from connecting with people who share your background or values. For me, that group was other UWC (United World Colleges) students. We came from different countries, but we shared an understanding of diversity, global perspectives, and navigating new environments. Those early friendships didn’t just make me comfortable, they reminded me that I wasn’t starting from zero. I already had a community waiting for me.
2. Explore Your Interests, They Lead You to Your People
Rochester has a club for almost everything, and joining them is one of the easiest ways to meet new people. For me, soccer was the bridge. Whether I was kicking a ball around after class or joining games on the weekends, the soccer community connected me to students from completely different majors and backgrounds. It wasn’t just about the sport, it was about shared energy, teamwork, and laughter that made even stressful weeks lighter. Your version of this doesn’t have to be soccer. It could be dance, debate, robotics, singing, whatever makes you feel alive. That’s where your people are hiding.
3. Find a Community That Supports Your Goals
Academics can feel overwhelming, which is why joining a professional or identity-based organization can make a huge difference. For me, that was NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers). NSBE taught me that community isn’t just social, it can be empowering. Workshops, mentorship, career support, and people who genuinely want you to succeed… All of that pushed me to grow. When you find a community that invests in your potential, everything about college becomes lighter.
4. Celebrate Where You Come From
Another part of finding belonging is embracing the pieces of yourself that you bring from home. For me, that showed up in Mafrisah, an African dance group on campus. Through performances, rehearsals, and cultural events, Mafrisah reminded me that identity is not something you leave behind when you travel, it’s something you share. Being part of that group helped me reconnect with my culture and also introduced me to others who were excited to learn and celebrate with me.
5. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone, It’s Worth It
Not everyone finds it easy to connect with people right away, and that’s completely okay. The truth is, it can take time before you meet the people who truly feel like “your” community. One thing that helped me speed up that process was simply deciding to step outside my comfort zone, especially during Orientation. Orientation is one of the best moments to put yourself out there. Everyone is looking for friends. Everyone is new. Everyone is figuring it out at the same time. But those connections only happen if you take the first step. For me, that looked like pushing myself to talk to more people, even when it felt uncomfortable. I realized that something as simple as saying “hi” or joining a conversation could completely change my day. The more I tried, the easier it became. Little by little, I grew more confident, and those small interactions led to real friendships.
Starting college can bring a lot of uncertainty. You’re entering a new environment, meeting new faces, and adjusting to a new routine. It’s normal to feel nervous but you should also remember this:
You’re not doing it alone.
There is a huge, welcoming community here at the University of Rochester. From teammates, club members, and classmates to your hallmates and mentors, there are countless people ready to support you and help you feel at home. Stepping out of your comfort zone isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the best ways to discover the opportunities, friendships, and experiences waiting for you.