Getting Involved with Residential Life

The University of Rochester has such a unique way of integrating new students into the Yellowjacket Family. You’d be surprised to know that as a mid-sized university, students know tons of other students all because they build a strong relationship with others from the get go. I’d say this is because of the strong bonds formed with one’s Freshman Hall.

Having many students living together for the first time away from home might seem daunting, but it’s really a great experience to make new friends and build a family away from home. My freshman hall was extremely close and now as sophomores, we will see each other on a regular basis, hang out, and grab meals at Danforth all the time. But this sense of camaraderie came with lots of support from the Freshman Hall Staff which consists of a Residential Advisor (RA), D’Lions, and a Freshman Fellow, the latter two totally unique to this top tier university.

RA’s are the ones who really give strong advice on how to live in a dorm room away from home. They’re here to help in any way, but they also enforce the rules of communal living. But don’t worry! They’re here to help . . . they make sure everyone is doing their part in simple things like keeping the bathrooms clean.

D’Lions are also upperclassman who really boost the social life of the hall. They’ll put together tons of fun hall programs through the year which are basically opportunities for students to get together and do something fun! My D’Lions my freshman year took us out to dinner, gave us tours of the campus, had a weekly movie night, and even took us to a concert in Downtown Rochester!

And finally, the Freshman Fellow. I personally am actually a Freshman Fellow this year as well! We basically as the peer academic advisers on the hall. We help students pick classes, find their classes, learn study tips and techniques, but most importantly, calm the nerves of freshman on the nights before their exams! I remember my Freshman Fellow always making himself available to help us, and I try to do the same for my freshman!

All in all, it’s one of the best universities in New York and one of the best colleges in the Northeast that’s brining to you a unique Freshman Year, Residential Life experience you could never find anywhere else! That’s why I love being a Freshman Fellow — I get to experience Freshman Year all over again!