Moving to a new city with hundreds of students can be scary and overwhelming. It can be hard to come to the University of Rochester surrounded by strangers. Luckily, before you even step foot on campus, there are plenty of ways to be able to connect with your future classmates.
Social Media
One of the easiest ways to connect with classmates is via social media. You can find the official Admissions-run Facebook groups and a Discord server on the admitted student website, where you can join to meet and interact with the other students and families from the new incoming class. These groups/ servers are open to incoming first-years, as well as transfer students from any year. There are more specific groups, such as the University of Rochester School of Medicine Class of 2028 group for those who are a part of them. Along with Facebook, there is also a student-run Class of 2028 Instagram account for students to send in an introduction to be able to meet other students. The summer before my freshman year, I made a post on both accounts and I ended up meeting my freshman year roommate through Instagram!
Rochester in Your Area
Another great way to meet new people is through a Rochester in Your Area event. During the year, admissions counselors and alumni will hold events where students from different cities can meet up with their future classmates. The summer before my freshman year, I attended a Rochester Meet-up event for students in the Washington D.C. area. I talked with fellow students, faculty, and alumni about the University of Rochester, and even got my first Rochester-branded stuff.
Admissions Events
There are also many other types of events held by the Admissions staff across the US and around the world. There are tons of college fairs for students to attend to not only learn more about the school but to also meet some of the other people they’ll be going to school with. Campus tours are also a great way to see campus while also meeting some of your future classmates. Similar to campus tours, Yellowjacket Experience Day is a great way to meet tons of staff and students on campus. As an accepted student event, there are lots of resources for students and parents to get to know each other around campus. It’s super easy to meet the people you’ll be attending classes within just a few months! More information usually comes out about the event as it comes closer so be sure to keep an eye out.
Research Rochester
Another great way to meet other students is through Research Rochester. There is a virtual option for those who can’t make it in person! The event helps students learn a little more about what it’s like to study on campus. It’s a great way to learn about the admissions process, experience Rochester, and, most importantly, talk with other students. The event is very interactive and is designed to make it easy for incoming students to meet each other, as well as current students.
Roommates!
Finally, one of the most important ways to meet people on campus is by reaching out to your future roommates. Once assigned a roommate, the University will send an email to students with their roommate’s name and will usually include a method of communication. Reaching out to your future roommate is a great way to have someone you already know once you move to campus.