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2025 Experience

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The Meliora symbol with confetti falling around it.

You got in!

About the 2025 Experience

Congratulations again on your admission to the University of Rochester! Our 2025 Experience is a series of exclusive events for all admitted students, including transfers. Whether you can’t wait to enroll or you’re still deciding, we invite you and your family to join us virtually this spring. We’ve worked hard to build an expansive suite of live and on-demand content just for you.

Registration for all live events is in a calendar portal. We hope you’ll join us for as many opportunities as possible.

Register today

Live programming

Details about each session are available when you register online.

Main events

These sessions are designed for you and your family to learn more about our students, academics, life on campus, and the broader campus and city of Rochester communities.

Register today

Join us for our kick-off event to start the 2025 Experience! You’ll be welcomed by admissions staff, campus community members, and current Rochester students. We’ll also share what you can expect over the next couple of weeks regarding these virtual events.

Date and time: Sunday, March 28 at 7 p.m. EDT

Rochester Faculty and undergraduate students discuss their research experiences and academic explorations.

Dates and times:

  • Monday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. EDT
  • Monday, April 5 at 5:30 p.m. EDT
  • Monday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. EDT

Pour a cup of coffee and join our Dean of Admissions, Financial Aid, and College Enrollment for weekly conversations with leaders at the University as they discuss navigating the pandemic as well as their plans for fall 2021.

Dates and times: Saturday, April 3, 10, 17 at 11 a.m. EDT

Join our financial aid counselors to learn about:

  • What the first bill means and how to interpret it
  • Outstanding verification documents
  • Loan funding options
  • Federal work-study
  • Changes in aid over the next four years
  • FAOnline and how to use our financial aid portal
  • How to pay for textbooks

Dates and times:

  • Tuesday, April 6 at 12 p.m. EDT

OR

  • Saturday, April 10 at 10 a.m. EDT

The Greene Center helps students build habits to explore and test out their interests, and make decisions about what they want to do next and in the future. This session will review how the University of Rochester community works together to support students as they explore careers, gain experience and connect with alumni and employers.

Date and time: Tuesday, April 6 at 8 p.m. EDT

Leaders from the CARE Network, Public Safety, Title IX Office, University Health Service, and University Counseling Center will share how they support students’ physical and emotional wellbeing on campus.

Date and time: Tuesday, April 13 at 4 p.m. EDT

Curious about what it’s like to do research as a student on campus? Join a panel of current students with a variety of research experiences to talk about what research on and off campus has been like.

Date and time: Tuesday, April 13 at 5 p.m. EDT

This session provides an introduction to the Fellowships Office and the programs it promotes, along with first-hand accounts from three recent UR alumni representing fields of study in science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences whose Meliora journeys have been amplified by various fellowships.

Date and time: Saturday, April 17 at 10 a.m. EDT

Congratulations! Your student has been admitted to the University of Rochester. Now what? Here’s your opportunity to interact with parents who’ve been where you are right now. Learn about their families’ experiences as a member of the Rochester community and ask your own questions.

Date and time: Saturday, April 17 at 8 p.m. EDT

Explore the city of Rochester and learn about its history during this virtual tour.

Date and time: Monday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. EDT

Parents and family members, here is your chance to ask current students about their experiences. Moderated by a senior leader in admissions in partnership with the Parents and Family Relations Office.

Date and time: Wednesday, April 21 at 7 p.m. EDT

Academic sessions

The University’s academic departments are involved in the 2025 Experience like never before! Most departments are holding virtual sessions that any admitted student or family member can attend. But you’ll also find links to recorded department overviews as well as contact information, so you can connect directly with faculty and staff from specific academic departments.

Register today

American Sign Language

  • Monday, April 5 at 9 a.m. EDT
  • Tuesday, April 6 at 6 p.m. EDT

Anthropology

  • Tuesday, April 6 at 8 p.m. EDT

Archaeology, Technology & Historical Structures

  • Monday, April 12 at 6 p.m. EDT

Art & Art History

  • Wednesday, April 7 at 6 p.m. EDT

Audio and Music Engineering

  • Friday, April 16 at 1 p.m. EDT

Biology

  • Monday, March 29 at 8 a.m. EDT
  • Friday, April 2 at 7 p.m. EDT

Biomedical Engineering

  • Monday, April 5 at 7 p.m. EDT
  • Thursday, April 15 at 7 p.m. EDT

Business

  • Thursday, April 8 at 8 a.m. EDT
  • Wednesday, April 14 at 6 p.m. EDT

Chemical Engineering

  • Wednesday, April 7 at 6 p.m. EDT

Computer Science

  • Friday, April 9 at 9 a.m. EDT

Dance (Program of Dance + Movement)

  • Thursday, April 8 at 3:30 p.m. EDT
  • Monday, April 19 at 3:30 p.m. EDT

Data Science

  • Tuesday, March 30 at 8 p.m. EDT
  • Saturday, April 10 at 12 p.m. EDT

Digital Media Studies

  • Thursday, April 8 at 6 p.m. EDT

Earth & Environmental Sciences

  • Thursday, April 8 at 7 p.m. EDT

Economics

  • Monday, April 5 at 4:30 p.m. EDT
  • Tuesday, April 6 at 7 p.m. EDT

Electrical and Computer Engineering

  • Friday, April 9 at 2 p.m. EDT

English

  • Friday, April 9 at 4 p.m. EDT

Frederick Douglass Institute for African & African-American Studies / Susan B. Anthony Center for Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies

  • Wednesday, April 7 at 4 p.m. EDT

Film and Media Studies

  • Monday, April 12 at 5 p.m. EDT

Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences

2021 Hajim Fast Facts (PDF)

  • Thursday, April 1 at 8:15 a.m. EDT
  • Tuesday, April 20 at 6 p.m. EDT

History

  • Tuesday, March 30 at 11 a.m. EDT

Humanities Center

  • Tuesday, April 20 at 6 p.m. EDT

Linguistics

  • Tuesday, March 30 at 8:30 a.m. EDT
  • Wednesday, April 14 at 3 p.m. EDT

Mathematics

  • Friday, April 9 at 2 p.m. EDT
  • Friday, April 23 at 2 p.m. EDT

Mechanical Engineering

  • Thursday, April 1 at 6 p.m. EDT
  • Thursday, April 8 at 6 p.m. EDT

Modern Languages & Cultures

  • Monday, April 5 at 7 p.m. EDT

Music

  • Tuesday, April 6 at 11 a.m. EDT

Optics

  • Thursday, April 1 at 4 p.m. EDT
  • Tuesday, April 13 at 9:30 a.m. EDT

Philosophy

  • Friday, April 9 at 4 p.m. EDT

Physics and Astronomy

  • Thursday, April 15 at 2 p.m. EDT
  • Thursday, April 22 at 2 p.m. EDT

Political Science

  • Wednesday, April 7 at 4 p.m. EDT

Public Health

  • Wednesday, April 7 at 6 p.m. EDT

Religion & Classics

  • Wednesday, April 14 at 1 p.m. EDT

Statistics

  • Friday, April 9 at 8 a.m. EDT

Theatre (International Theatre Program)

  • Tuesday, April 13 at 3 p.m. EDT

Culture and identity

These virtual events will explain the University’s commitment to supporting a diverse, inclusive, and accessible community for all of our students, staff, and faculty, who join us from all over the country, all over the world, and all walks of life.

Register today

Disability plays a role in the overall diversity of our University community. Learn about how to navigate the process of requesting and receiving accommodations both in and out of the classroom.

Date and time: Wednesday, April 14 at 3 p.m. EDT

Learn about the experiences of first-generation students at Rochester.

Date and time: Friday, April 16 at 12 p.m. EDT

An opportunity for admitted students to meet graduates of the University. Learn about how our alumni and alumni networks support Rochester students of color.

Date and Time: Monday, April 12 at 12 p.m. EDT

The Minority Student Advisory Board (MSAB) serves as a political, cultural, and resource base in the interest of historically underrepresented minorities at the University of Rochester. Come learn about our mission and daughter organizations as well as speak to current students of color about their academic and social experiences here! This will be an informative event but also a candid one where we hope to foster honest discussions about the transition to college and how to find resources and safe spaces on campus.

Date and time: Wednesday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. EDT

Learn about how we support first-generation students on campus and available resources.

Date and time: Monday, April 19 at 5 p.m. EDT

Join the Interfaith Chapel and the faith leaders at UR in a virtual open house dedicated to highlight the rich religious life on campus.

Date and time: TBD

Learn more about LBGTQ+ Life at Rochester and the support offered. Join us!

Date and time: Wednesday, April 21 at 3:30 p.m. EDT

Virtual tours

Follow our student tour guides—the Meridians—around campus and get a live look into either academic or student life on campus. These will take place in Zoom webinar so you can watch and interact from wherever you are in the world.

Register today

  • Alternating Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. EDT
  • Alternating Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. or 5 p.m. EDT
  • Alternating Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. EDT
  • Alternating Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. or 5 p.m. EDT

 

Student life

Whether you want to interact with current or prospective students, or to learn more about where you’ll live and what you’ll eat, we have plenty of opportunities for you to get an inside look at campus life.

Register today

Join your peers for an evening of games and getting to know each other! Current students will host different breakout rooms in a Zoom meeting format.

Dates and times:

  • Wednesday, April 7 at 7 p.m. EDT
  • Wednesday, April 14 at 5 p.m. EDT
  • Wednesday, April 21 at 5 p.m. EDT

Representatives from Dining Services will give an overview of meal plans and how they can be used on campus. We will also walk you through our many food options and campus dining locations, and how we can work with you for special dietary needs or food allergies.

Dining Services Presentation (PDF)

Date and time: Thursday, April 8 at 9 a.m. EDT

Join leaders from Residential Life and Housing Services to discuss on-campus living, the different first-year housing communities, and the first-year assignments process.

Date and time: Thursday, April 8 at 7 a.m. or 2 p.m. EDT

The Barbara J. Burger iZone is the first stop for Rochester students with big ideas. We believe in student-led innovation, creativity, and problem-solving. During this interactive session, you’ll engage with current and prospective students while learning about a space and program that is unique to the University of Rochester!

Date and time: Saturday, April 10 at 7 p.m. EST

This event is not only hosted by our students, but it’s also all about our students.  Join them for an interactive session with breakout rooms and meet a variety of club & organizations.

Date and time: Sunday, April 11 at 7 p.m. EDT

Come join Wilson Commons Student Activities for a game of bingo! Learn what the office does and compete to win some University of Rochester swag.

Date and time: Monday, April 12 at 9 a.m. EST

Douglass Chef Matt and Danforth Chef Brian will be teaming up to introduce guests to Rochester’s Famous Garbage Plates! Tune in to learn more about our local, sustainable partners and some fun cooking tips.

Date and time: Thursday, April 15 at 12 p.m. EDT

Come join Wilson Commons Student Activities for a game of trivia! Learn what the office does and compete to win some University of Rochester swag.

Date and time: Thursday, April 22 at 3:30 p.m. EDT

Join current undergraduate students who transferred to Rochester for a conversation about their experiences here. Learn what you can do at Rochester and ask any questions you may have about the University. This panel is for transfer students.

Date and time: Saturday, April 17 at 11 a.m. EDT

Student support resources

We take pride in the resources and support we offer on campus for our students. Hear directly from the offices at Rochester that offer guidance and assistance.

Register today

In this session, CCAS advising staff and a peer advisor will discuss the College’s academic advising program, the Rochester Curriculum, and specialized academic opportunities available to students.

CCAS Presentation (PDF)

Dates and times:

  • Wednesday, March 31 at 4 p.m. EDT
  • Friday, April 9 at 9 p.m. EDT

Learn what existing and specialized resources and support services have been available to students in response to COVID-19.

Campus Resources during Covid-19 (PDF)

Date and time: Wednesday, April 7 at 5 p.m. EDT

Join the Office of Orientation and First-Year Programs for a warm welcome and to learn more about the next steps as you transition to Rochester. This session will include information on our Summer Online Orientation and registering for classes, as well as a preview of Fall Welcome Week.

Date and time: Monday, April 12 at 4 p.m. EDT

This session covers the pages that students have access to upon logging into FAOnline. We’ll also give you tips and tricks on navigating this financial aid online portal so you can make the most of the information that FAOnline provides.

Dates and times:

  • Friday, April 9 at 3 p.m. EDT
  • Wednesday, April 14 at 4 p.m. EDT

Learn about opportunities for international study, internships, and service learning. Information about programs, locations, and funding options and will be presented during this session.

Date and time: Thursday, April 15 at 3 p.m. EDT

Take a look at the research projects our undergraduate students are currently working on.

Date and time: Friday, April 16

More information here.

Join staff from the Greene Center for Career Education and Connections during this live webinar and Q&A session. You’ll learn how students at Rochester can explore their interests in medicine and health care while preparing for a wide variety of professional and graduate programs as well as career pathways.

Date and time: Monday, April 26 at 12 p.m. EDT

The Rochester experience on demand

We know you have busy schedules between school, work, and other commitments. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to view information about Rochester on your own time. Most of the live sessions above will be recorded and hosted on our 2025 Experience Playlist on YouTube. Plus, we’ll feature other great videos to give you a sense of what it’s like to be a Rochester student.

River Campus Libraries

With extensive resources and world-renowned collections, the River Campus Libraries provides a starting point for all scholarly endeavors at the University of Rochester—regardless of major or focus area. Check out this presentation by our librarians.

Financial aid

Now that you’ve been admitted to Rochester, it’s time to submit any documents our Financial Aid Office has requested. Not sure if you’ve submitted all the required documents? Contact the Financial Aid Office. The deadline to submit requested financial aid materials is February 15, but you can still submit missing documents. However, it may delay how quickly we can process your request.

As always, your financial aid counselor can help answer any questions about:

  • Your financial aid package
  • The documents the Financial Aid Office has requested
  • The financial aid process

Financial aid can be confusing, so we’re here to help! If you’ve never done this before, please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.

You may schedule a 15-minute phone or Zoom Calendly appointment online by visiting our office’s contact page. There you will find your assigned financial aid counselor based on your last name or specialized population. You may also call the office at (585) 275-3226 or email your financial aid counselor directly with specific questions.

Frequently asked questions about financial aid

No. If you’re not interested in applying for need-based aid and you will not be borrowing a Federal Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, or Parent PLUS loan, you do not need to submit the FAFSA or CSS Profile. All students are reviewed for merit-based scholarship eligibility as part of the process of being considered for acceptance to the University.

Federal Work-Study funding allows you to work on campus and earn up to that funding amount during the academic year. Jobs at Rochester aren’t assigned or guaranteed; you’ll need to apply and be hired by an on-campus employer once you’re on campus. You’ll have access to JobLink, our online employment portal, once you’ve registered for classes this fall. From there, you’ll be able to review available jobs and submit applications. You’ll also be able to attend our Job Fair during orientation to meet with employers and submit applications.

If you’re having issues logging in to FAOnline, and you’ve tried using the “forgot your password” link, call our office at (585) 275-3226 and we can help sort things out for you.

The abbreviated answer is that federal subsidized loans give more assistance to students with financial need. For a more detailed answer, see the Federal Student Aid website, which outlines the differences between federal subsidized and unsubsidized loan programs, as well as eligibility, how much can be borrowed, and how to apply.

Your aid package is reviewed each year based on the information you provide on the annual FAFSA and CSS Profile applications. If there are changes involving your income, assets, or other factors—including the number of people in your household or dependent children in your household attending college—your financial aid package may change.

Email the award notification to your financial aid counselor. They will add the scholarship to your aid package and send you a revised financial aid package.

Flower City living

Explore Rochester

There’s a lot to discover in Rochester, the third largest city in New York State. Our home combines big-city entertainment and culture with a small-town feel and an entrepreneurial spirit. Enjoy all that the region has to offer, including:

  • Scenic river walkway and majestic downtown waterfalls
  • World-renowned music and film festivals
  • Theaters, museums, and art galleries
  • Public parks with year-round activities for outdoor enthusiasts
  • Unique dining and shopping (plus all your brand-name favorites)
  • Professional sports, such as Red Wings baseball and Amerks hockey

More about Rochester

Better together

Enroll at Rochester

We can’t wait to welcome you to our community of students! And if you still have questions about Rochester, please get in touch with us.

Enroll today

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