Student Life
Your Rochester experience goes beyond the classroom
We’re here to help you make the most of your University of Rochester experience.
We’ve compiled some resources below that are focused on graduate students. However, you can explore a general overview of campus life, and discover what makes Rochester unique.
We also recommend downloading the UR Mobile app, which provides on-the-go access to the latest updates, events, resources like campus maps, and more.
Topics on this page
Graduate Student Appreciation Week
Every year in April, we take the opportunity to celebrate and recognize all of our graduate students with panels, events, and more.
Housing and transportation
There are on-campus solutions and off-campus housing support available for our graduate student community. And, if you need help getting around campus, we’ve compiled some helpful transportation and parking resources.
On-campus housing
The University maintains three on-campus apartment complexes that serve graduate students, medical students, and postgraduate trainees. These are Whipple Park, Goler House, and University Park.
Each complex is staffed with Graduate Community Assistants (GCAs) to assist new residents, provide activities, and to help foster a community atmosphere.
Visit the Office of Residential Life website, which is a helpful starting point to understanding your housing options. Or, if you need more assistance, contact the Office of Residential Life.
Off-campus housing
Visit the Off-Campus Living Program page for additional support, including getting help finding a home and finding roommates.
Parking and transportation
The Department of Transportation and Parking Management is your go-to resource for parking support on-campus.
Log into the Parking Portal to purchase a pass, view any citations, and change your vehicle details.
You can also navigate around campus using University shuttles and buses. See the shuttle schedule, and reference the City of Rochester bus services website.
If you’re planning on bringing a bicycle to campus, visit the biking page to see rules, access maps, understand where you can ride and park your bike, and more.
Explore student organizations
Our Student Groups page includes links to a variety of graduate student-focused organizations and groups you can join.
Health and wellness support services
The health and well-being of our graduate community is a crucial part of our mission. We know that there are unique stresses and challenges associated with graduate study. The University resources below are ready to help.
For general medical resources and care, you can visit University Health Services.
Emergency support
If you need emergency mental health support, crisis resources are available 24/7 through the University Counseling Center.
Public Safety can help in the event of a crime or other emergency.
Health insurance coverage for PhD students
In an update sent to our PhD students, University leadership announced that single-payer health insurance coverage has been expanded to all full-time PhD students across the institution. Explore our frequently asked questions to learn more.
Mental health support
The University Counseling Center many support services available, including
- Self-help guides that cover a variety of topics
- Online self-screening tools to help you understand if you might benefit from professional consultation
- Individual and couples therapy sessions
- Group therapy options
The CARE Network also lets you submit a support request, whether it’s for yourself or for a fellow peer that you think might be struggling with mental health issues, or academic, familial, financial, or other concerns.
Mindful University is a wellness initiative aiming to create a more mindful and compassionate community around campus.
International student support
Adjusting to academic life for international students can be particularly challenging. The International Services Office (ISO) has dedicated resources that can help, including cultural adjustment support.
Conflict management
The Center for Student Conflict Management can help students work through conflict resolution processes between students, providing facilitators if needed.
In addition, the University Ombuds office can also help resolve problems, including departmental and workplace-related issues.
Basic needs support
The Basic Needs Hub connects students with critical resources—like food, clothing, and housing—during urgent times of need.
Student groups and activities
There are a variety of ways you can get involved. Explore some of the opportunities below.
Student groups
Our Student Groups page has an aggregated list of links to graduate student organization website
Events calendar
Includes a comprehensive list of all upcoming events
Rochester traditions
Learn more about our campus culture, symbols, and traditions
The city we call home
There’s so much to see and do in Rochester
Graduate Student Appreciation Week
Each April, we host fun activities and events
Campus life overview
A great overview of what there is to see and do during your time at Rochester