Campus Life

Community. Connection. Discovery.

Life at URochester offers an energizing blend of culture, innovation, nature, and wonder—opening even more opportunities to explore and grow. From joining a club or team to hanging out with friends on the Quad to performing at a city festival, you’ll find people and experiences that make this place feel like yours.

Student life

Most University of Rochester students live on campus for all four years of their college experience, and take full advantage of the more than 275 student clubs and organizations.

A student smiles during move-in day

Housing

Whether they live on campus or off, our students make Rochester their home. Campus accommodations include residence halls, sororities and fraternities, apartments, and townhouses.

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Organizations and clubs

URochester students are bound to find the club, group, team, ensemble, kindred spirits, or common purpose that makes their time outside of classes meaningful.

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Sports at URochester

A University of Rochester football athlete raises his arms in victory

Our 23 varsity teams compete in both the Liberty League and University Athletic Association at the NCAA Division III level.

A University of Rochester football athlete raises his arms in victory

Dining, health, and wellness

Our food options, healthcare and safety facilities, and fitness opportunities enable the URochester community to live their best lives and achieve their goals.

A University of Rochester student examines various food options on campus.

Dining

From campus coffee shops to full-service restaurants, there’s dining options for every type of eater. Plus, more than 60% of items sold or served on campus are grown, raised, processed, or wholly manufactured within New York State, so you feel good about eating and making a difference locally.

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Healthcare and safety

The health, wellness, and safety of our community members is a top priority.

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Athletics, fitness, and recreation

We have a variety of sports leagues, athletic facilities, and fitness classes that can help you stay active.

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In video: Exploring URochester’s campus

With historic architecture and sprawling quads, URochester’s main academic campus offers beautiful greenery and access to the Genesee River. But, our campuses also include a medical center, a downtown music campus, an art museum, and even a laser lab! Hear from our students about how making the most of the URochester campus experience.

Arts and global culture

From music performances and visual arts, to cultural touchpoints that span the globe, we believe the exploration of arts and culture makes for a well-rounded education and life.

University of Rochester student plays the drums outside

From classroom to stage

URochester has a thriving arts and culture scene. From music and museums, to readings and productions, there’s so much to experience.

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Three young people covered in colorful powder stand outdoors, smiling and hugging, with trees in the background.

A truly global community

With 4,000+ international students, scholars, and employees, URochester offers a unique blend of cultures and experiences—broadening horizons and making connections that span the globe.

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The city of Rochester

Aerial view of Rochester, New York, illuminated at night, showcasing city lights and urban layout.

Rochester is a hidden gem, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, thriving arts, and walkable city life. Our campus is nestled right near downtown, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore the city we call home.

Aerial view of Rochester, New York, illuminated at night, showcasing city lights and urban layout.

Latest campus life news

Student resources across the University

Additional services and contacts are available within all of our schools and units for specialized support.

Campus life: your questions, answered

What is the University of Rochester campus like?

From marble and brick buildings laced with ivy, to sprawling green quads dotted with flowers and trees, the University of Rochester’s main academic campus offers stunning collegiate scenery. Plus, it’s intersected by the Genesee River and right next to downtown Rochester, giving the campus a beautiful backdrop. But, there are other unique areas of URochester’s campus—a bustling medical center, a world-renowned music campus, a beautiful art museum, and a groundbreaking laser lab!

Is the University of Rochester campus walkable?

Yes! Over 70% of students live in campus housing, so the campus is designed to be walkable.

The main academic and medical campuses are next to one another—and close to downtown Rochester—making it easy and convenient to get around. There are buses and parking lots available, making it easy to navigate campus, too.

What is campus life like at the University of Rochester?

URochester's campus life sparks wonder for the community. With more than 285 student-run clubs, 20+ varsity sports teams, and 900+ arts and music performances annually, there’s always something to do or see. As a leading research university, innovation is at the heart of URochester—there’s access to unique seminars and ways to expand your horizons. Our sprawling green campus, with the Genesee River as a picturesque backdrop, means that you’ll see students out on the Quad and taking advantage of the nature wonders Rochester has to offer. In fact, most students love campus life so much, they decide to live on campus their whole time as a student!

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