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New students and their families have many questions prior to arrival on campus in the fall. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions organized into the following topic areas. If you don’t find your question here, send it to the Orientation Program.
Housing and Move-in
When is Move-in Day?
Fall 2008 move-in dates are as follows:
- NTID Summer Vestibule Program (SVP) and NTID Direct Accept Students – Saturday, August 16, 2008
- NTID American Sign Language Interpreting Education Program Students – Sunday, August 24, 2008
- NTID Supported Bachelor Degree students – Sunday, August 24, 2008
- RIT First Year students – Sunday, August 24, 2008
- RIT Transfer students – Thursday, August 28, 2008
- In addition, some RIT students are affiliated with groups that have earlier move-in dates for specialized programs.
Can I move in early?
We are sorry, but we cannot accommodate earlier move-in dates.
What time can I move in?
First-year Students: All first year RIT students move in on Sunday, August 24, 2008. To make the process go smoothly for everyone, you will be assigned a move in time slot, between 8:00am and 5:30pm. You will receive your move-in time with your Housing Confirmation which will be available on the Housing Operations website on August 1, 2008.
Transfer Students: Can move in between 8:00am and 5:00pm on Thursday, August 28, 2008. Follow your Housing Operations Arrival Guide for details.
Will there be staff to help me move in?
When first year students move in, there will be staff available, as well as, a limited number of carts and dollies; however, you are encouraged to bring your own cart if you have one.
When will I get my housing assignment?
Beginning August 1, 2008 you will be able to view your assignment online. You will need your RIT Computer Account name and password to access the information. If you haven't already activated your RIT Computer Account, you will need to do this first.
What are the dimensions of my room?
Information about the size and features of residence hall rooms can be found on the Housing Operations website.
What can I bring to the Residence Halls?
Information on what to bring, as well as, what NOT to bring, can be found on Housing Operations online publications page.
Can I ship items to campus ahead of move-in?
Students living in residence halls can send packages to their NRH Mailbox #. Please do NOT send packages any sooner than 7 days prior to your arrival on campus.
Is there a checklist of things I need to do before coming to RIT?
Yes, visit our Before You Arrive page.
Orientation
How long is Orientation?
First Year Orientation is from Sunday, August 24, 2008 through Sunday, August 31, 2008. Transfer Orientation is under re-development and the date and length of the program have not yet been set.. In addition, some RIT students are affiliated with groups who have additional, specialized orientation programs.
Do I have to attend orientation?
All first year students are required to attend. While attendance for transfer students is optional, it is strongly encouraged. The transfer program concentrates on just what you need to learn about RIT and will help you get the most out of your RIT experience. All new students are assessed an orientation fee on their fall bill, whether or not they attend orientation. Further information, about both the first year and transfer orientation fees, is available on this website.
When will information about Orientation be mailed?
The “RIT Orientation 2008 Handbook– First Year Students” will be mailed after June 1, 2008. The version for Transfer Students will be mailed after June 15, 2008. Both Handbooks will be mailed on a rolling basis to students accepted after these dates. Please allow time for delivery to your home. The Handbook contents will be available on this site just prior to the mailing dates on our Mailing to New Students page.
Is Orientation just for students, or do families attend?
First Year Orientation: Events for first-year student families are held the evening of Move-in Day (Sunday, August 24, 2008), as well as, all day Monday, August 25, 2008. Students and families will attend the same events on Monday.
Transfer Orientation: Transfer Orientation is under re-development and the date and length of the program have not yet been set.. Family members are invited to attend.
How long do first year families need to be at Orientation?
The Monday family program, which you and your student will attend together, is designed to provide opportunities to learn about RIT in both group and one-to-one settings. The morning program includes the Convocation for New Students and Families. From mid-day through 3:30pm, there will be a rotation of Dean’s Meetings and information sessions. The program ends on with the Ice Cream Social Send-off at approximately 4:00pm-4:30pm. If you have previously visited RIT and met with your student’s college faculty and staff (at an Accepted Student Open House for instance), you may feel comfortable leaving at mid-day on Monday. While we want to encourage all family members to stay, we recognize that sometimes your schedule may necessitate your leaving before the program ends. Reviewing the orientation schedules and program highlight pages can help in making travel decisions. Please note that the first year student program officially begins at 7:00pm on Monday, with the Meet Your OA program. At this required, STUDENT ONLY program, your student will meet their Orientation Assistant, as well as, the other students in their OA group.
Families
Where can families stay while in Rochester?
Check our hotel listing for suggestions.
Course Registration and Academic Calendar
When will I register for classes?
First year students are registered by their department in mid-July. You will receive your tentative course schedule in the mail on or around August 1, 2008..
Transfer Students: Course registration practices for transfer students vary by academic department; some departments register their new students for classes once they have paid their admissions deposit, some send directions for registration, while others will register you once you have arrived on camp us. Please contact your academic department for information if you have not already received either information from them, or a class schedule within a few weeks of paying your deposit. Contact information for academic departments can be found on the RIT website, or feel to call the Orientation Program (585-475-7995) and we will get you in touch with your department.
What if I need to change my schedule?
During Orientation, you will meet with your advisor and can make changes then.
When are quarter breaks and finals?
See the 2008-2009 RIT Institute Calendar for dates.
E-mail and Computing
How do I activate my RIT computer account?
Once you have paid your deposit, you will receive an e-mail with a link to create your RIT Computer Account. It’s vital that you click the link in this e-mail to activate your account. If you have difficulty, support is available. Contact the ITS HelpDesk at 585-475-4357 (TTY: 585-475-2810) or through HelpDesk Online. If you have paid your admissions deposit, and have not received your RIT computer account info, please contact the Help Desk.
How do I check e-mail?
Once you have activated your account, you can check your mail from any computer on the internet at mymail.rit.edu.
Do I have to use my RIT e-mail account?
No, however, institute departments, as well as faculty, use RIT e-mail to contact students. If you decide to not use your RIT account, you must forward your mail to the account you are using, or you may miss vital information. Details on forwarding e-mail can be found at start.rit.edu under "Mail Preferences."
Do I need to buy a computer?
A computer is NOT required to attend RIT. Many computing facilities are available on campus. If you are considering buying a computer, review RIT’s Information and Technology Services division Buying Guidelines and then check directly with your college or program before making a purchase.
Miscellaneous
What banks are in Rochester?
The following banks have branches in Rochester: Bank of America, Charter One, Chase Manhattan, Citibank, First Niagara, HSBC, Keybank, M & T Bank, National Bank of Geneva. Bank of America, HSBC, and M & T have ATM’s on campus. The 1st Priority Federal Credit Union has an office on campus.
Will banks be on-campus to open accounts?
Yes, banks will be on-campus to open student accounts during orientation week as follows:
- Sunday, August 24, 2008 9:00am - 6:30pm
- Monday, August 25, 2008 11:00am - 4:00pm
- Friday, August 30, 2008 9:00am - 1:00pm
Is there a fee for a parking sticker?
No. All vehicles must however be registered with Parking and Transportation Services (PATS). You will be able to register your vehicle during Orientation or you can visit their website.
Can I get my RIT ID card before Orientation?
You sure can. The Registrar’s Office is open Monday – Friday, from 8:30am – 4:30pm throughout the summer; it’s located in the Eastman Bldg. You can also obtain your Student Employment Office (SEO) Card, which you will need if you want to work on campus, during your summer visit. See the Before You Arrive page for information about what identification you need to bring to obtain these cards.
When is Parent’s Weekend?
RIT’s parent’s weekend is known as Brick City Homecoming. Scheduled for October 10 – 12, 2008, it provides activities for RIT’s alumni, current students and their families.
When is the student medical form due?
Complete and return it as soon as you can; you won’t be allowed to register for classes if it is not on file at the Student Health Center. Lost your form? No problem, it’s available online.
What is the date to hand in Financial Aid forms?
All required financial aid documents should be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships within 30 days of the date on the Financial Aid Award Letter.
Does RIT recommend a particular cell phone company for students?
No.
What’s the weather really like?
Western New York and the Finger Lakes Region in the winter is well known for cold weather and lake-effect snow, but the region actually experiences four distinct seasons. You will join us at the close of summer and should come prepared for warm days and nights. Soon, however, summer will yield to a spectacular autumn that attracts thousands just to gaze at our fall leaves. By early December, expect to see the snow fly…and keep flying until early April.
What’s the difference between a university and a college?
The difference lies in the types of degrees offered. A “university” is an institution of higher learning that has an undergraduate school awarding bachelor’s degrees and graduate and professional schools awarding master’s degrees and doctorates. A “college,” then, is less inclusive, offering primarily bachelor’s degrees and a limited number of master’s degrees. A college also can be an institution of higher learning or an undergraduate school within a university offering the bachelor’s degree. RIT is comprised of 8 colleges.
How can I reassure my family that I will be okay when I arrive at RIT and am on my own for the first time?
The best time to reassure your family that you will be okay at RIT without them is now. By proving your maturity and sense of responsibility now, they will be confident in you and your decisions as a college student. It is also important for you and your family to understand that part of life and growing up is making mistakes along the way, and that communication is essential for a smooth transition. Also, sometimes it is a good idea for you and your family to talk to one another and map out some expectations that you have for one another before you leave for school.
We would suggest that you spend some time with your family reviewing the RIT Handbook that you will receive this summer; this is a great resource for both students and family members. By reading this together, your family can learn about the rich resources that are available at RIT and they can be confident that you both have made the right choice to attend RIT.
The RIT Orientation Program also hosts a 2-day family program on Sunday, August 24 and Monday, August 25 which will assist them with their transition as well. Encourage your family to attend this program where they will have an opportunity to meet RIT staff, faculty, other parents and receive important family resources that they can return home with.
What should I do if I am having second thoughts about going to RIT? Should I still give it a chance?
This decision is truly up to you and your family. You really must consider if RIT is the best fit for you personally, and your academic and career goals. However, it is important to remember the reasons why you applied to RIT and why you first decided that it was the best place for you to be. We are confident that once you are here, RIT will quickly become your home-away-from-home. Get involved and keep an open mind, but more importantly, you must do what you feel most comfortable with. We know that you will succeed in many ways at RIT and quickly become a member of our campus community.
What might an average day be like for me as an RIT student? How busy do you think I will be?
A typical day is different for every student here at RIT, it will most likely even vary from day to day. One day, you might have your first class of the day at 8:00 a.m., while another day, you might not start class until 2 p.m. Some days you might be on campus most of the day, leaving you plenty of opportunities to take trips to the Wallace library, the Student Alumni Union (SAU), one of our many computer labs, the Gordon Field House & Activities Center, dining facilities, coffee houses or even Ben & Jerry’s!
At night, after your homework is done, there are seemingly endless school-sponsored events and programs related to both academic and student life, including concerts, lectures and seminars, art shows, etc. There are also many different activities that you can become involved in at RIT, such as a religious group, cultural club, intramural sport, sorority or fraternity, the RIT Leadership Institute and Community Service Center or other special interest groups.
It is important to recognize that you can be as active and involved at RIT as you choose to be. Depending on if you are working, volunteering, are active in student organizations, establishing new friendships, or more importantly, tending to your academics, you might find that your days can become extremely busy. We encourage you to purchase a planner or PDA as soon as possible.. Being in college, you cannot believe how many headaches and stressful situations you can avoid by keeping an up-to-date calendar and centralized to-do list. Having great time-management skills—which is an essential component of being a successful RIT student—begins with you and a planner!
What is the secret to first-year success?
Learning to manage your time efficiently is one of the hardest and most important secrets to success. Asking for help and advice about time management from your peers, your family, your professors, teaching assistants, academic advisors, etc. may be helpful to you. Also, as time goes on, managing your time will become easier.
It is important to remember that other new students are going through many of the same things that you are. Therefore, be open and willing to reach out to your peers and the RIT community. RIT is rich in resources, such as the First-Year Enrichment course and the Academic Support Center. Be willing to get involved in campus life and engage yourself in the campus culture. Keep in mind that while everything might not happen for you right away, there are plenty of opportunities for you to find your niche and to hit your stride. Realizing that you are going through a pretty big transition from high school to college—or from another institution of higher education to RIT—trying your best to go with the flow and not being afraid to ask for help along the way, is another great secret to a successful first year.
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