Rediscovering RIT After Completing My Co-op

Coming back to RIT after a year away on co-op felt both familiar and new. The first week back in Rochester was filled with settling in, reconnecting with friends, and spending time with family who came to visit and help with the transition.

One of the highlights of that week turned out to be an unplanned escape from the usual routine. Just about 45 minutes from campus, we found ourselves at Canadice Lake, a quiet lake surrounded by trails, trees, and open space. It was the kind of place that makes you forget you’re so close to a busy academic environment. The weather hovered in the 40s, the air crisp and windy, and the surroundings immediately made everything feel calmer. We even spotted deer wandering nearby, which made the experience feel unexpectedly peaceful.

Standing by the lake, it was hard not to imagine how different this place must feel throughout the year, vibrant and colorful in the fall, or quiet and snow-covered in winter. After spending a year down south during co-op, the cold didn’t feel overwhelming. Instead, it felt refreshing, almost grounding, and reminded me how naturally beautiful New York can be. 

Being back at RIT reminded me that if you enjoy nature, this area has so much to offer. From quick drives to nearby parks to longer day trips a few hours out, Rochester is surrounded by peaceful escapes that balance out campus life perfectly.

Moments like this made me appreciate RIT in a new way. Being back on campus reminded me that student life here isn’t just about academics. It’s also about having access to nature, quiet spaces, and places to reset when things get overwhelming. You don’t have to travel far to find that balance.

For students coming back from co-op, first-years settling in, or anyone visiting with friends or family, exploring places around Rochester makes RIT feel less like just a campus and more like a place you can truly call home.