Being accepted to RIT is an exciting step toward your future, but once the excitement settles, it’s completely normal to ask yourself: Is RIT the right fit for me? If you’re still weighing your options, there are several great ways to take a deeper dive into what life at RIT could look like for you.
Come to Campus
Visiting the campus is one of the best ways to picture yourself as an RIT student. You’ll get the opportunity to see studios, labs, and classrooms firsthand, but just as importantly, you’ll experience the overall atmosphere of campus. From watching students move between classes to spending time in common spaces, you’ll get a feel for the day-to-day energy and rhythm of life at RIT.
Meet with Your Department Heads
If you have questions about your intended major or program, meeting with department heads or faculty is invaluable. These are the people who know your program inside and out. They can walk you through coursework, curriculum requirements, career pathways, and answer questions about research opportunities, co-ops, and work-study positions. It’s a great way to ensure your academic goals align with the program's offerings. If you’re not sure who your department head is, just find your degree program and scroll to the bottom for contact information.
Talk to Current Students
You won't find advice that’s as honest and insightful as that from current students, and there are several ways to connect! Ask them what classes they’re taking, what projects they’re working on, and what they enjoy most about RIT. Hearing about their experiences, both in and out of the classroom, can help you better imagine what your own student life might look like.
Meet with the Financial Aid Team
Understanding the financial side of college is just as important as academics. RIT’s financial aid team is available to help answer questions about scholarships, aid packages, and payment options. Each student is assigned a dedicated financial counselor, so you’ll have someone who can provide personalized guidance and help you feel confident about your financial plan.
Explore Downtown and the Surrounding Area
RIT is more than just its campus. Take time to explore local shops, coffee spots, restaurants, parks, and nearby hiking trails. Getting to know the community helps you see what your downtime might look like and how RIT fits into the larger picture of living in Rochester.
Taking these steps can help turn uncertainty into clarity- giving you a better sense of whether RIT truly feels like home. And don’t forget that your graduate admissions counselor is here to help, too!
About the author
My name is Hannah Yandoh, and I am a Fine Arts Studio MFA student here at RIT. I am from Winthrop, New York and my studio practice focuses on painting, sculpture, and ceramics. Outside of the studio, I love cooking, reading, and traveling. I hope to share some insight into life on and off campus, so follow along!
