International Student Life
Life at RIT
As an International Student
Wondering what life is like at RIT for international students? Learn about the Rochester area, our safe campus, thriving community, and daily life as a student.
The Place
About Henrietta, NY and the Rochester Region
Rochester Institute of Technology is located on 1,300 acres in Henrietta, NY, a safe suburb located six miles from the city of Rochester. Rochester is the third largest metro area in New York State. The area is easy to get to and even easier to get around. Here you will find a dynamic culinary scene, festivals, shopping, attractions, museum and cultural activities, and more.
Rochester is the gateway to the Finger Lakes, is located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, and is about an hour and a half from Niagara Falls. These lakes offer activities such as boating, kayaking, hiking, wine tasting, and much more. Major metropolitan cities, including New York, Toronto, and Boston are accessible by car, bus, or plane and offer opportunities for travel and work. Learn more about the Rochester area >
Getting Around Town and Campus
There are a number of ways to get around campus, into Rochester, and to surrounding cities.
- Shuttle buses are available across campus and to local shopping areas.
- Taxis and ridesharing services, as well as the Regional Transit Service (RTS) buses can bring you to the city of Rochester and surrounding areas.
- Many international students choose to drive while they are in the US. If you have a driver’s license from your home country, you are able to drive in New York State.
- Larger cities, such as New York, Boston, and Toronto, are accessible by plane (Rochester International Airport), train (Amtrak), and by bus (multiple options).
RIT Through the Seasons
The Rochester area enjoys four seasons - fall, winter, spring, and summer. The summers are warm and the winters are cold, snowy, and windy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 18°F to 80°F (-7°C to 27°C) and is rarely below 3°F (-16°C) or above 88°F (31°C).
Safety and Security on Campus
RIT is a safe, suburban campus located on 1,300 acres in Henrietta, NY, a suburb of Rochester, NY. RIT's own Public Safety patrols campus seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, and provides services dedicated to creating a safe community. The campus is equipped with blue-light courtesy call boxes, an RIT Alert system, and the Tiger Safe app.
Student Clubs and Organizations
With nearly 400 student clubs and organizations at RIT supporting on-campus and off-campus events, you are sure to stay busy at RIT. Whether you are into art, gaming, music, politics, science, sports, or theatre you’ll almost certainly find others at RIT who share your same passion.
Top 100 Things to Do at RIT
There is so much to do at RIT and in the Rochester area. Take a look at this bucket list curated by RIT students.
Campus Life
Dining on Campus
RIT Dining is home to 21 locations offering a variety of food ranging from classic American favorites to visiting chefs, like Tandoor of India, who can provide a taste of home. As you start to find your new favorite foods on campus, resources for different dietary beliefs and nutrition and allergen needs are available.
Housing
RIT is a safe, secure residential campus that offers residence halls, apartments, and townhouses on campus through RIT Housing. First-year undergraduate students are required to live on campus and have guaranteed housing. Upperclassmen and graduate students may also live on campus as space is available. Many upperclassmen and graduate students choose to live off-campus at nearby locations as well. View on-and-off-campus housing options
International Student Services (ISS)
RIT's International Student Services (ISS) team works with our international students to ensure their time at RIT is both successful and enjoyable. ISS is responsible for International Student Orientation and advisement on immigration matters such as maintaining visa status, applying for CPT or OPT, and more.
Religion and Spirituality
RIT's Spirituality and Religious life team works directly with faith-based organizations and collaborates with student-led clubs that support the spiritual and religious community at RIT. No matter what your spiritual, religious, or secular identity may be, all of RIT's chaplains and program staff can provide you with support and guidance. Learn about faith communities at RIT