Fall 2025 - Grad - New Student Newsletter 2

Action Required: Health Forms Due June 15

The Accepted Graduate Student Checklist provides all the health and immunization action items you must complete before you arrive on campus. Be sure to review and complete all health and immunization items noted on the checklist, which include New York State and RIT health history and immunization requirements.

Apple laptop displaying the RIT Wellness portal in full screen

Please complete and submit all required health history and immunization forms via the RIT Wellness Portal as soon as possible to prevent delays or disruptions to your enrollment.

Learn more about immunization requirements >

As a graduate student, you know that part of adjusting to life on a college campus is learning how to support your own health and well-being in a new environment. Prepare for a successful transition to graduate school by learning about the health and wellness services RIT offers, along with a variety of resources to help you stay well and thrive.

Student Health Center

Should you get ill and need medical attention here at RIT, our well-equipped Student Health Center is staffed with doctors and nurses who provide high-quality primary health care and education to students in a caring and supportive environment. We also have a community-run Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agency and ambulance, which responds to emergency medical calls primarily on the RIT campus. The office of Counseling and Psychological Services offers treatment for stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as other mental health issues.

Please contact the Student Health Center at (585) 475-2255 or ritshc@rit.edu with questions.

View Student Health Center Services

Insurance

RIT requires that full-time graduate students maintain health insurance coverage for services provided outside of the Student Health Center at RIT. Health insurance coverage ensures that you receive the appropriate medical care in the event of an injury or illness that requires prescription medication, a referral to a specialist, or even hospitalization. Health insurance may be obtained through the university or through family or individual policies.

International Students (except those on H1b visas) will automatically be enrolled in and billed for the plan each semester. International students who have comparable ACA-compliant coverage may submit a waiver form. View the student insurance info page for details. Please note that the 2025–2026 waiver/enrollment process is scheduled to go live on June 25, 2025.

Support Workshops and Resources

RIT offers lots of opportunities to connect, de-stress, and build skills that support your mental and physical health, such as:

Mental health workshops and outreach groups with Counseling and Psychological Services
Bow Wow Wellness therapy dog sessions to help de-stress
Zzz’s Get Degrees sleep management workshops
Nutrition appointments wit in the Student Health Center

You may not need support right away, but it’s important to know what’s available before you do. Our team of health professionals, counselors, and support staff is dedicated to providing student-centered health and wellness services, as well as connecting you to additional resources within the local Rochester community when needed.

Students gathered around petting a german shepard dog

Students on hands and knees beaming with happiness as a small goat crawls across their backs

Learn more about Wellness services and resources

Stay Active

RIT offers many ways to stay active. If you’re interested in playing your favorite sport, trying out a new activity, or making friends with similar interests, check out the variety of recreation opportunities available to RIT students. With activities offered at every experience level, you are sure to find a way to get involved that’s best for you.

Intramurals
Club Sports
Indoor rock climbing at Red Barn Climbing
Wellness Education classes
Swimming at the pool and aquatics center
A workout in one of the fitness centers on campus (yes, there’s more than one!)
Nature trails on campus

Student with short brown hair is shown climbing

Learn more about fitness and recreation at RIT

Upcoming Accepted Grad Student Webinars

Graduate Accepted Student Next Steps - Campus Support Services
Wednesday, June 18 at 9 a.m. (900 hours) ET or 7 p.m. (1900 hours) ET

Representatives from our Student Financial Services (SFS), Student Employment Office (SEO), and the Student Health Center (SHC) will share detailed information and answer your questions about graduate student resources and support services, including:

• Tuition Billing and Payment (SFS)
• Working on Campus (SEO)
• Immunization/Health History Forms (SHC)

Graduate Student Need to Know - Your First Weeks at RIT
Wednesday, July 16th at 9 a.m. (0900 hours) or 5 p.m. (1700 hours) ET

Join the RIT Graduate School’s Assistant Dean and student leaders for an overview of Graduate School Orientation, an introduction to graduate student clubs, and a review of resources you’ll need as you transition to life in Rochester. Plenty of time will be left for questions with current students.

We strongly encourage all new graduate students to attend! This interactive session will ensure you know the final steps necessary to prepare for enrollment, and will introduce you to important resources you’ll be utilizing when you arrive in Rochester.

Get Ready for Fall Graduate Orientation

Make sure you're prepared for the beginning of your graduate journey! Visit our Fall Graduate Orientation page for essential details about orientation sessions, schedules, and helpful resources to kick off your time at RIT. This is your go-to resource for a smooth and informed start.

Visit the Fall Graduate Orientation page