University of RochesterStudent Guide

Academic dates, campus language, housing, and student-life references for University of Rochester. Free for students.

Private Non-Profit Liberal Arts College in Rochester, NY. Operating on a semester system.

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11K+

Total Enrollment

Liberal Arts College

Institution Type

49

Housing Buildings

Student guide · Fall 2026

The semester, explained for University of Rochester

Dates from the active academic calendar, plus the campus language and local details students actually need. Every entry comes from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Relevant term
Fall 2026
Campus terms
34
Local details
20

Academic calendar

Fall 2026 runs Aug 31, 2026 – Dec 23, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.

18 entries
  1. Summer 2026 Full Summer Session
  2. Summer 2026 Second 5-week Session
  3. Fall 2026Relevant now
  4. Spring 2027
  5. First 5-week Session 2027Summer 2027 First 5-week Session
  6. Full Summer Session 2027
  7. Second 5-week Session 2027Summer 2027 Second 5-week Session
  8. Pre-Fall Term 2027 (Simon Business School)
  9. Fall-A Term 2027 (Simon Business School)
  10. Fall 2027
  11. Fall-B Term 2027 (Simon Business School)
  12. Spring-A Term 2028 (Simon Business School)
  13. Spring 2028
  14. Spring-B Term 2028 (Simon Business School)
  15. Summer Term 2028 (Simon Business School)
  16. Summer 2028

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Campus language

Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.

34 terms

B

Brooks
Brooks Crossing, an apartment-style residence hall located across the Genesee River.

C

CAB
Campus Activities Board, the organization responsible for major campus events like Yellowjacket Weekend.
CCC
Campus Community Connection, the online portal for student organizations and event registration.

D

D-Day
Dandelion Day, the annual spring festival featuring music, food, and carnival rides.
D'Lions
A student organization dedicated to promoting school spirit and helping freshmen adjust to campus.
Dandelion Yellow
The official school color, distinct from standard yellow.
Danforth
The Danforth Dining Center, one of the two main all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
Douglass
The Frederick Douglass Commons dining hall, known for its diverse food stations.

G

Geni
Genesee Hall, a modern residence hall overlooking the athletic fields.
Geno
Genesee Hall, a modern residence hall overlooking the football field.
Grab and Go
A quick-service meal option in Douglass for students with busy schedules.

H

Hillside
Hillside Market, the on-campus convenience store located in Susan B. Anthony Hall.

J

Jackson
Jackson Court, a residential area including O'Brien, Wilder, and Anderson halls.
Jackson Court
The housing area comprising O'Brien, Wilder, and Anderson halls.

M

Meliora
The university motto, meaning 'Ever Better,' used as a greeting, a goal, and a brand.

P

Painted Rocks
Large boulders on campus that student groups paint to advertise events.

R

Reading Period
The designated days between the end of classes and the start of final exams where no classes are held.
Riverview
The Riverview Apartments, a popular upperclassman housing complex across the river.
Rocky's
Rocky's Sub Shop, a popular sandwich spot in Wilson Commons.

S

SA
Students' Association, the undergraduate student government.
Southside
The Valentine and deKiewiet residential towers located across the street from the main campus.
Starbucks
The campus Starbucks location situated in Wilson Commons.
Starry
The Starbucks location situated within Wilson Commons.
Sue B
Susan B. Anthony Hall, the primary freshman residence hall.

T

The Pit
The food court located on the first floor of Wilson Commons.
The Quad
The Residential Quad, consisting of Gilbert, Hoeing, Lovejoy, and Tiernan halls.
The Rocks
The painted boulders outside the Sage Art Center used by student groups for announcements and messaging.
The Stack
The multi-level book storage area in Rush Rhees Library, often used for quiet study.
The Stacks
The multi-level, often quiet and secluded book storage areas in Rush Rhees Library.
The Tunnels
The extensive underground walkway system connecting most academic buildings on the River Campus.

U

URMC
University of Rochester Medical Center, the university's hospital and medical school complex.
UROC
University of Rochester Outing Club, which organizes outdoor excursions.

W

WRUR
The student-run radio station of the University of Rochester.

Y

Yellowjacket
The official mascot and the term used to refer to University of Rochester students.

Places and practicalities

Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.

20 details
Blackboard
The primary learning management system used by faculty for course materials and assignments.
Blue Line
A shuttle bus route that connects the River Campus to the Medical Center (URMC).
danforth_dining_center
Danforth Dining Center
Declining
The currency included in meal plans used specifically for food purchases at campus dining locations.
douglass_commons_dining_hall
Douglass Commons Dining Hall
Gleason
Gleason Library, a 24-hour study space located within the Rush Rhees Library complex.
Goergen
The Goergen Athletic Center, the primary gym and fitness facility.
Hutch
Hutchison Hall, which houses the biology and chemistry departments.
ID Office
The office in Susan B. Anthony Hall where students get their physical ID cards and manage accounts.
Lattimore
Lattimore Hall, an academic building primarily housing social science departments.
Morey
Morey Hall, a central academic building on the Eastman Quad.
Public Safety
The Department of Public Safety (DPS), responsible for campus security and emergency response.
Rush Rhees
The main library on the River Campus, famous for its dome and the Hopeman Memorial Carillon.
The Shuttle
The university-run bus system, including the Blue, Red, and Orange lines connecting different campuses.
the_pit
The Pit
URID
The official student identification card used for building access and meal plans.
URos
A declining balance account on the student ID used for laundry, vending machines, and off-campus partners.
Wilco
Wilson Commons, the student union building designed by I.M. Pei.
Wilson
Wilson Commons, the student union building designed by I.M. Pei.
Workday
The administrative software system used for student employment, payroll, and personal records.

Quick answers

Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.

What academic term is relevant now?
Fall 2026 runs Aug 31, 2026 – Dec 23, 2026.
How much campus context is included?
34 approved campus terms and 20 local details are included in full.
Are all approved campus terms included?
Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
Where does this guide come from?
Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Class of 2030 · University of Rochester

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What we’ll email you about

  • Aug 1

    Health History and Immunization Forms

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  • Aug 10

    Fall Semester Tuition Payment

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  • Aug 24

    First-Year Move-In Day

    Required · source

One email per real deadline. Source link cited every time. We re-check 7 days before each one fires.

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Find a few communities to try at University of Rochester

These are things we discovered from public campus sources. We are constantly looking for more.

Tell us what we missed

37 mapped items from 20 public sources

Interest filters
  • Major-aligned clubs, pre-professional groups, and research communities.
  • Performing arts, visual arts, student publications, film, and music.
  • Cultural orgs, identity communities, and faith-based groups.
  • Volunteer groups, civic engagement, mutual aid, and student government.
  • Outdoor clubs, intramural sports, club sports, and rec center programs.
  • Entrepreneurship, hackathon teams, makerspaces, and engineering project teams.
  • Casual hangouts, interest groups, and open events without applications.

Worth a look

Men's Ultimate Frisbee (The Piggies)

The men's competitive ultimate frisbee team, traveling to tournaments and competing nationally.

Tryout required

Source: rochester.edu · Verified 1 month ago

Join on CCC

SA Senate

The legislative branch of the SA Government, comprised of elected senators who represent the student body, pass legislation, and meet with campus officials.

Regular commitment

Source: sa.rochester.edu · Verified 1 month ago

Learn More

Students' Association Government (SA Gov)

The official student government body, responsible for funding student organizations, advocating for student interests, and improving the undergraduate experience.

Regular commitment

The YellowJackets

An internationally known all-male a cappella group, featured on NBC's 'The Sing-Off'.

Tryout required

Easy to try first

Meliora Weekend

A signature annual event combining reunion, family weekend, and homecoming with lectures, performances, and celebrations for the entire university community.

Drop in any time

Source: rochester.edu · Verified 27 days ago

Learn More

Campus rituals

Boar's Head Dinner

One of the university's oldest traditions, this medieval-themed dinner in December features a procession, performances, and a feast.

Drop in any time

Source: rochester.edu · Verified 27 days ago

Learn More

Dandelion Day (D-Day)

A beloved spring tradition held on the last day of classes, featuring a carnival, food trucks, student performances, and a major concert to celebrate the end of the academic year.

Drop in any time

Source: rochester.edu · Verified 1 month ago

Learn More

Resources & spaces

College Center for Advising Services (CCAS)

The primary resource for undergraduate students with academic-related questions, helping with academic planning, finding opportunities, and solving problems.

Open to all

Source: rochester.edu · Verified 1 month ago

Learn More

Using DormWay at University of Rochester

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University of Rochester on DormWay

Current DormWay activity for this campus

10

Active Students

13

Syllabi Analyzed

12

Courses on DormWay

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Calculus I (Elementary Real Functions)CHEM137Chemical Concepts, Systems, and Practices IElementary Korean 1 (기초 한국어 1)EthicsIntroduction to Art History and Visual CultureIntroduction to Electrical and Computer EngineeringIntro to Applied Statistical Methods

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Life in Rochester for University of Rochester Students

Everything you need to know about living and studying in Rochester.

Timezone

Eastern Time (ET)

Median Rent

$1,039

Cost of Living Index

89

Student Population

50,000

City Transportation

Walkability

61

Bikeability

59

Public Transit

Regional Transit Service (RTS)

Nearest Airports

Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport

Climate Averages

Climate

Humid continental

Avg Annual Temp

49.5°F

Avg Snowfall

102 in

Campus Operations Snapshot

Parking and Transit

Trustee Lot

surface_lot • Limited

Impacted by construction as of Aug 31, 2026.

Library Lot (Lot 35)

surface_lot

Premium lot near Rush Rhees Library.

East End Garage

garage

Located near the Eastman School of Music.

Campus News

Latest updates from University of Rochester

Union, URochester agree to continue negotiations

Negotiations continue between the university and the union regarding staffing, benefits, and wages for hospital and campus workers.

Sep 9, 2026

Read More

Looking Ahead to the Excitement of a New Year

President Sarah Mangelsdorf welcomes the community to the 2026-27 academic year, highlighting the midway point of the Boundless Possibility strategic plan.

Sep 1, 2026

Read More

University of Rochester to Break Ground on New Student Life Center

Construction has begun on a new Student Life building featuring gathering spaces and the Greenbaum Center for Jewish Life.

Sep 3, 2026

Read More

Three new university-wide safety policies approved under the Jeanne Clery Act regarding crime tracking and hazing prevention.

Three new university-wide safety policies approved under the Jeanne Clery Act regarding crime tracking and hazing prevention.

Read More

Upcoming Events

What's happening at University of Rochester

Summer Nosh and Network Session with the Women's Network

September 9, 2026

Virtual

A networking session hosted by the Women's Network.

Weekly Group Hike

September 12, 2026

Roc P...

A weekly group hike led by a certified personal trainer.

Alumni Mixer hosted by the Latin Alumni Network

September 15, 2026

Penfield, NY

An alumni mixer for the Latin Alumni Network.

University of Rochester Reception at the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival

September 19, 2026

Rochester, NY

A reception for the University of Rochester at the Fringe Festival.

A Founder Panel: From Idea to Impact

September 23, 2026

New York, NY / Virtual

A panel discussion featuring founders on creating impact from ideas.

Meet the Artist Reception with the Black Alumni Network

September 25, 2026

Rochester, NY

A reception to meet artists, hosted by the Black Alumni Network.

Dorms & On-Campus Housing at University of Rochester

Various dorm and housing options are available for students.

48 known dorm and housing options. The first 24 are shown below; the rest are available in the expandable list.

Alpha Delta Phi

Room types: suite

Anderson Tower

Room types: single, double

Barbier Hall

Room types: single, double, triple

Brooks Crossing Apartments

Room types: apartment

Burton

Room types: single, double

Chambers House

Room types: single, double

Crosby

Room types: single, double

deKiewiet House

Room types: apartment-style

deKiewiet Tower

Room types: two-person suite, three-person suite

Delta Kappa Epsilon

Room types: suite

Douglass Leadership House

Room types: suite

Drama House

Room types: suite

Fairchild House

Room types: single, double

Ferndale Hall

Room types: suite

Fraternity Quad (various houses)

Room types: varies

Gale House

Room types: single, double

Gannett Hall

Room types: single, double

Gates Wings

Room types: single, double

Gatewood Hall

Room types: suite

Genesee Hall

Capacity: 150

Room types: single, double

Gilbert Hall

Room types: single, double

Hill Court

Room types: single, double

Hoeing Hall

Room types: single, double

Hoggatt Hall

Room types: suite

Show the remaining 24 housing options

Hollister Hall

Room types: single, double

Innovation Square

Room types: apartment

Jackson Court

Room types: single, double, suite

Kendrick House

Room types: single, double

Lovejoy Hall

Room types: single, double

Maisonettes

Room types: two-person apartment

Morgan Hall

Room types: single, double

Munro House

Room types: single, double

O'Brien Hall

Room types: single, double

Palmer Hall

Room types: apartment-style room

Psi Upsilon

Room types: suite

Riverview Apartments

Room types: apartment

Sigma Alpha Mu

Room types: suite

Sigma Chi

Room types: suite

Sigma Phi Epsilon

Room types: suite

Slater House

Room types: single, double

Southside

Room types: large rooms, small rooms, maisonettes (2-person apartments with common room, kitchen, bathroom)

Southside Living Area

Room types: two-person suite, three-person suite, two-person apartment

Susan B. Anthony Hall

Capacity: 600

Room types: double, single

Theta Chi

Room types: suite

Tiernan Hall

Room types: single, double

Valentine House

Room types: apartment-style

Valentine Tower

Room types: two-person suite

Wilder Tower

Room types: single, double

Campus Details

Academic System

Semester

Control

Private Non-Profit

Email Domain

@rochester.edu

Official Website

Visit Website →

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