With a class size of about 1,400 students representing 45 different US states and 27 countries worldwide, URochester’s Class of 2030 has officially arrived and is settling in.
The first-year class arrived a week earlier than most upperclassmen. Let’s see what they’ve been up to and their impressions of URochester so far.
When first-years Jonathan Jung, Lewis Xiong, and Amanda Zou were asked about their move-in experience, Jung, a first-year intending to major in Neuroscience and Philosophy from Troy, Michigan, said he got a lot of help moving in. “We had 10 RAs out there carrying all my stuff to my room, so that was very nice.”
Xiong, a first-year Optics major from New York City, had a similarly smooth move-in experience. After mentioning that he didn’t have to carry any of his stuff himself, he commented, “That’s something I can’t experience in New York City, since it’s such an individualistic place. People don’t help each other like that.”
When asked what surprised them about their experience so far, all three students noted different aspects of Rochester they weren’t prepared for.
For Jung, one of the biggest surprises was Rochester’s wildlife and natural scenery. “I saw a deer a couple days ago. There were a lot of bunnies,” he said, adding that there were also plenty of groundhogs and squirrels around campus. He was surprised that the University could have so much fauna despite being close to downtown Rochester.
For Zou, a first-year Biochemistry major from Colorado, the biggest surprise was getting sick during her first week here. She, unfortunately, was not prepared for an illness and wished that someone had cautioned her about it.
Xiong, meanwhile, didn’t expect campus to be so lively. “I thought this place would be empty, but it’s surprising that there’s a lot of people here,” he said.
As the first week progressed, the first-years began finding their communities on campus. Jung said he hasn’t settled into one specific friend group yet — and doesn’t necessarily think he should.
“I think it’s important to go out and meet a bunch of different people, see who’s out there,” he said. “To kind of stick with the very first group of people that you meet … I think it’s not really what college is about.”
Zou has found community through playing volleyball. She said the team environment has been particularly welcoming.
“No one was afraid to be themselves on the court,” she said. “There were a lot of barriers dropped between interacting with people.”
Xiong, who came to URochester without knowing many people, said he has already met people he hopes to become closer with.
“I came here all alone,” he said. “But I met interesting people. Really, really lovely people.”
For Jung, that sense of support has also come from his RA, Kana.
“My RA, Kana, she’s very welcoming and very kind and has made this transition very easy,” he said. “From day one, I knew I could reach out to her if I needed anything or had trouble with anything regarding me going to college.”
With their first week behind them, the three first-years are already looking ahead. Jung is excited to meet more people and explore the opportunities Rochester offers. Zou is looking forward to settling into a routine and focusing on her studies. Xiong, meanwhile, is excited to get access to the University’s machine shop and start working on new woodshop projects.
