Rockie the mascot in front of the Galleria
UMR Edition

Fun Things To Do In College

Where do you go to have fun, make memories and build lasting connections? 

1. Go to Welcome Week events.

Welcome back event game called "Get to know Me"

Raptor Reconnect: This annual welcome back to campus event brings the entire UMR community together for games, food and a celebration of the new academic year! Raptor Reconnect is a great way to meet and reunite with staff, faculty and fellow students. 

The first few weeks of school are jam-packed with fun events, learning opportunities, making new friendships and more. We encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and join in on the fun! 

 

2. Get involved with student organizations.

UMR students at the Involvement Fair

Attend UMR’s Involvement Fair and learn more about all of the clubs and organizations UMR has to offer. Whether you are looking for a relaxed group that plays board games or a career-focused club that opens up mentoring opportunities, UMR has it all. The involvement fair is a campus and community partnership event where students have the opportunity to  meet Rochester community partners, who offer various opportunities to get involved.

 

3. Find a study space. 

Students studying at the Center for Learning Innovation space at 318 Commons

It’s important to explore and find the setting that fits your study needs. That may be a quiet study room in USquare or the bright, casual spots in One Discovery Square.

Common Study Spaces at UMR:

    • Information Commons at University Square
    • Center for Learning Innovation at 318 Commons
    • One Discovery Square
    • Private study rooms at University Square

 

4. Become familiar with other campus spaces. 

UMR students studying at The Nest study space

There are many areas on campus that provide opportunities for connection and learning beyond studying.

    • Intercultural Student Center in Student Life Center
    • Prayer Space/Meditation Room at USquare 4th Floor
    • The Nest

 

5. Get to know your Resident Assistant (RA)’s/floormates. 

UMR students hanging out at 318 Commons rooftop space.

You will most likely see these people each and every day. They are there to support you and help you navigate college. RAs are assigned to each floor in the residence halls. Their role is to foster an inclusive living and learning environment with an emphasis on academic success, building healthy relationships, personal growth, responsibility, respect, leadership and citizenship. An RA serves as a resource person, peer advisor, community developer, event planner and role model for students living and learning at UMR.

All first and second year students live on campus. First-year students live in the Student Life Center. As part of the first year experience at UMR, all new, incoming, first-year students belong to a Living Learning Community (LLC). Each LLC is unique in interest, but all are centered on high impact learning experiences. Students will interact academically and socially with each other and with faculty and staff, sharing the same passion, interest, and possibly the same academic focus. Studies have shown that students who actively participate in LLCs retain and have a more enjoyable college experience at a better rate than those who do not.

 

6. Attend events on campus and get to know your classmates! 

UMR students dressed up for a Halloween event

On campus events and activities are often free or offered at a reduced cost. 

UMR Office of Student Activities, student clubs and organizations, Office of Campus Engagement and Career Development and many others organize a robust variety of campus events and activities throughout the academic year. 

The weekly student newsletter called Raptor Report is one of the main ways to learn about upcoming events and opportunities, along with digital flyers on screens across campus and the UMR Instagram page. All campus events are posted on RaptorLink.

 

7. Explore downtown Rochester. 

Rochester Downtown sign in the peace plaza

UMR is in the heart of Med City and in close proximity to businesses and organizations that bring life and culture downtown.

    • Mayo Clinic: Within walking distance of campus, students can find internships, jobs, mentors and learning opportunities. 
    • Skyways: Three out of four campus buildings are connected through the skyway system. These provide a safe, warm and easier way to get to and from buildings. The skyways are also home to local businesses, lunch spots and parking garages.  
    • Peace Plaza: This gathering space is home to many year-round events. Take advantage of the nice weather and sit outside with peers or enjoy the many events hosted here.
    • Coffee shops/study spaces: Local coffee shops are another great place to study and gather with classmates. Downtown Rochester has many to choose from near campus. 
    • Soldiers Field: A golf course, skating rink, tennis courts, walking paths and more all within a short distance from downtown. This park is also home to many different community events. 
    • Downtown Rochester events:
      • Thursday’s Downtown: A weekly summer staple held June through August on Thursdays that combines music, art and food into a vendor market style block party.
      • Social-ICE: Downtown Rochester transforms into an icy oasis in late February for this unique event. Live music, ice sculptures, winter activities, food and more make this winter event special.
      • Roller Disco: Downtown Rochester turns into an outdoor roller rink complete with live music, free skate rentals, party lighting, and more each fall.
    • Discover the Art Scene. Whether you enjoy wandering galleries, attending plays and musicals or creating your own art the Rochester area has businesses and events to make any art buff happy!