Life in Rochester

A welcoming community from day one

Moving to Rochester was a big change for me, on paper, at least. I had lived in Mumbai for 26 years, a city that never really slows down. Life there is fast, loud, dense, and constantly moving. So, when I first thought about relocating to Rochester, I expected the transition to feel overwhelming. Surprisingly, it didn’t. And that’s largely because of the people who make this place feel like home almost instantly.

Rochester is very different from Mumbai. The pace of life is slower, the city is more spread out, and things feel calmer. But instead of feeling like a shock, it felt like a welcome pause. From the moment I arrived, the transition felt lighter than I had anticipated. The second-year students were incredibly supportive, always willing to answer questions, big or small. The faculty and Simon staff were equally warm and approachable, and the admissions team truly went out of their way to make sure we felt welcomed, supported, and prepared. From orientation to day-to-day questions, there was always someone ready to help.

Finding your people, wherever you look

One thing that made settling in much easier was the strong sense of community. There are countless student groups on Slack and WhatsApp, so you’re never really on your own. Whether you need help with classes, housing, groceries, or just want recommendations for food, there’s always someone who has your back. I also live in on-campus housing at Goler House, which was extremely helpful being close to the college and surrounded by fellow students made the adjustment smoother and more social.

A slower pace—with plenty to do

Life in Rochester is slower than what I was used to, but in the best way possible. It’s a refreshing break from chaos, especially during a demanding MBA program. That doesn’t mean things are quiet or boring, far from it. There’s always something happening at Simon: skiing trips, wine tastings, Fall Ball, and so many student-led and school-organized events that there’s always something to look forward to.

I usually spend most of my time around the college town area, and honestly, everything I need is right here. There are plenty of great restaurants (my personal favorites are E Suki and Taichi Bubble Tea) and access to the URMC gym. The university shuttle is another huge plus. It makes getting around the city incredibly convenient and even runs to shopping and grocery areas on weekends, which is super helpful, especially if you don’t have a car.

A city that comes alive year-round

Rochester also has so much to offer throughout the year. From the Winter Village to the Lilac Festival and Jazz Festival, there’s always something happening. Experiencing all four seasons has been one of my favorite parts - spring and fall, especially, are beautiful, with parks and green spaces that make the city feel alive.

Overall, Rochester has been a place of balance for me — calm yet engaging, supportive yet independent. It’s a city that grows on you quickly, and one that makes it easy to focus, build meaningful relationships, and truly enjoy the journey.

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