social scene

<p>How is the social scene at RIT? I loved the photo program there, but am really worried since people have told me all of the guys just study in their rooms 24/7 and aren't very socially competent. I want to go to school with outgoing people, spontaneous and ready for a good time whether it be a party or going into the city. Are there any parties at RIT other than video-gaming ones? What do most RIT people do on the weekends? Does the quarter system really present itself as too challenging to have time for fun? What are your thoughts</p>

<p>My daughter graduated from RIT 2 years ago and my son is looking at it for next year. My D had NO problem finding parties, although they were generally off campus or in the on campus apartments. She met many guys who did not just stay in their rooms and study.
My son, who is interested in film (and really liked the Photo house when we toured it), will definitely not be in his room studying 24/7, although film takes up a lot of time in other ways. He is, however, into video games, although I can’t see him doing only that.
The quarter system will be over after next school year, so really won’t be an issue. However, I like the way the quarter system is presented for the film program, as the students have a chance to take a larger variety of courses. Not sure how that is set up for photo, but I imagine it is similar.</p>

<p>Thanks for your input… it makes me feel a little better about the school</p>

<p>lecorbett7, my D was so impressed RIT’s photography program that she applied ED. She is very outgoing and has some of the same concerns, but from what information I’ve gathered on CC and other student review websites, the students in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences are very social.</p>

<p>thanks dianemtmom, I agree with your daughter, there is no way I can ignore such an incredible photo programs like that, which is why I hope I can get passed the fact that its a technical school. How does your daughter like the quarter system? I heard it was pretty awful.</p>

<p>I believe that RIT is doing away with the quarter system after the 2012-2013 school year. My D figures that she can deal with it for a year. I think if I were you, I’d apply and if accepted, revisit the school and attend some photography classes. That will give you a chance to talk to some of the students, giving you a better idea of whether or not you’d like the social climate there. Best of luck!</p>

<p>At almost 20,000 strong, RIT is one of the largest private schools in the country. There are loads of athletic programs, including DI hockey and a huge intramural sports system. There is an active greek community and something like ~250 clubs (and more who can’t get recognition for one reason or another). There’s even a bar on campus (three depending on whether you count Park Point as “on campus”). There are as many parties as you would expect at any other school this size. Suffice it to say, there are plenty of social people at RIT. </p>

<p>Like others have said, the quarter system is on its last legs. Personally, I’d rather have it stay. You got to take many more classes that way, and the pressure keeps you focused. But the semester system should provide a more relaxed and fluid environment.</p>

<p>My D went over the summer for the College and Career program and came away with very similar concerns. She was impressed by what she saw of the ceramics and glass programs, but was very concerned about how she would fit in socially. She has decided to visit a friend from HS that is a sophomore in the Photo program this coming weekend. I’ll post again after she returns and let you know what she thinks after round 2! I’m really hoping she likes it as I was very impressed!</p>

<p>thanks everyone, I really appreciate it. I keep overthinking all of my college choices, moving from RIT to Northeastern to Skidmore, etc. I don’t want to rule RIT out because the photo there is so incredible, but at the same time I want a good, social and somewhat normal college experience.</p>

<p>cathycc that would be awesome if you could let me know what she thinks. this college decision process is much harder than I ever imagined it would be</p>

<p>I will! She spoke with a professor that she will be meeting with on Monday and was told that they have reviewed her portfolio and application and she has been accepted! Also we live 30 minutes from Skidmore and toured there also. It is a great school and Saratoga is a really fun town too. It looks like you have some really great, but very different choices!</p>

<p>I definitely do! some schools have almost 20,000 undergrads and others only 1,500. I still have no idea what I want!</p>

<p>But congrats to your daughter, let me know what she thinks about the social life and everything the second time she visits. Hope all goes well for you in the college process, and I appreciate your feedback!</p>

<p>Hi all! D got back from her trip last night. She now feels that she could see herself being happy there. The friend she stayed with is in the photo ad. program and loves it. The girl lives in a beautiful suite above Global Village. Global Villige has a gift shop stocked with all items made or written by RIT students, alum, or faculty. There are also other stores and a Mexican Rest. The outside benches are heated and there is a gas firepit too. D says the people were very friendly and the buildings were immaculate. They went to a party on Saturday night @ SUNY Brockport and then to a place that served “garabe plates” which she says was very yummy. Rochester has @ least 6 colleges within 20 minutes of eachother so she felt that was a plus too. On Monday D met with the 2 professors from the School of American Crafts who teach the classes she is interested in an was impressed with the program and facilities. That is about all I got out od her, hope it helps. Good luck with your decisions everyone!</p>

<p>RIT freshman here. RIT is a very big school so there are a wide variety of people. There are always parties going on every weekend, although some of the really big ones get busted before the night’s over. I’ve had an awesome time so far.
I actually like the quarter system because you get through classes quickly and have the chance to take a wider variety of courses. I’m kind of disappointed they’re changing it. I’m a computer engineering major and I’ve had plenty of time to have fun and party in between schoolwork</p>

<p>I’m an RIT second year, will be third year next quarter. If you are willing to get involved, and there are lots of clubs and things to chose from, you won’t have a problem with the social scene. RIT’s social scene is definitely different from your typical college experience, as portrayed in movies and books, but it’s definitely manageable and fun if you are determined.
They are changing the quarter system to semester for the 2013-2014 school year. <a href=“http://www.rit.edu/~w-conver/media/documents/AcademicCalendar2013_2014.pdf[/url]”>http://www.rit.edu/~w-conver/media/documents/AcademicCalendar2013_2014.pdf&lt;/a&gt; that’s the link for the academic calendar for the 13-14 year.
You’ll make plenty of friends in classes and usually they’ll keep popping up throughout your time here, in your major courses. Welcome!</p>