<p>My DD is a 2nd yr Graphic Design student at RIT. She's home this weekend so maybe I can get her to post later on (she's out now). NYU and RIT will have entirely different environments, socially. She's feeling burnt out now so you may hear that. At the very last minute, she joined a group of friends and went to FL over spring break (between 2nd & 3rd qtrs) - so she doesn't really feel like she got a break. You know, the sit on the sofa, hang out, catch up on sleep, type of break. Now she's full into 3rd qtr and feels she needs a break. The quarters move very quickly so you have to be ok with that pace. Kids that like it appreciate the fact that you can take more classes (and be exposed to more things) in RIT's system but you don't get time to relax like in a typical semester system. This can present a problem when sick, or simply sick of school. But RIT did give my DD some time (maybe a qtr) to make up work when she was out sick with mono so the faculty is willing to work with students.</p>
<p>Socially, there are all kinds of kids. The trick is finding the group that you're comfortable with. My DD didn't fit in with the really "artsy" kids that she lived with freshman yr nor does she play video games. Nice kids but very different socially. My DD and a friend from her dorm (whom she met before classes even began) moved to an on campus apt 2nd yr and seem happier. They were surrounded by other friends, in nearby apts. Getting an apt wasn't as difficult as some people say. All her friends that wanted to move out of the dorms did so. </p>
<p>Orientation is right before classes start and a good way to find friends. With facebook, it's very easy to stay in touch. She also seems to have made many friends through her classes and her on campus job. Her bf is an engineering major and an athelete at RIT and he has tons of friends, too. In general, I think the Design school kids are seemingly friendlier - more open and approachable. My DD was in a learning community 1st yr - you take 3 classes, I think, together every qtr and so you develop close ties. She's still friendly with many of those kids. The learning community was optional and I'm glad she agreed to it when approached.</p>
<p>Not sure I'd say RIT is cliquey but you will find "groups" of similar kids that share interests. I think that makes sense. The groups don't seem exclusionary. I know my DD's friends are always excited about meeting new kids and adding to their friends. My DD has no interest in staying in her room playing video games but for those kids that do, they find many others to hang out with. She has friends that on several different sports teams at RIT and there are many others who play on intramural teams. She doesn't do that but goes to watch sometimes. </p>
<p>Although a biggish school, many commute so of the ones living on campus, you have "techies" who aren't super social or not in the ways she is - so that limits who you hang out with. But she hasn't had trouble making friends or finding people to do things with. Kind of like HS. She goes with friends to sporting events, the beautiful gym (even takes classes every qtr), goes into Rochester occasionally, goes on trips (Toronto, Niagara Falls, FL) at least once a qtr. She's already talking about going to some of the state parks in the area. Having a car helps and parking is not a problem (and it's free even for freshman). There are many restaurants and stores (mall) nearby. Some kids go off skiing, etc. </p>
<p>I think the weather is more depressing socially than the type of kids. It's overcast, gloomy even, and windy much of the year and the kids can't let that get to them. I find that to be true here, as well, with winter being a time when it's easier to stay put inside. When my DD lived in the dorms she said too many kids sit around and complain how lousy the weather is or they're so bored but they don't make the effort to go out and do stuff. So - is your kid the type to go do something or sit around and complain? IF it's the latter, don't go to RIT. My DD definitely has fun but it's not a party school atmosphere. The campus is dry and security is everywhere. That's not to say parties don't go on. They do. I"ve driven through the apts and there are always parties - they're just smaller and more contained. You won't see kids walking, or stumbling, around campus with open beer cups in their hands (like on other campuses). But my DD has been to her share of parties and clubs. Kids hang out in their dorm rooms and may have a few beers while watching a ball game or movies, etc.</p>
<p>There are also fraternities and sororities on campus that are very social. I don't mean in the over the top drinking that people think of. My DD considered pledging a couple sororities but she just couldn't find the time to do all the stuff they do - some public service work and many social activities. It would be hard to keep up with their schedule. Some of her closest friends are in sororities and love them. I think the fraternities are the same. If interested in this, check out the on campus fraternity/sorority houses. They are absolutely gorgeous.</p>