<p>RIT definitely has a good reputation in the business world for photography. Photographers and magazine publishers we know recruit at RIT. A magazine publisher we know in VA speaks highly of the printing dept at RIT and has hired RIT grads.</p>
<p>My d is a 3rd yr design student and says she's learning a good deal in her major but wishes students were more social. Now that's not to say she stays home on weekends - she has always had a group of fun kids to hang out with. But she doesn't fit in with some of the artsy kids who are a bit quirky/goofy. She definitely doesn't fit in with the gamers, who find LAN parties enjoyable. But there are all types of kids there. So, if you attend RIT, seek out kids with similar interests - they are there but not always in your view. The orientation week (just prior to classes) is a great way to meet people. My d met her now roomie on move in day and they've clicked since. </p>
<p>In general, sporting events aren't a big deal, except there's usually a good turnout at hockey games (Div 1). RIT is hosting free tailgates, barbeques, and parties before most of the home games & game tickets are inexpensive. There are lots of clubs and intramural sports. My d is trying to get an intramural girls bball league going (currently only coed). She seems to know lots of kids on sports teams but isn't on one herself. My advice is to just get out and do something, anything - invite someone along. You don't have to leave campus. There are pool tables and free movies and a coffeehouse in the library and late night ice cream and smoothies. In the cold weather, you can walk through the tunnels from your dorm to visit friends and/or to get a bite to eat. </p>
<p>Find a job where you interact with others with similar interests. Like if you're into sports, get a job in the sports center or take classes (my dd has taken at least one each qtr) - or SportsZone may need photographers (you get paid to attend games & events). Fraternities and sororities keep many busy - some have beautiful houses on campus; some have off campus houses and some don't have houses. RIT is fairly strict about drinking so no walking around with a beer, like at some campuses. Most parties happen in the on campus apts or off campus housing.</p>
<p>My d's 1st roommate was a photo major. Design majors and photo majors are kept very busy 1st yr - many many hours in class, and many more doing projects. RIT has great photo facilities and of course, photo majors get the best of everything. If you're interested, there's a specialty dorm focused on photo (PhotoHouse) - I think it converted a lounge into a darkroom. You have to apply separately for specialty housing but it's a guaranteed dorm for as long as you want to stay there. </p>
<p>RIT is on a 10 week qtr system so the pace is intense. No down time at all. THis is week 10 right now, so the good part is, kids will be done as early as tomorrow (or they may have some finals early next week). Then they're off until Dec 2. Kids can really enjoy the long holiday because their work is done (grades are in) and they're off for 2-3 weeks. The bad news is that most of their friends will be home for only a few days because they're on the normal semester system. But RIT kids learn to work with this schedule - it's a great time to go visit friends at their schools. My d usually works during her breaks at a job at home. She also has a couple jobs at school. An easy job is note-taking for hearing impaired kids. You simply go to your regular class and make copies of your notes (RIT pays you). </p>
<p>Like weenie said, there are plenty of restaurants, stores and events off campus. Like most places, it's hard to get into clubs downtown without an ID but there are some you can go to without one, since they use wristbands for drinking. If you're into nature, you're not far from Lake Ontario. My d called us one day as she was taking photos at the lake for one of her classes. Letchworth State Park is about an hour away as is Corning Glass. Ithaca gorges, wineries and Niagara Falls are all a bit further.</p>