Saunders College of Business at Rochester Institute of Technology

Student life

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by a vibrant community of peers, mentors, and friends. Life at RIT is about connection and discovery, with countless opportunities to explore your passions.  

• Clubs and Organizations: With over 300 student clubs and organizations, from art and design to STEM and gaming, there’s something for everyone. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can create your own.
• Saunders Student Clubs: Get involved in business-specific clubs and organizations affiliated with Saunders – from the Business & Technology Professionals to the Multicultural Business Association, Women in Business to the Saunders Student Executive Board.
• Fraternity and Sorority Life: Join one of RIT’s fraternities or sororities to foster leadership, service, and personal growth.
• Campus Traditions: Celebrate tiger pride through events like TigerFest and the Rochester Fringe Festival. These traditions unite the campus and showcase RIT’s creativity.
• Finding Your Community: At RIT, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the campus. Every student can find a welcoming space to thrive.
• Leadership and Engagement: Develop your leadership skills through Momentum programs, student government, and civic engagement projects like Alternative Break and Into the ROC.
• Sports and Recreation: The home of the Tigers. Whether you’re into intramural sports, club teams, or RIT Esports, there’s plenty of ways to stay active and have fun.
• Service and Volunteer Opportunities: Reach out and give back to the local community, grow your network and improve your resume. 

International community on campus

RIT is home to a diverse and inclusive student body, with more than 1,800 international students from 100 countries enriching the campus in Fall 2024. This global community fosters an environment where diversity is celebrated and different perspectives are valued. From International Student Services to resources like the English Language Center, RIT offers tailored services to help international students adjust and thrive, both academically and socially.

Rochester, NY

RIT’s Rochester campus is just six miles from the city.

Here’s why Rochester, NY is a top choice for students:

• Business and Innovation Hub: A leading center for optics, imaging, manufacturing, engineering, software, and health care, offering outstanding career-launching opportunities.
• Arts and Culture: Enjoy a vibrant arts scene at venues like Geva Theatre, live music events, and festivals like the Lilac Festival and the Rochester International Jazz Festival.
• Culinary Scene: Discover fine dining and diverse food offerings, making Rochester a food lover’s dream.
• Outdoor Experiences: Explore a range of parks, from Ontario Beach Park to Durand Eastman Park, perfect for nature lovers.
• Cultural Hotspot: Experience the vibrant arts and theater scene, with venues like Geva Theatre and the Rochester Broadway Theatre League.
• Top-Ranked City: Recognized by Forbes as one of America’s 25 Most Innovative Cities, one of The Daily Beast’s Top 10 Smartest Cities in America, and Bloomberg’s Top 50 New Tech Hubs.

Accommodation

RIT’s vibrant campus community offers a range of housing options designed to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re looking for a lively residence hall or a quieter, independent space, RIT has you covered. 

Choose from single or shared rooms, residence halls, Greek housing, or apartment-style living, all at affordable rates. Every option includes laundry facilities, utilities, and essential amenities to make your stay comfortable. Plus, housing contracts align with the academic year, and you can easily cancel if you’re going on co-op, study abroad, or research – with no fees or subletting hassles. Enjoy the convenience of free campus shuttles, secure card access, 24/7 RIT Public Safety patrols, and support from the Center for Residence Life.

Student support Navigating college life can be challenging, but at Saunders, students have access to a range of support resources and services designed to ensure success both academically and professionally. 
Academic Support

• Office of Student Services: Offering academic advising, the Office of Student Services provides guidance on course selection, study abroad, and program changes. Advisors are available in person, through Zoom, or by phone.
• Academic Success Center: Empowering students with academic coaching, tutoring, and workshops to help you excel.
• Tutoring Services: Tutoring is available to all students, providing personalized academic support to help with coursework.
• Writing & Communication Support: The Writing Center and Expressive Communication Center provide assistance with writing and presentation preparation.
• Co-op and Career Services: With one of the largest co-operative education programs in the U.S., Saunders places over 4,500 students in more than 6,200 co-op positions annually.
• Technical Support: Saunders Technical Support provides resources and support documentation to resolve any technical challenges you may face.

Accessibility

• Student Financial Services: Committed to making education accessible, providing financial guidance and support to all students.
• Support for Students with Additional Needs: Dedicated to ensuring equitable access for students with disabilities and offering specialized resources for neurodiverse students.
• Diversity & Inclusion: RIT is committed to fostering a supportive environment through its Division of Diversity and Inclusion, and resources for international students, deaf and hard-of-hearing students, and other diverse communities.

Health and Wellness Support

• Student Health Center: The Student Health Center provides urgent care, primary care, and consultations on a variety of health concerns, ensuring students maintain their well-being throughout their studies.
• Counseling and Psychological Services: Counseling services include individual and group therapy, psychiatric support, and crisis intervention, all in a confidential environment.
• Case Management: The Case Management team connects students with on-campus and off-campus resources to help navigate personal issues like health insurance, housing, and financial concerns.

International student support

RIT offers comprehensive support through International Student Services, guiding students on everything from immigration matters to cultural integration. Whether you're seeking academic help, cultural activities, or simply a place to connect, RIT ensures you're supported every step of the way.

• Peer Advisor Leaders (PAL) & Orientation: International students are assigned a Peer Advisor Leader (PAL) and attend a tailored orientation to ease their transition to RIT.
• Academic & Language Support: Access to specialized academic advising and the English Language Center ensures students adjust smoothly to the U.S. academic system.
• Cultural & Social Integration: Events, workshops, and social activities help international students connect with the community and build a sense of belonging.