Graduate Ambassador Blog Posts
The Joy of Play at the Strong Museum
The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, is a place where anyone can unwind and enjoy themselves, whether you’re a child, a parent, or even a busy grad student looking for a break.
Exploring Animal Connections in and Around Rochester
Connecting with animals is one of the most rewarding ways to alleviate stress. Their genuine, unselfish companionship brings me joy and relaxation, pushing me to be a better person and creating unforgettable experiences.
Rochester on the Rocks: Craft Cocktail and Mocktail Scene
As graduate students, we often forget to take a step back from our work and indulge in a little enjoyment. Fortunately, Rochester offers an impressive craft cocktail and mocktail scene just waiting to be discovered.
Finding Funding for Conferences
An exciting aspect of grad school is exploring opportunities to present your research at local, national, or even international conferences.
Eats and Entertainment in Rochester
You're in luck when you're in Rochester and looking for a place where you can eat, drink, and play all at once.
Enjoying all the Seasons in Rochester
One of the charms of living in the Northeast US is the gradual passing of the seasons.
Local Coffee Gems: Café Hopping in Rochester
As a graduate student navigating the hustle and bustle of academic life, coffee has become my trusty sidekick.
Navigating Graduate School as an International Student: Overcoming Academic and Social Challenges
As a third-year international PhD student in optics at the University of Rochester, my journey has been full of challenges, but also incredible growth.
Rochester Film Festivals
The film community in Rochester is one that I hold dear. It is a welcoming space where I have made friends from diverse walks of life. If you’re someone who loves movies and enjoys discussing them on a deeper level, then I have some incredible film festivals where you can meet new people.
Spend Your Summer Outside
I joined the University of Rochester in the fall of 2022. As someone who lived in Rajasthan, India their whole life, I had never seen fall before.
The Rochester Second-Hand Shopping Scene
As graduate students we live on a tight budget. Many of us are living on our own for the first time, moving to a new town, and having to furnish our new homes and update our wardrobe.
Day in the Life of a PhD Student + Time Management Tips
Hi, I’m Isabelle! I’m a third-year PhD student in the biomedical engineering program co-advised by Dr. James McGrath and Dr. Hani Awad.
Finding Connections in Grad School
Starting your graduate school can be both exhilarating and challenging. Graduate coursework is designed to challenge you to excel in your future academic and professional endeavors.
Imposter Syndrome in Graduate School
One of the most difficult transitions to grad school can be overcoming imposter syndrome.
Making Connections at Conferences
Traveling to conferences, summer schools, or other academic meetings can be quite daunting, especially if you’re still new to the field.
Adjusting to Grad School in the US: The Perspective of an International Student
Applying to go to grad school in America was probably one of the most daunting things I ever did.
Building Your Latin/Hispanic Community & Finding Foods From Your Native Country
Hello, My name is Adriana, I am Mexican and Cuban, and I hope sharing my journey of how I grew my Latin/Hispanic community at U of R helps you find your community here too.
Tips for Applying to Grad School from a Grad Student
So you’ve decided to apply to graduate school; congratulations! Continuing education post undergrad is an extremely rewarding experience that allows you to follow your passions, focus on a single aspect of your field, and opens countless professional doors.
Expanding Your Interests Outside of Research: Inexpensive Activities in Rochester + Outreach Opportunities
Although I am originally from the Rochester area, it wasn’t until I became a graduate student that I began to explore more of what Rochester has to offer.
Thriving in Grad School
Hi, my name is Tristan (he/they) and I’m a 2nd year PhD student in the Department of Physics and Astronomy!
Navigating the PhD Journey: Embracing Change, Building Community, and Overcoming Fear in Academic Research
What I wish I had known when I applied to the PhD program in English with a full-blown project already planned and a complete destination for my research, was that it’s okay to deviate from the path you construct for yourself.