When you are about to embark on a major life change like an MBA, it’s not only the curriculum and campus that can feel daunting. Learning new neighborhoods and deciding where to call “home” for two years also presents unique challenges. That’s why Rochester / Simon Business School students shared advice to ease the transition for future Flour City residents.
The following piece has been republished in its entirety from its original source, the Simon Admissions Blog.
Moving to Rochester? Current Simon Students Are Here to Help!
Picking up your life and moving to another city to begin a graduate business program is a big change. One of the things you’ll need to check off your “to-do” list is finding a place to live. But where should you begin?
We have you covered! Current students answered a few questions about their homes in Rochester to help you figure out what option is best for you.
Wallace Gundy
’20 (MBA)
Where do you live?
I live in the Park Avenue Neighborhood in the Whittier Building on South Goodman between Monroe and Park. It’s owned by Hannah Properties.
How did you make your decision?
I am a super social person so I wanted to live alone to balance that. I was looking for a managed apartment complex in a walking neighborhood and wanted to be in close proximity to restaurants and coffee shops. I was also on a budget, and this was an affordable option that met my wants and needs.
What is your favorite thing about living there?
The proximity to everything in Rochester. I feel very centrally located and can be virtually anywhere on foot, in my car, or via Uber ride in a short period of time.
How do you get to campus?
I drive in a carpool with four other classmates—it’s super fun and eco-friendly!
What advice do you have for future Simon students who are considering living off campus?
Covered parking is HUGE and something I didn’t even realize was a luxury until I had it. You don’t want to be cleaning snow off your car in the morning before 8:30 class!
Jessica Halladay
’19 (MBA)
Where do you live?
I live with two classmates in a house downtown, close to East and Alexander where there are lots of restaurants and bars.
How did you make your decision?
I lived in grad housing (Goler House) during the first year of my MBA and wanted to try living off campus this year to experience more of Rochester.
What is your favorite thing about living there?
I like being close to bars and restaurants. It’s easy and quick for me to go out and meet people.
How do you get to campus?
I either take a University of Rochester shuttle (the Orange Line), or if the shuttle is not running, I grab a city bus (which takes me to College Town).
What advice do you have for future Simon students who are considering living there?
Try living off campus. It’s pretty easy to get around Rochester, even without a car, so branch out and try to get out into the Rochester community. Also, talk to as many current students as you can—many of them will have tips about areas to target and areas to avoid.
Karthik Krishnamoorthy
’19 (MBA)
Where do you live?
I live in Goler House, one of the on-campus graduate housing options.
How did you make your decision?
I chose Goler because it is the most convenient way to get to campus during winters. You can also take the tunnel through the medical campus and get to campus whenever it is snowing outside.
What is your favorite thing about living there?
The people. Many of my classmates live here and it becomes super comfortable during exam times to study with friends.
How do you get to campus?
Two campus shuttles run to Goler House: the Blue Line and College Town express come every 20 minutes.
What advice do you have for future Simon students who are considering living there?
It is an amazing place and you feel like a family, with all friends around. Choose this place—Goler is the best during the winter months in Rochester.
