Friday Nights at Rochester Institute of Technology

Few Rochester Institute of Technology students complain about having nothing to do on Friday nights. Between the campus itself and Rochester as a whole, there is something for every student. There are four types of regular activities: campus-sponsored events, downtown Rochester/East End, staying in, or going out on campus.

University-sponsored events don’t have to be boring, and many students prefer to hang out this way. From LAN gaming parties and club parties to karaoke and even juggling into the early hours, many students find hanging out on campus to be a lot of fun. Campus clubs and various fraternities like to plan events in the evening when they can attract lots of students. There are also Division 1 hockey games that draw crowds in the thousands, and a ticket for club seats will get you dinner. Throwing on a jersey or orange shirt and heading to a hockey game is always a good time.

RIT students are also lucky to reside in a city with at least four other major universities. The result? A hopping downtown catered to college students and the opportunity to meet all kinds of people. There are many bars, clubs, and performances going on any given Friday evening. And transportation isn’t an issue; there is a free shuttle that makes its rounds every hour between downtown and RIT from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Students without a car or who intend to drink don’t have to worry about getting back home safely.

If you get tired of going out, staying in is definitely an option. Because campus apartments boast expansive kitchens, some students like to gather their friends and cook meals together. We’re also a technology school, so with large TVs, projectors, and booming sound systems, movie night isn’t just gathering around a laptop. Staying in and having dinner and a movie is bound to produce a lot of memories and be an experience. You can also drink in campus apartments provided that everyone is over 21.

Finally, the traditional party on campus definitely has a place in the hearts of many students. As I said earlier, the campus apartments make for some great parties. They have balconies, expansive shared green space, large open layouts, locking bedroom doors, and many have two bathrooms. You can crank your music up and know that your home is perfect for a social gathering. And you can get creative in these spaces! I once went to a party hosted by a video game design major who created graphics from scratch that bounced on the walls to the music and even responded to audience movements like clapping and dancing.

RIT is a top-ranking university with difficult programs, tough courses and hard-as-nails professors. So it goes without saying that after a long week, students like to let loose, and with so many different options there is a release for everyone. Friday nights are the best nights at RIT.

Tianna Mañón is a graduate of RIT where she majored in Journalism and Political Science. She is interested in all things internet, photography, and food. Don’t get her started on policy or human rights unless you have nowhere to be for the next few hours. She also enjoys running, yoga, and swimming. She currently resides in Rochester, N.Y.