Rochester Student Village

“The only thing I would improve, or maybe just add to, is the way people socialize when you first arrive. When I came here, it felt like everyone mostly minded their own business, and there wasn’t much socializing. At the same time, I really do need my own space, so I understand that side too. What I do like is that we have certain events run by our property manager. She sets things up so we can meet new people, and I think that’s a really good idea. I felt genuinely happy when she did it for us. I just wish there could be a small tradition or something consistent, like once every month or two, there’s one specific date when everyone is free. We could all meet in one place, maybe a garden, a common area, or even just outside our homes. It doesn’t have to be anything forced. Even if we just spend time with the group we already formed, that would be enough. The main thing is it could build a stronger sense of community and belonging for everyone living here. When I first moved in, I was the only person in my building, so I was okay with it, because it was my first time in a new country and I needed space. I was also figuring everything out on my own, like researching on maps where to buy groceries and how to get things I needed. But later, more people came in, and we started communicating more, like getting together in the wing, and things became a lot better. It’s really nice now. So I’m not saying anything is wrong. I just think adding a simple, optional get-together could help reduce awkwardness and clear the air. If you want to meet new people, you can show up and just say hi, keep it simple. That way, people would feel like they’re not alone and that they truly belong here.”

“I wish the room heater’s shutoff timer could be extended to 6 hours.”

“I think the place could be even better with more shared areas where people can hang out and chat in a relaxed way. That would make it simpler to meet neighbors, and it would help build a real sense of community around the accommodation.”

“I don’t feel like there’s anything that needs to be improved right now.”