I Give Tours at URochester—Here Are 6 Things You Don’t See

Naima Petersen May 14, 2026

As a Meridian (our fancy term for tour guide), there are numerous spots on campus that we simply don’t have time to show during tours. Despite covering the essentials, there are still many hidden gems worth exploring. Here are six locations that aren’t typically part of the tour itinerary:

1. URochester Bookstore

The URochester Bookstore is located in College Town, about a 10-20 minute walk from campus or a quick 5-minute ride on the Blue Line shuttle. This is where students purchase textbooks through the UR Essentials program, which covers the full cost of textbooks for fall and spring semesters. The store also offers books, school supplies, dorm items, and UR merchandise. You can use Rocky Bucks to pay for these items. To learn more about the UR Essentials program, click here.

2. Dewey Hall

In my opinion, Dewey Hall deserves a full tour because it’s a powerhouse of resources for students. This building houses various offices and resources such as the David T. Kearns Center, Center for Education Abroad, Office of Undergraduate Research, Learning Center, Office of Mentoring and Student Advocacy, Student Fellowship Office, and Greene Center for Career Education and Connections. Each office plays a crucial role in students’ academic, career, and social lives. Below are brief descriptions of each:

• David T. Kearns Center: Supports first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students in achieving academic success and pursuing advanced degrees.
• Center for Education Abroad: Helps students access and handle study abroad opportunities as a core part of their academic experience.
• Office of Undergraduate Research: Assists students in getting involved in research during their undergraduate years and guiding them through research opportunities.
• Student Fellowship Office: Collaborates with students in applying for competitive national and international fellowships, scholarships, and awards for academic and research opportunities.
• Learning Center: Supports academic success by helping students develop effective study skills through tutoring, coaching, and collaborative learning resources.
• Office of Mentoring and Student Advocacy: Provides support to students from diverse backgrounds through mentoring, advocacy, and resources promoting academic, personal, and professional success.
• Greene Center for Career Education and Connections: Passionately helps students connect their academic experiences to career goals while providing opportunities, summer funding, resources, and guidance for internships, jobs, and future pathways.

Although we mention many of these resources on tours, experiencing them firsthand and meeting the staff who run them can be incredibly valuable. They genuinely enjoy connecting with both current and prospective students.

3. Lattimore Hall

Lattimore Hall is often mentioned but rarely explored. It houses the deans’ offices for both the Hajim School of Engineering and the School of Arts and Sciences. Important student resources include the Center for Advising Services, Office of the University Registrar, and Center for Community Engagement. Below are brief descriptions:

• Center for Community Engagement: Connects students and faculty with community-based experiences that integrate academics with real-world issues, supporting learning, personal growth, and civic engagement.
• Office of the University Registrar: Provides academic advising and support to undergraduate students, helping them plan their courses, handle requirements, and make informed decisions throughout their college experience.
• Center for Advising Services: Manages student academic records and oversees key processes such as course registration, transcripts, enrollment, and degree verification, academic scheduling, and tracking graduation requirements.

4. The Interfaith Chapel

This chapel is often mentioned but rarely seen during tours. It’s a beautiful, scenic space that welcomes everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof. Built in 1970, it was one of the first university spaces designed for interfaith gatherings. The chapel serves as a place for students to connect, build community, engage in dialogue, and explore their values and identities. It also hosts events like lectures, student panels, and other gatherings where people can come together and enjoy time with others.

5. All Dining Options

The University of Rochester offers more dining options than a typical college campus. The main dining halls (Douglass and Danforth) are included in the meal plan and offer full meals. Beyond that, there are numerous other dining spots such as Blue Cactus, Eastman Dining Center, The Pit, Rocky’s Sub Shop, Starbucks, California Roll, Connections, Peet’s Coffee, The Brew, and Hillside Market. Below are brief descriptions of some of these places:

• The Pit: Offers a wide variety of foods including grilled items, pizza, global bowls, subs, salads, sushi, and quick grab-and-go options.
• Connections, Peet’s Coffee, and The Brew: Serve coffee, tea, and café-style foods like sandwiches, soups, pastries, and baked goods.
• Blue Cactus: Serves Southwest-inspired food such as build-your-own bowls and quesadillas with flavorful toppings and proteins.
• California Roll: Offers freshly made sushi, poke bowls, noodle dishes, soups, and salads.
• Hillside Market: Functions as a convenience-style market with groceries, snacks, drinks, coffee, and grab-and-go sandwiches.
• Rocky’s Sub Shop: Specializes in made-to-order subs using fresh bread with a variety of meats and cheeses.

Exploring these dining options can give you a better idea of what your time at URochester might be like. To learn more about dining options, click here.

6. Studying Spots

URochester offers numerous study spots across campus. From empty classrooms and conference rooms to welcoming offices, there are plenty of places to focus and be productive. Some popular spots include:

• Empty classrooms and conference rooms when not in use.
• Many offices around campus are welcoming and offer quiet spaces to work independently.

For more recommendations, check out our virtual campus tour to explore the undiscovered parts of URochester for yourself.

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