About Rochester
Location
Rochester is the third largest city in New York state, with a metropolitan population of more than one million. Located 360 mi./576 km. (or approximately six driving hours) northwest of New York City, Rochester lies on the shores of Lake Ontario, the smallest of the Great Lakes. The city is divided through the cen ter by the Genesee River and bordered on its southern limits by the Erie Canal. Cities within a day’s driving distance include Buffalo, NY (60 mi./96 km. west); Syracuse, NY (70 mi./112 km. east); Niagara Falls, NY (80 mi./128 km. northwest); Toronto, Canada (130 mi./480 km. northwest); Cleveland, OH (200 mi./320 km. southwest); Pittsburgh, PA (300 mi./480 km. south); and Boston, MA (340 mi./544 km. east).
Climate
Temperatures average between 20 and 35°F (-6.7 and 1.7°C) in the winter, and 75 and 85°F (23.9 and 29.4°C) in the summer. Expect snow from October through April and sun shine varying with cloudy days from May through September. Other Major Institutions and Facilities The city serves as the international headquarters for Eastman Kodak Company and Bausch & Lomb, both of which were founded in Rochester. The University of Rochester is the largest institution of higher learning in the area; it includes a noted medical school, a den tal school, and the world-renowned Eastman School of Music. The Rochester Institute of Technology (which includes the Image Permanence Institute, a partner in the instructors’ program) is one of the nation’s leading scientific schools. Cultural institutions include the Strong Museum, one of the top ten children’s museums in the country; the Rochester Museum and Science Center; and the Memorial Art Gallery. The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the premier American ensembles, and Eastman School of Music and Hochstein Music School students perform free concerts throughout the year at their respec tive institutions. There is an active city life, with a wide variety of restaurants, bars, clubs, and theaters. Rochester also has the largest number of commercial movie screens of any city in the state outside of New York City.
Traveling to Rochester
Most major American airlines and a number of discount carriers provide service to and from Rochester International Airport. Amtrak runs several trains a day between Rochester, New York City, and Chicago. Greyhound and Trailways provide extensive bus service. The New York State Thruway (I-90) is a convenient 15 minutes from the city, and I-390 trav erses the city from the southern portion of the state.
Living Expenses, Housing, and Transportation
Compared with other cities in the eastern United States, Rochester’s cost of living is reasonable. Food and service costs are comparable to other major American cities. The school does not provide housing. Students from out of town should be prepared to arrange their own accommodations. Apartments run between $500and $600 per month, or less when shared.
Although public transportation is convenient to George Eastman House, the best arrange ment is to find housing within walking distance of the Museum.