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Rochester, NY
The Democrat & Chronicle, a Rochester newspaper, has a digital edition that is full of information on Rochester, NY. It contains local history to social services offered to the community as well as resources for buying or renting in the area.
For information to help you start preparing for your move to Rochester, see the MoversGuide web site or stop by your local post office to request a copy of the United States Postal Service Mover's Guide.
Local Weather
Due to Lake Ontario, the expression is "wait a minute" because current conditions quickly change--dramatically, but Rochester is a four-season community averaging 74°F (23°C) in July but 24°F (-4°C) in February.
Utility Companies
Rochester Gas & Electric can be contacted directly.
Frontier Telephone can be contacted directly for residential services.
Motor Vehicles, Insurance and Licensure
You must have a valid drivers license from the Department of Motor Vehicles to operate a motor vehicle in New York state unless you are a resident of another U.S. state or Canadian province and have a valid driver license from there. Residents of most other countries may also drive in New York with valid licenses from their home nations. The minimum driving age in New York is 16. New drivers must apply for a Learner Permit before operating any motor vehicle on a public road.
If you are ticketed by the police and convicted of driving without proper insurance, you face a fine of up to $1,000 and a minimum, mandatory one-year license revocation. If you purchase a motor vehicle, your must register it at the DMV with the title certificate from the dealer or previous owner and with proper insurance. (Parking)
While any Monroe County DMV office (1-800-CALL-DMV ) can help, the Henrietta Branch (M, T, W & F, 8:30 - 4:30 and Thursday, 8:30 - 6:30) is the closest to the University at 2199 E. Henrietta Rd. just south of I-390.
Public Transportation
The University's Transportation Services contracts with Rochester's Regional Transit Service to provide free, scheduled shuttle bus service between River Campus, the Medical Center, South Campus, all University apartment buildings, and off-campus parking lots with a valid University ID. Free service is also provided between River Campus, the Memorial Art Gallery, and the Eastman School of Music Living Center. Additionally, the shuttle stops at selected points along the route. Service is provided seven days a week during the academic year and five days a week (Monday-Friday) during winter recess, spring recess, and throughout the summer.
The RTS also provides regular, scheduled service to the City of Rochester and its suburbs. Maps and schedules for these routes are available at the main reception area of Wilson Commons (#39) on the River Campus and at the main lobby/bus loop (#73) at Strong Memorial Hospital on Crittenden Blvd.
Public Schools
The Monroe County School Districts encompass as wide a variety of public and private schools for children as there are towns and locations, including the local Rochester City Schools.