LIFE IN ROCHESTER

A short cheat sheet on everything you need to know before coming to Rochester! 

Must-have documents for entering the US:

1. Proof of identity (Passport + F-1Visa/J-1 Visa)

2. Proof of address

3. Proof of enrollment (I-20/DS-2019)

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Banks

Opening a bank account should definitely be one of the first things you need to do when you get here.

The big three to pick from are:

Chase

Citibank

Bank of America

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Mobile phone services

Similarly you’ll need to pick a mobile phone service to keep your snapchat streaks and to whatsapp your loved ones back home. A family plan would be more cost-efficient as well if you have friends to share with.

The two big NY service providers to pick from are :

1. AT&T

2. T-Mobile

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Eating-out

Rochester has an abundance of restaurants and bars to go to! I’m sure everyone has a bucket list on where to go. While this is not a recommendation list (there a million of these online), this is a reminder that tipping is customary in any service- based business in Rochester. The convention is to tip 15% to 20% of the total bill, excluding tax.

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Must have apps

Venmo – an extremely useful app to transfer money after a fun night out with friends

Uber/Lyft – transportation apps

Door Dash/Grub Hub – food delivery apps