Roam with animals at the Seneca Park Zoo.
The zoo can take your worries off your work as you hang out with some of your favorite animals. Located along the Genesee River, the tickets are budget-friendly at $12 for adults for any college student and allows for a fun, anxiety-free trip.
Learn about local Rochesterians in the Mount Hope Cemetery.
Next door to the University is the Mount Hope Cemetery, home to those who have made their mark on history, such as Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. An afternoon getting lost in the cemetery offers a quiet stroll and rich history about some of Rochester’s most influential people.
Relive your childhood in The Strong National Museum of Play.
The museum is easily recognizable from its yard, which features iconography from classic board games, just hinting at the museum’s love for games and toys. Before going, it’s best to plan ahead; the sheer amount of experiential things to do is worth a whole day trip, from visiting its popular butterfly garden to playing old arcade games or learning about toy history.
Wake up with some coffee at Java’s Cafe (or any coffee shop, for that matter).
Right in the heart of downtown Rochester, you can find several cafes waiting. Java’s Cafe, located near the Strong Museum and off the side of the Eastman School’s main building, is a student favorite known for its unique vibes and delicious coffee that is bound to make you want more. Open every day from 7 a.m., Java’s is a must-visit if you want to call yourself a cultured Rochester coffee-goer.
Catch a performance at the Geva Theatre.
Downtown, the Geva Theatre features frequent live performances of shows that range from acclaimed musicals and plays to showcases and speakers. The theatre also puts on live discussions with the cast and crew of their seasonal shows during their “Sunday Salon” and gives local performers and speakers their time to shine on “Mondays at Geva.”
Or watch a film at Roc Cinema.
If theatre isn’t your thing, maybe movies are. Roc Cinema offers low-priced movie tickets for students — $7 with student ID — for some currently being screened in theatres. They also offer “Free Movie Mondays” with several classics. Aside from movies, they also feature comedy open mics and showcases.
Stroll through Highland Park.
If you want to take a screen break, Highland Park is just a short distance from College Town. The park is home to the annual Lilac Festival in mid-May, with gorgeous colors to be found all around. Although the lilacs may not be blooming, the park is a nice spot away from city life.