2 CITY U: A STUDENT’S SURVIVAL GUIDE
LIFE BEYOND THE CAMPUS [ INTRODUCTION ] BY DANIEL J. KUSHNER
While the daily life of a college student can be consumed by time spent in the lecture halls, libraries, and dormitories, there is plenty to learn and experience off-campus as well. The decisions you make about what to eat, where to study, how to spend your time, and how to spend your money while in school can have a direct impact on your overall well-being. In the 2019 edition of our annual CITY U issue, our summer interns Efua Agyare-Kumi and Jessica Pavia draw from their first-hand knowledge of student living to provide insight and expertise for bolstering your quality of life, during your time in academia and beyond.
Coffee shops are indispensable to student life, and Rochester has a wealth of options, whether you need a place to study or just a spot to unwind. Efua and Jessica have a run-down of some of the city’s essential caffeine stops on page 4, as well as a round-up international restaurants and markets on page 16. On page 8, Jessica gives an overview of how, both on and off campus, you can become more civically engaged and invested in local political issues that have bearing on you as a student. On page 12, Efua explores the factors preventing Rochester students from making
CITY U is a publication planned, researched, and produced by CITY Newspaper interns under the guidance of CITY editorial staff. Meet our Summer 2019 interns:
their way off-campus into the city, what they may be missing by not venturing out. Finally, on page 20, there’s some practical advice for tackling student debt and managing your finances responsibly. And don’t overlook the strategic tips for a productive college experience, scattered throughout the issue. Let us know about what enriches your experience as a student on Facebook (facebook. com/citynewspaper), and on Twitter and Instagram (@roccitynews). ON THE COVER: Illustration by Ryan Williamson PUBLISHERS: Rochester Area Media Partners, Norm Silverstein, chairman. William and Mary Anna Towler, founders EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT: (themail@rochester-citynews.com) Editors: Daniel J. Kushner Contributing Writers: Efua Agyare-Kumi, Jessica Pavia ART DEPARTMENT: (artdept@rochester-citynews.com) Art Director / Production Manager: Ryan Williamson Designers: Renée Heininger, Jacob Walsh ADVERTISING: (ads@rochester-citynews.com) New Sales Development: Betsy Matthews Sales: Bill Towler, David White OPERATIONS/CIRCULATION (info@rochester-citynews.com) Business Manager: Angela Scardinale Circulation Manager: Katherine Stathis CITY U is published by Rochester Area Media
Jessica Pavia was born and raised in Victor, NY, where she lives with her family and two dogs, Max and Maizie. She now majors in English at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, where she has a concentration in non-fiction writing and is the editor in chief of the campus’ only news publication. She hopes to find a place in journalism or publishing once graduating next year.
Efua Agyare-Kumi is an international student from Ghana and Nigeria studying English and International Relations at the University of Rochester. She’s passionate about journalism and youth civic engagement, she serves as News Editor for her campus paper, and co-chair of the Committee for Political Engagement.
Partners, Inc. Copyright by Rochester Area Media Partners, 2019 - all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system without permission of the copyright owner.
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ACROSS THE ROCHESTER COFFEESCAPE [ COFFEE CULTURE ] BY EFUA AGYARE-KUMI AND JESSICA PAVIA
Whether you’re seeking refuge from the academic grind, or a cozy enclave to study when the library is jam-packed, coffee shops are simply part of the college experience. Luckily for you, Rochester has a ton of them. And in some ways, picking a favorite coffee shop is like buying clothes: It says something about who you are and what you like. Are you edgy and cool? A quirky people-watcher? Are you an avid coffee drinker who also cares deeply about social justice issues? Do you prefer second wave shops, where the focus tends to be on the social experiences? Or are third wave fan who’s all about the bean? Rochester has something for all these types and more. Here’s a non-exhaustive roundup – in no particular order – of city cafes, with a glimpse into their vibes and aesthetics.
Cafe Sasso | facebook.com/cafesassorochester
739 Park Avenue | 697-0235 Key mentions: $, WiFi, GF, V, 2nd wave, medium light, medium noise
This half-seafoam green, half-deep gray coffee and cocktail bar is covered head-to-toe in local artwork and antique finds. The air is filled with chatter and the grooves of Motown music. Sasso has an extensive list of food offerings, from bagel sandwiches to paninis and fresh salads. And, of course, they have coffee. The service is quick. If coffee is not your style, there also are tea, wine, and hot or cold cocktail offerings. On the day we visited, the barista was Emma, and she described Sasso’s vibe as a mix: the environment attracts people young and old, studious and social. Glen Edith
Glen Edith | glenedithcoffee.com
23 Somerton Street | 441-9196 Key mentions: $$$, WiFi, V, 3rd wave, brightly lit, little noise
Glen Edith is one of the more minimalist coffee shops on our list. The entire space is painted white, including the walls and the espresso 4 CITY U: A STUDENT’S SURVIVAL GUIDE
Cafe Sasso
machine. Music plays, but it melts into the background – more an afterthought than a main factor. This coffeehouse is a good study space for people who need to be somewhere quiet to focus. The no-nonsense surroundings mean no distractions. The big windows and green plants keep the space airy and light, much more a working oasis than a note-taking prison. Glen Edith roasts their own coffee blends – which can be bought in store – and offers pour-over coffee in multiple sizes.
Coffee Connection | ourcoffeeconnection.org Greenhouse Cafe, 2271 East Main Street | 270-8603 Key Mentions: $, WiFi, GF, 2nd wave, socially conscious, medium light, medium noise
More than a coffee shop, Coffee Connection empowers women recovering from addiction by giving them jobs. “They make coffee fun,” was the unprompted quip given to us by one of Coffee Connection’s customers the day we visited. There are two other seating areas inside the cafe: one that is by the register and noticeably
Coffee Connection
more modern, and a section at the entrance, which is the larger and more populated area. The mismatched furniture, natural lighting, and painted baby grand piano combine for a laid-back experience. On Friday nights, the place opens up for live music.
Ugly Duck Coffee
Pop Roc | poprochester.com
337 East Avenue | 310-2423 Key Mentions: $$, GF, V, medium light, medium noise
Pop Roc is a bit different than our other mentions. Its caffeine offerings go beyond just coffee. It sells gourmet cereal mixes and energy drink mocktails, and has a wall full of fresh-off-the-press comics Pop Roc and collectibles. Boxes of cereal line the main wall, which are poured into larger-than-life mugs. Almond and soy milk options are available upon request. Off the main room is a smaller area with booths, board games, and a television equipped with a Nintendo switch. It’s a really cool place operated and populated by friendly, outgoing people.
SPoT Coffee | spotcoffee.com 200 East Avenue | 613-4600 Key mentions: $$, GF, V, 2nd wave, brightly lit, little to medium noise
Ugly Duck Coffee | uglyduckcoffee.com 89 Charlotte Street Key mentions: $$$, GF, V, 3rd wave, dimly lit
Ugly Duck Coffee has plenty of natural lighting and two long wooden tables (with some counter and bench space). It’s definitely a thirdwave spot, with its edgy decor, spiced offerings, and branded beanies. As a multi-roasting shop, Ugly Duck’s featured blends frequently change. One unusual thing: Ugly Duck has no WiFi – on purpose – though customers are welcome to use their laptops without internet. Ultimately, this is not a place for work. It’s a place for drinking specialty espresso pours, reading a good book, or hanging out with a group of friends. And the countertop is built lower, decreasing the separation between barista and guest. Java’s Cafe | javascafe.com 16 Gibbs Street | 232-4820 Key mentions: $, GF, V, 2nd wave, dimly lit, medium noise
Java’s is right next to the Eastman School of Music, making it a prime location and a social hub. There are long tables and couches that make it easy to land next to someone and socialize, but it’s usually not hard to find a solitary corner when you want one. The place is also dripping with art on every wall – and even on the ceiling. The baristas serve with a smile. The desserts are to die for, and they change pretty much every day.
SPoT is close to lots of attractions, such as The Little Theatre, the Strong Museum of Play, restaurants and nightclubs. The cafe is a good place to work, whether you’re a people person or you like to keep your distance. It’s also a good place to have group sessions, or get brunch if you want to feel fancy on a student budget. The food is reasonably priced and you get a decent bang for your buck. Last thing: the temperature runs pretty chilly, so pack a sweater if you’re cold-blooded. continues on page 6
BACK TO BASICS YOU DON’T HAVE TO FIGURE OUT EVERYTHING ON YOUR OWN. MAKE FRIENDS WITH UPPERCLASSMEN WHO HAVE WISDOM ON COLLEGE LIFE. EDUCATE YOURSELF ON YOUR CAMPUS SEXUAL-ASSAULT RESOURCES. DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS. EVERYONE IS ON A DIFFERENT PATH. ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 5
Equal Grounds
Equal Grounds | equalgrounds.com
750 South Avenue | 256-2362 Key mentions: $, GF, V, 2nd wave, medium light, medium noise, socially conscious
There are many ways to discover Equal Grounds. You might happen upon it while exploring the South Wedge neighborhood. Perhaps someone will invite you to New Ground Poetry Night, an open mic on the first Tuesday of every month. Co-owner John White “wanted a place for the LGBTQ community to be able to come that didn’t involve alcohol,” our barista Jennifer said. The store is inviting; you feel you could talk to anyone. The music is soft and conducive for studying, and there are plenty of electrical sockets. Students can take advantage of a 10 percent discount daily, and a 20 percent discount every Tuesday for college night. Boulder Cafe and Lounge | bouldercoffeeroaster.com
100 Alexander Street | 454-7140 Key mentions: $, GF, V, 2nd wave, medium light, little noise
Malcolm, a Boulder barista, described the spot as an “engine” of the South Wedge community. “I consider us a central hub of the neighborhood,” he said. Boulder is structured for all types of hangouts. An assortment of couches and chairs and bar stools mean you can 6 CITY U: A STUDENT’S SURVIVAL GUIDE
decide whether you’re here to work, lounge, socialize, or snooze. The cafe hosts knitting groups on the weekends, and acoustic and jazz performers regularly frequent the small stage. The baristas can whip up any number of things: coffee, cocktails, beer, wine, brunch – whatever floats your boat. 1872 Cafe | facebook.com/1872cafe 431 West Main Street | 323-1872 Key mentions: $, GF, V, 2nd wave, brightly lit, little noise, socially conscious
The 1872 cafe is a shrine to the legendary women’s suffragist, Susan B. Anthony. 1872 is the year that Anthony and 14 other women voted for the first time. And 1872 Cafe takes this further by honoring great women throughout history. You can have an Ella Fitzgerald or Eleanor Roosevelt specialty latte. The cafe also has pastries, soups, and sandwiches, and pizza. Starry Nites Cafe | starrynitescafe.com
696 University Avenue | 271-2630 Key mentions: $, GF, V, 2nd wave, medium lit, little noise
Starry Nites is something of a Van Gogh shrine, with several renditions of his masterpieces dotting the walls, but the cafe also dedicates its wall space to local artists. Upon entering you can see a
Starry Nights Cafe
display case of that day’s pastry selection – although some sort of croissant is a consistent choice – and the dark wood bar that is essential to this shop. Starry Nites offers an array of themed drinks – a vanilla and peppermint latte dubbed The University, for instance – food choices, and even wine and cocktail options. The cafe is, of course, made magical by the back wall mural, becoming a dreamy study space by day, and a romantic coffeehouse by night.
Fuego Coffee Roasters | fuegocoffee.com 1 Woodbury Boulevard | 369-4141 Key mentions: $, GF, V, 3rd wave, brightly lit, little to medium noise
In some ways, Fuego is reminiscent of other third wave cafes we scoped out, with minimalist design and lots of natural light. But it also mixes pastelcolored murals with its off-white walls, and metal and wooden seating with low, comfy couches. It’s basically a two and a half-wave coffee shop – edgy and comforting all at once. There are few food options, but there is a decent gluten-free selection among what they do have, and the coffee is worthy of a connoisseur. And there are also outlets everywhere, as if to say, “We understand your struggle. Stay here; work on that paper as long as you need to.” ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 7
POLYSCI 101: CIVIC ENGAGEMENT FOR STUDENTS [ CIVICS ] BY JESSICA PAVIA
The upcoming school year will welcome not only a new class of students, but also a new set of voters. While national politics tend to get more attention than other political activities, students can be active participants in a wide range of governmental issues as well. But why should you? The simple answer: College is your home for four years. Being politically engaged allows you to understand the people who occupy the town beyond campus limits. Being engaged means empathizing with the concerns and issues affecting fellow citizens within the greater Rochester community. And voting is often the easiest way for people to get involved. Many local universities have organizations – for example, the University of Rochester’s Committee for Political Engagement and Rochester Institute of Technology’s Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement – that can help you in the voting process. Directed by Kerry Foxx, RIT’s center runs a program called ROAR the Vote, which informs students on national elections, provides registration forms, and encourages political engagement. The group also took polling stations to campus for the last national election.
Student Joey Loffredo, a member of U of R’s Committee for Political Engagement, says student involvement in local elections is important. PHOTO BY JACOB WALSH
continues on page 10
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8 CITY U: A STUDENT’S SURVIVAL GUIDE
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Students not registered locally can opt for absentee ballots. Unfortunately, this process can be tricky. “It’s not state-specific,” Foxx says. “It’s county-specific within the context of the state. Some states require that you give them a reason for voting absentee that they have to approve. Some are a bit more open.” Even after you are approved for an absentee ballot, there are more deadlines to be aware of. The ballot must be applied for and received in the mail, and then returned to your local government election office. (In New York State, it will be your county’s Board of Elections.) Voting by absentee ballot is counterintuitive to today’s students, Foxx says. “In a lot of ways, that process is a barrier to a lot of students,” he says. While registration must still be done in person or through the mail, organizations like Democracy Works – a nonprofit developed by Harvard students 10 CITY U: A STUDENT’S SURVIVAL GUIDE
that RIT partners with – provide instructional tools. Students who can’t vote – because they’re not US citizens or haven’t registered yet – can still be active community members. That’s where community engagement comes in. Engagement “lets you reflect on the issues you care about and think about them in a different way,” says Joey Loffredo, a member of U of R’s Committee for Political Engagement. And local governments are making decisions that impact Rochester-area college students, he says. “City schools, state assembly, county legislators, they really do stuff that provides help to your university,” Loffredo says. Governments provide a lot of grants to universities. “If you really want your university to thrive,” he says, “it’s important to help get people elected who will help.” Political clubs on campus often discuss current issues and sometimes hold debates, providing ways to stay aware. RIT also has a program called Gray Matter, an open dialogue facilitated by members of the faculty and staff, which allows students to come together and engage with topics that can be a bit sensitive. Most universities have individual policies on political activities that establish appropriate ways for students, faculty, and staff to be active on campus. And to get involved off campus, students can volunteer to help at polling sites or canvass for local politicians. Both RIT and U of R have partnered with the Monroe County Board of Elections in the past, and students can participate in phone banks or invite candidates to campus for an open dialogue – common on SUNY Geneseo’s campus. However you decide to get involved, educating yourself and using your voice are vital. “We could figure out how to disagree without being disagreeable,” Foxx says, “how to view the world through different lenses, and then perhaps things wouldn’t be so tense right now.”
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DO YOU NEED TO GET OUT MORE? [ STUDENT LIFE ] BY EFUA AGYARE-KUMI
It was Eddie Hock’s first year at the University of Rochester, Hanukkah was approaching, and he needed to buy gifts. He wound up at NeedleDrop Records in the South Wedge, on the edge of downtown Rochester. “I went in and I hung out with the owner of this record store,” he says. “I had a 30-minute conversation with this guy about David Foster Wallace or something, and he gives me – free of charge – a Gameboy copy of Tetris.” And that’s how Hock fell in love with downtown and the neighborhoods around it. Now he visits weekly for theater, art, live music, food – whatever suits his fancy. Sounds like your average college student, right? Except that he’s not. Because most of his peers rarely go downtown at all. Hock used to be like that. “I spent all of my time at school within the same mile and a half square, which I don’t think can possibly be very healthy for your mental state,” he says. Almost all of the dozen students from six different colleges interviewed for this story had had the same experience, or witnessed it among their friends. Wil Aiken, a junior at U of R, recalls spending almost his entire first year on the U of R campus. Neal
CHEAT SHEET MAKE TIME FOR SELF-CARE AND SORT THROUGH YOUR EMOTIONS. IT WILL KEEP YOU SANE. 12 CITY U: A STUDENT’S SURVIVAL GUIDE
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Ganguli, a U of R senior who interned in Rochester this past summer, admits that in three months of summer, he had spent more time in the city than he had in the last three years. Rochester Institute of Technology senior Maria Lelie took matters into her own hands last year and gave one of her friends a tour of the city, because the friend was about to graduate and “had never seen anything.” This is the opposite of what city officials like Mayor Lovely Warren would like to see. Universities have large footprints on the towns and cities they are located in, and their
students are a big part of that. In many cities, students spend money there, they volunteer – and often, they stay and build their careers there. That last part isn’t happening in Rochester. Instead, in 2016 CityLab put Rochester in the bottom ten when ranking places where college graduates contribute to the local economy. “In the past, it has been more apt for students to just stay on campus,” Warren says. She recognizes that in order for more college students to settle down in Rochester, they need to have fun both on and off campus, she says. continues on page 14
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But what’s getting in the way of that? “They say that they’re very busy,” says Hock, but he doesn’t buy it. Rather, he says, students are pressured to feel constantly busy. For U of R students, Aiken credits this feeling to the huge, impossible-to-miss, Rush Rhees library, and the “giant statues of scholars everywhere, reminding you of what you have to achieve.” Academic pressure is just the beginning. Nivializ Ortiz goes to St. John Fisher College, where she juggles her nursing coursework and planning two events a month with the Latino Students Association. Most student organizations plan that many as well, and the programming board hosts events four times a week. Throw in a dorm full of friends and a giant meal plan, and you get an environment where students can live, eat, learn, work, and play without ever leaving – or wanting to. The weather is also to blame, says Ganguli. “If there’s a foot of snow, people are barely willing to go to class,” let alone trek downtown. Winters also weed out bikes and scooters as modes of transportation, leaving students who don’t have a car reliant on buses. This, as it turns out, can be a problem. Students have all sorts of explanations for why they don’t use Regional Transit Service buses, Rochester’s main form of public transportation. Ganguli says he found the buses inefficient. “If I took the bus to work it would take me 30, 45 minutes, and if I ride my bike it’s 20,” he says. Aiken’s RTS trips usually end in frustrating but comical situations: He misses his stop or ends up going in the wrong direction entirely. Or even when nothing goes wrong, he finds himself worrying that it will. Lelie, who doesn’t use public transportation back home, describes trying to figure RTS out as a freshman. “It was hell the first time,” she says. Which bus stop was for her bus? When should she pull the ‘Stop Requested’ cord? “I went with a couple of girlfriends,” she says, “and we just, like, panicked.” Getting a car last year, however, has 14 CITY U: A STUDENT’S SURVIVAL GUIDE
ALL-
NIGHTER CATCH STUDENT-MADE MUSIC, THEATER, COMEDY, AND ART SHOWS ON CAMPUS. SUPPORTING YOUR PEERS CAN INSPIRE YOUR OWN CREATIVE ENDEAVORS AND CONNECT YOU MORE WITH YOUR COMMUNITY. allowed Lelie to go in and out of the city as she pleased. On top of all these factors is an even bigger one: a lack of information about the city and what it has to offer. “There aren’t a lot of people thinking ‘I should go to the city,’ because they don’t realize Rochester is a hub,” says Michelle Garrett, senior and editor of the student newspaper at Roberts Wesleyan College. This was the common thread behind every other issue the students had brought up. They shied away from the public bus system in part because they had no information on how to use it. But even if someone had shown them how, they wouldn’t have known where to go. Robust transportation doesn’t fix that problem. U of R has a bus route, called the Orange Line, which loops through southeast city neighborhoods and part of downtown seven days a week. Some U of R students interviewed for this story were surprised to hear that – and some didn’t believe it. Thanks to limited information, the city often gets a bad rap among students. When Hock first arrived, he heard that he was going to a “good school in a bad location.” Aiken says the only news he got from U of R about neighboring areas were crime updates.
“I think from afar, it seems like kind of a sucky city,” Garrett says, “but I love Rochester.” So did every student who frequented it. Aiken, who has visited a number of secondhand bookstores, says he has found Rochester to be a “chatty city,” with open and friendly locals. Ganguli said that after a summer in Rochester, he could see himself potentially living and working here. Lelie calls Rochester a “hidden gem” and praises its complex history and pretty parks. “I think Rochester just has a lot to it that people aren’t seeing,” she says, “and I wish people were seeing it.” Some students want their university to do more to promote the city, through newsletters or residential-life programs. Hock wonders if orientation could include trips to popular downtown destinations, like the Memorial Art Gallery or the Little Theatre. RTS has partnered with Monroe Community College to provide its students with free, universal bus passes, RTS communication manager Tom Brede says. He adds that RTS would like to build more relationships like these where universities and the transit company work together. The transit system is also slated to receive updates that could make it more appealing to a younger, more digital generation, like mobile ticketing, smartcards, and (in specific zones) an on-demand shuttle service similar to UberPool. Mayor Warren wants to make downtown more inviting. “What we’re trying to do is build a culture of engagement downtown that we haven’t had for a number of years,” she says, “because you have to have somewhere to come to.” She hopes that developments like the new skate park lined up and projects planned along the Genesee River, will attract more students. But after all that, it will be up to students to get out and explore. Hock usually goes downtown alone, because going downtown isn’t a normal thing students at U of R do. But, he says, it should be. ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 15
INTERNATIONAL FOOD ROUND-UP [ RESTAURANTS ] BY EFUA AGYARE-KUMI AND JESSICA PAVIA
Rochester colleges and universities are home to an array of talented, passionate, and dedicated students – many of whom are international. And so this list of restaurants and markets, from the Caribbean to Middle Eastern, is especially for friends who said goodbye to their countries to study here. It’s not a comprehensive list, but whether you’re looking for a small taste of home, or you’re a U.S. student looking to try some unfamiliar cuisine, here are some places you can go.
AFRICAN CUISINE
CARIBBEAN CUISINE
Akwaaba
Peppa Pot
1330 Mount Hope Avenue; akwaabarestaurants.com; 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed on Mondays.
522 E Main Street; eatatpeppapot.com; 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, closed Monday.
Food that is halal and ready to order.
Traditional Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine.
Kamara’s
This Is It
777 South Plymouth Avenue; facebook.com/pg/ Kamaras-African-Restaurant; 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sunday.
211 Genesee Street; facebook.com/pg/This-Is-It; open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday.
Delicious, authentic African dishes.
Three words: Jamaican soul food.
Addis Ababa
D’Mangu’s
752 S Goodman Street; addisababaroc.com; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Monday.
154 Genesee Street; dmangu.com; open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Family-owned, family-run.
A family restaurant featuring Dominican food.
Akwaaba
Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant
1657 Mt Hope Avenue; abyssiniarochester. com; 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, closed Monday.
Classic Ethiopian fare.
Caribbean Heritage Restaurant
719 South Plymouth Avenue; caribbeanheritage. net; 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Monday and Sunday.
Zemeta Ethiopian Restaurant
A complete Caribbean experience.
1009 South Clinton Avenue; facebook.com/ gzem14620; 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., closed Sunday.
Reggae Jamaica Restaurant and Bakery
Reasonably priced, authentic.
1485 Dewey Avenue; facebook.com/ ReggaeJamaicaRestaurant; 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Two words: Jerk chicken. 16 CITY U: A STUDENT’S SURVIVAL GUIDE
Peppa Pot
SEA Restaurant
1675 Mount Hope Avenue; facebook.com/ SEARestaurantROC; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Noodle bowls for days. Dac Hoa
230 Monroe Avenue; places.singleplatform. com/dac-hoa/menu?ref=google; 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Vietnamese offerings. Nepali Kitchen
3047 West Henrietta Road; nepalikitchenrochester.com; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, closed Monday.
Traditional Nepali dishes. Naan-Tastic
Han Noodle Bar
ASIAN CUISINE The King and I
1455 East Henrietta Road; thekingandithaicuisine. com; open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
Naan-Tastic
Thai dishes, spiced to order.
100 Marketplace Drive; naan-tastic.com; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Han Noodle Bar
Reimagined Indian food, inspired by family recipes.
687 Monroe Avenue; hannoodlebar.com/ourlocation; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Lo mein. Stir-fry. Pho. Wonton. Tandoor of India (Henrietta)
376 Jefferson Rd; tandoorofindiarochester.com; 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m and 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. every day.
Dining, delivery, and takeout options. Amaya
1900 S Clinton Ave; amayaindiancuisine.com; 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, closed Monday.
Fresh ingredients only; no preservatives.
India House
998 South Clinton Avenue; indiahouse.com; 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Offers a daily lunch buffet. Flavors of Asia
831 South Clinton Avenue; flavorsofasia.weebly. com; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday closed Monday.
A mix of Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese offerings. continues on page 18
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BRAINSTORM
MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE
GO GREEN: USE REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES AND CARRY REUSABLE STRAWS, WALK AND BIKE MORE, CHECK OUT LOCAL THRIFT STORES, AND TAKES SMALLER PORTIONS AT THE DINING HALL TO DECREASE FOOD WASTE.
Sinbad’s
719 Park Avenue; mysinbads.com; 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.
Classic Mediterranean offerings – think pitas and kebabs. As Evi Turkish Cuisine & Halal Restaurant
315 East Ridge Road; facebook.com/asevirochester; 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, closed Monday.
Sinbads
In so many words: a Kebab house. Aladdin’s Natural Eatery
646 Monroe Avenue; myladdins.com; 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
A reliable go-to. Cafe 35
400 Jefferson Road; cafe35roc.com; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday.
A tasty Turkish place (that also has Belgian waffles).
MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE Sultan Lebanese Cuisine & Bakery
1659 Mount Hope Avenue; sultanlebanesecuisinebakery.com; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.daily.
Shawarma and flatbreads. Cedar
746 Monroe Ave. facebook.com/Cedar-MediterraneanRestaurant-329988397368746/ 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday.
Gyros, kebabs, shawarma, and more. Chortke
352 North Goodman Street; facebook.com/ Chortkehouseofkabob; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday.
Persian flavors in the Village Gate. El Cuchifrito
18 CITY U: A STUDENT’S SURVIVAL GUIDE
LATIN AMERICAN CUISINE Juan & Maria’s Empanada Stop
280 North Union Street; juanandmarias.com; 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.
Endless empanadas inside the public market.
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Los Gallos Mexican Taqueria
CORNHOLE
2700 West Ridge Road; losgallosmexgrill.net; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
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Puebla native-owned eatery.
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El Cuchifrito Restaurant and Lounge
1733 Norton Street; facebook.com/ elcuchifritorestaurantandlounge; 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday.
Newly opened, with authentic Puerto Rican fare.
MARKETS AND STORES FOR INTERNATIONAL FOOD PRODUCTS International Food Market
2439, 376 Jefferson Road; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Anything and everything you can imagine. Halal Market & Meats
377 East Ridge Road; halalmarketandmeats. com; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday.
Provides halal-certified meats, poultry and groceries
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D&L Groceries
1005 Genesee Street.; dlgroceries.com; 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday.
Caribbean, African, and Central American groceries and meals. Asia Food Market
1885 Brighton Henrietta Town Line Road; asiafoodmkt.com; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Also offers quick prepared meals and dim sum. ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 19
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[ FINANCE ] BY EFUA AGYARE-KUMI AND JESSICA PAVIA
There’s a lot being blamed on student debt these days. Millennials are taking longer to buy houses or start families because of it. The economy is staggering under the $1.5 trillion burden. It’s no wonder that not one but two Democrats in the presidential race are promising to wipe it all away. Still, it’s too early to throw caution to the wind, and if you have loans you’re going to need a plan. To help with that reality, we interviewed three people at different levels of the student lending operation: Renee Swift, the Associate Director of Financial Aid at Nazareth College; Karyn Rando, Director of Counseling Operations at Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Rochester; and University of Rochester alumnus Aleem Griffiths, who paid off $21,325 of student debt in just over a year. Here’s their advice on how to stay on top of your loans, from edited versions of our interviews.
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RENEE SWIFT CITY: What do students ask the most in relation to financial aid and loans, scholarships, grants, and all that? Swift: That really depends on the part of the
year that they’re in. Overall, the question is how to pay for it and minimize the loan as much as humanly possible. At this stage, we’re getting a lot of incoming new-student questions on how to pay, and going through our whole gamut of how our billing office offers a payment plan. What are the common pieces of advice or tips that you give students about paying off their debt?
Only borrowing what you need, trying to do a good assessment of what your needs really are, and not maximizing out your loan debt every single year. Some of our students are work-study students, and use that money to pay off their unsubsidized loan every year. And if a student sees a negative balance on their student account, that’s an indication to them that they borrowed too much and should return the extra loan. Over the years that you’ve been in this role, what have you found most students or families are unaware of?
I think the whole financial aid process itself is a mystery, and a lot of families freak out with the loan piece especially. Student loans are a reality; borrowing smartly and wisely is the responsibility of the student and the family. I would have never been able to go to college without them. It’s just walking that line of “Yes, we understand it’s not the ideal form of financial aid, but it’s a form of financial aid that is available,” and letting the family make that decision.
KARYN RANDO CITY: How does CCCS work with students or their families on student loans? I know that part of the company does have a large role in that field.
ILLUSTRATION BY RYAN WILLIAMSON
20 CITY U: A STUDENT’S SURVIVAL GUIDE
Rando: We’ve been doing student loan counseling for a few years now, and we’ve been seeing individuals who are coming to us who have already completed college, or went back for a few semesters, and they’re at the point of repaying their student loans. Most are struggling with student loans they have now and are obligated to pay. They’re coming to us to give them guidance on the repayment options, how to bring your account out of default status, and to work towards bringing the account current.
What do you find post-graduates or students returning for a few classes are unaware of?
Well, I think a big part is the differences in the types of loans you can take out. There are the federal loans, where the interest rates are lower and there are more options for repayment. And I would say the private student loans typically have higher interest rates and are a bit more difficult in terms of repayment and in having options available, because you have to work directly with that banking institution.
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What do meetings with college students typically focus on?
We focus mostly on the budgeting aspect: How do you create a budget? What is credit? It’s really Finance 101. Employers are now pulling credit reports to see where their finances are, and it could come down to you getting your dream job or first job out of college, and whether or not your credit is in good standing. Why is it important for students to create budgets?
I think it’s easy to over-extend if you have no concept of what your budget is. Sometimes students will actually take out more in student loans than they need as a way to live off of if they’re not working part-time. Have an understanding of what you can afford, so you don’t just revert back to your credit card. Those extra activities add up, and there’s interest on those credit cards. So whatever amount they’re using credit cards for — for the pizza, the drinks — they’re actually paying a bit more.
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If you could let undergraduate and graduate students know one thing, what would that be?
Your budget and credit play a huge part in your goals. Pulling your credit report at least once a year to make sure it doesn’t have any blemishes on it is important to reaching those goals. If you miss a payment, that’s the biggest hit against your credit score, so make sure you’re making your payments on time, even if it’s just the minimum payment amount. ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 21
U of R alumnus Aleem Grifiths eliminated his student debt – over $10,000 – in just over a year. PHOTO BY RENÉE HEININGER
How has your thinking evolved over time?
Initially I thought, “It’s only $21,000. I’m going to be making about $33,00 a year. I can knock that out in six, seven months.” But I didn’t realize how unrealistic that was when you’re also paying for an apartment, and food, and other pop-up expenses. So then I realized I could probably finish by early June, and that became my next goal. Tell me about your saving strategies.
Well, first I picked the lowest payment plan, which was $100 per month. I wasn’t sure what type of job I would have yet, and I wanted to make sure that it would be prudent for me if I was unemployed. I also didn’t want to be contractually obligated to pay an exorbitant amount. I just chose my lowest amount and went at it as much as I could. If I made any extra money I would throw it at my loans. I also stopped eating out. I ate mostly PB&J sandwiches, because bread costs like $2.50 a loaf, jelly costs $2 or $3. All together jelly, peanut butter, and bread cost about $10 and last you a month or so. If you eat out for lunch: it’s $10 a meal. Also, the bus here only costs $1 a ride, so I limited my Uber and Lyft use and stuck to public transport. I live with my roommate, so my bills for rent and utility are split. It sounds like you made a lot of sacrifices.
ALEEM GRIFFITHS CITY: How did you come to have student loans? Griffiths: I was a student of Higher Education Opportunity
Program, which helps students who come from an economically or educationally challenging background. Thanks to them, I only owed about $4,000 for every year that I was here, but coming from my background I wasn’t able to pay that without loans. When I was in high school, I didn’t understand what loans meant. I didn’t realize they were something I would have to pay.
‘A’ FOR EFFORT
Definitely. I used to tell my closest friends, “As soon as I’m done paying off my loans, I’m going to get double meat at Chipotle.” I haven’t ordered Chipotle in a long time. I didn’t really splurge on Christmas or my birthday. There’s sacrifice in terms of material objects. But I feel good about it, because now it’s difficult for me to spend money now. What advice would you give your freshman self?
Try to not fail any classes: you will pay for that in some way. And save your money. If I had started paying off my loans earlier, maybe I wouldn’t have had so much when I graduated.
BUY TEXTBOOKS ONLY AS A LAST RESORT. FIRST, SEARCH ONLINE FOR PDF’S, RENT THROUGH AMAZON, AND CHECK FACEBOOK TO SEE WHICH UPPERCLASSMEN ARE SELLING SECOND-HAND COPIES.
22 CITY U: A STUDENT’S SURVIVAL GUIDE
CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO SPEAK UP DURING CLASS. IT CAN BE INTIMIDATING TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS PUBLICLY, BUT A SINCERE CONTRIBUTION BENEFITS EVERYONE.
ROCHESTERCITYNEWSPAPER.COM 23
24 CITY U: A STUDENT’S SURVIVAL GUIDE