As I work over the summer on some personal projects, it’s crazy to think that I will be heading into my very last year at RIT in the 3D Digital Design major. I’ve already learned so much throughout my time here with so many amazing experiences, and I think it’s important to reflect back on some of the best RIT support areas I found that helped me throughout my studies.
One of the most important things to me has and always will be all the other knowledgeable and passionate people around me. All the amazing professors here have at least four office hours per week, so if you ever need to ask additional questions or get extra help on something, they’re available and usually super flexible. In my own experience they are great with arranging different meeting times should you not be able to make their set hours. I find that many professors in general just really enjoy the company of being visited and it’ll definitely help strengthen your professional relationships. Keep those connections strong with your teachers and learn a thing or two more along the way!
As a 3D Design major heavily focused on a profession using a computer, a second huge help is the many computer labs we have available in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences. We have one designated specifically for my major for which I have swipe access till midnight, and should I ever want to stay longer or the whole night to get ahead or keep learning I just keep the door cracked! It has all the software to support me in my studies relevant to my major. I love the computer labs because when I’m in there I’m distraction free from things going on at home, and not focused on all the other fun events RIT provides on campus.
With staying in the computer lab at night I have my friends who are all working just as hard as I am, which puts me in a working mood and gives me a stronger drive to get things done. Another huge benefit of this is actually being able to bounce ideas off of your friends and colleagues, which will only strengthen your own work as you get immediate feedback while you're still working. More nights than not I find myself working in the computer labs till late to help me stay ahead and on top of what I love to do the most. I always encourage working on campus - the results really show if you do.
Another huge base of knowledge I use a ton on campus is the different advisors RIT provides. We have financial aid advisors, academic advisors and co-op advisors to help us with any questions on the related topics we may have. I’ve been to all three on countless occasions when I have questions, and with RIT’s e-mail system it’s super easy to stay in touch with them all! Often they’re checking in on me and making sure I’m staying informed with all the relevant info I would have asked about otherwise!
What I’ve talked about is just a small sample of the support you’ll find here at RIT. With other support systems like the Wallace Library to help me study and find credible information, the Writing Commons to help teach me to be a better writer, help with tutoring when needed through the Academic Support Center, and of course, all the coffee shops on campus to keep me focused, I can do anything I set my mind to. RIT has gone above and beyond in helping me reach my goal to be the best artist and professional I can be.