Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ, USA

Reviews

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Lawrenceville, NJ

a current student here
39 people found this review useful
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Am learning a lot
Rutgers University is an excellent school because it offers various majors and minors to accommodate every student. Their Pharmacy, Engineering, as well as Business schools are widely acclaimed and their challenging programs drastically prepare you for life beyond college. Nearly every class at school is demanding in order for the student to attain the most knowledge and experience they can but it all comes down to the student. Teachers and Professors are available for extra help beyond classroom time in case one needs additional tutoring. However, if the student does not take the class seriously, then they will miss out on many important lessons both academic as well as life. I found it difficult to adjust in the beginning because I thought classes will be as easy as they were in high school, but I quickly learned that I was very wrong. That is why I labeled it as four stars, the missing star is not the school’s fault- but rather, it is mine. It is mine because I was the one who slacked off in the beginning but I cannot put any of the blame on the school’s curriculum. The classes are very doable but the student needs to put in their one hundred percent. It is better to have a demanding school than an easy and lenient one because it will better prepare you for the future and make you into a more highly educated and highly capable student.
Am enjoying being here
Rutgers University is a school in which you are almost guaranteed in finding yourself. With such a large school and vast population, you will find numerous people that are like you and even more students that are very different from you. Due to the very high diversity of people including racially, ethnically, and religiously, every single day at Rutgers is a learning experience about people in general. There are so many different people that it amazes me how everyone can cooperate to make such a big school run efficiently. You will never feel out of place and that is one of the most important reasons that it is so much fun attending Rutgers University. Also, those that are living on campus will experience an even greater form of entertainment because you will gain an irrevocable bond with many of the people in your building that are dissimilar from each other. Late nights, study sessions, going out, are all things you will mostly do with your building that turns into a memory that will last a lifetime. The only thing I do not really enjoy about Rutgers University is the bus system. Since it is such a big school, the only possible way to move from one campus to the other is on busses. Even though they are frequent, sometimes during rush hour, it takes twice as long returning from one campus to another. Sometimes I wish the school campus was smaller and the buildings were closer together so that I could walk from one place to another. Besides the bus system, the school is a very interesting place and I enjoy it fully and believe that anyone else who attends will also feel the same.
Bang for the buck
Rutgers University is a highly affordable school for being a widely acclaimed state school. Tuition ranges nearly around $10,000 which when compared to many other schools, seems to be one of the main factors in why students attend this school. For the many resources provided, such as nearly 5 grand libraries, it seems as if we are allowed to get more than what we paid for. The only downside of Rutgers University is that course books and accessories needed are very expensive. You spend nearly $300-$500 a semester on course texts. However, the tuition is very affordable and according to many other friends, the school provides many scholarships. It also allows many loans to be taken out to pay for schooling because that is one of the most convenient ways to temporarily pay for college. Use the resources provided to its full potential and you will realize that we are getting more than what we paid for.
Tips for prospective students
One of the most important tips anyone can give is to wait to buy your text books until class has started. Try to check online websites that offer cheaper prices for books or find students that have taken that class to see if you can either borrow the book or pay a small price to keep the books. If you buy it from the bookstore right away, you will be guaranteed spending nearly $500 when you could have nearly saved $100 to $200. Go to class for the first couple times to see if you even use the book. Another very important advice I can give is to purchase the smallest amount of dining hall plans possible (210 for freshman) because most people still have 30-50 meals left at the end of the semester. This is especially for the students who go home on most weekends. If you do run out, there is the possibility of purchasing more but if you purchase more, you can not refund on what’s left. Also, one of the three biggest tips I attained when I went to school is: GET HELP! Attend office hours (which are outside classroom time with professors or aids) if you need clarification or extra practice. This is the best way to understand the material better because it is one of your only chances of one on one time with the professor. Most classes at Rutgers range from 200-400 students so take advantage of any office hours provided. In general, this is a great school and students will have a lot of fun as well as attain a lot of knowledge.
Great for these types of students
Rutgers University is great for many types of people from various education backgrounds to even different personality types. As I had mentioned previously, the school accommodates almost every type of student there is. This school will be more beneficial to those students who can learn in a large classroom setting since some classes range from 200-400 people and some science classes even have 600 people! Don’t let that intimidate you because it really is not that bad and there are office hours that each professor is required to have in case students need additional help or clarification or practice. This school is especially great for those people who intend on meeting very different people. Due to its large population, you meet someone new almost every single day! I honestly think that any one will enjoy this school as much as I do as long as they are open-minded to different people and to different ideas. This is of course the four most important years of our lives!

Annie

a current student here
18 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
This is one aspect I guarantee you will feel the same way about. Having about 3-5 academic classes and 1-2 seminars per semester allowed me to really focus on the information presented. I found that teachers were incredibly effective and helpful, and I remember sitting in class wondering to myself why my high school teacher couldn't explain the info this way or answer a particular question. Take classes you are interested in! You will always be more likely to understand and pay attention in class because the information relates to you. Honestly, I am very surprised at how much I learned the first year not only in class, but about the school, others and myself.
Am enjoying being here
The sun never sets on the Rutgers campuses Rutgers is an incredibly diverse and upbeat place. One will always find something to do from rock climbing to dancing, or from singing to sculpture making. Rutgers hosts numerous activities including concerts, football games, marathons, clubs, sports, leagues and intramural games, sororities/frats; you name it, they got it! There are tons of people to meet and even more places to go. This is one area where everyone can find their niche.
Bang for the buck
Most don't know that Rutgers was asked to become an ivy league school and turned down the offer. Rutgers wanted to make its resources equally available to all without the expensive private-school price tag. Considering its elite professors and staff, second largest transit system, endless extra curricular and research opportunities, top notch classes, and public school tuition; Rutgers is easily one of the top choice schools for a rock bottom price.
Tips for prospective students
Dont take more then 16-17 credits per semester! You have as much time as you need to finish school. It's better to take your time and do well every year then jam your schedule and have to take the same classes again the next semester because you failed them. Remember! Slow and Steady win the race! Also, make sure that you go to academic advising even if you think you don't need it; You DO! Stay on top of deadlines and make sure come scheduling time that you have three times the amount of classes you really want because most likely you will not get every one you want. (and if you don't get them first off don't panic! Classes constantly change, I had 7 credits going into my second semester and a few weeks before classes started everything fell into place and I had a perfect schedule) Also, do yourself a favor. Don't declare a major before you've even started school. You may think you know what you want to do, but why wouldn't you want to just take some fun classes you are interested in and see where it takes you? You are finally FREE! Give yourself a chance and take classes you WANT to take for once and see where it takes you! Lastly, become a studyblue.com member. Its free and you get rewards for posting your class notes online. Its an awesome site, you can view peoples notes and check on info you don't understand and its always nice to have a little reward incentive :)
Great for these types of students
Rutgers is literally great for everyone. Im not joking. You may be sitting there thinking this is definitely not the school for me; it's too big, it's not an ivy, I don't know what I want to do etc. etc. STOP! Rutgers has over 200 majors and a similar number of minors, there will ALWAYS be an opportunity for you to get a degree in what interests you. You can even create your OWN major with dean approval. Yes, the school is big, but for the most part you are never on all of the campuses anyway and you get used to the busing system in about 10 days. I am definitely an introvert and I was able to not not only adapt to Rutgers, but also end up loving it within a month of being there. It is great for students who like to be busy, involved, play sports or intramural sports, be in clubs/associations/sororities/or frats, have many people around, want a suburban/city atmosphere, like to live off campus but still be close to school, want extra activities available (dance, art, outdoor, traveling), are interested in study abroad, seeking credited professors, want free academic, physical and psychological services available 24/7, want equal opportunities, want to research with professors, like many large quiet libraries, lounges and computer labs, and take classwork seriously.

Ariel from Somerset, NJ

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Rutgers University - New Brunswick is a prestigious State University with a valuable reputation, in regards to the athletics, research opportunities, and overall curriculum for all the majors. As a nursing major, I find my curriculum to be amazing and solid for creating the best nurses. Rutgers is a large university that offers lots of opportunities for all the student, our only job is to take the initiative and take advantage of all the opportunities provided.
Tips for prospective students
I highly recommend prospective students to work hard in getting a high GPA and SAT, so that Rutgers actually offers you some money. Also take advantage of the AP courses and exams, because they can save you from taking electives, and you can sometimes skip courses LIKE EXPOSITORY WRITING. PASS AP ENGLISH LANG OR LIT. AP courses are nothing compared to college classes. Just do it. Attend many events, get to know the people around you and in your major, and have fun. But not too much fun, because I personally study like 20+ hours a week for my classes. You will learn in college that it is not as easy as you think it is. It's only easy if you are a studious student.
Academic Rigor
Rutgers is an institution with a rigorous curriculum. Do not take things lightly here. There are some easy elective classes, but there are some difficult mandatory courses. It all usually depends on the professor. The academic rigor really depends on your major. As a nursing major, freshman year is when they weed out those who are unsure about nursing with the hardest course like at Rutgers: Anatomy & Physiology. But after that, you can only go up.
Dorm Life
I commute, but I have visited friends in the two following dorms: Honors College on College Avenue and New Gibbons on Cook/Douglass. The Honors College is gorgeous. Amazing interior and the RAs are great. The amenities within the dormitory are one of the best on campus, but nothing will ever beat the Livingston Apartments. New Gibbons is a residence hall that is average. My friend seems to like it, but there is no air conditioning in the building, and its a small dormitory. Overall, it depends on where you live. Here is the layout:
College Avenue - Never quiet; party scene; can be scary at night.
Busch - Usually calm unless someone throws a party and gets drunk; Asian central; all the engineering majors live here.
Livingston - Fancy area; apartments are just where everyone wants to live
Cook/Douglass - Silent farmland; Usually agriculture, bio, nutrition majors; Not updated; originally a women's college.
Food and Dining
For commuters without a meal plan: Student centers have good enough food (Wendys, Subway, Moes, Burger King, Sbarro, Dunkin, Currito, etc), but spending can really add up, so I recommend bringing food from home.
For commuters with a meal plan: Good idea!
For everyone with a meal plan:
College Ave-Brower - known as the worst, but it is not bad at all. Just compared to others, its the bottom choice. I actually like their food. I would not call it worst, just mediocre.
Busch Dining Hall - Have been there multiple times and their food is nice. Theirs a cooked-to-order pasta line. It's average.
Cook/Douglass-Neilson - Have been there multiple times and they have pretty good dinners. I like their pasta, although it is not cooked-to-order. It's average. (Neilson and Busch are switched from being 2nd and 3rd place).
Livingston Dining Hall - BEST. DINING. HALL. The dining hall itself is gorgeous and cozy. Food options are similar to the rest, but everything looks nice, new, and clean. I would eat anything on livi.
*Do not expect high-quality. Just expect something delightful.
*Always greet the dining staff. They love the students who are sweet.
What to do for fun
JOIN CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS! If you don't join, you will regret it. Find friends with the same interests as you! If you don't have time, at least attend RUPA's events! I attended an event with Brandon Stanton, the creator of HONY, and i loved it. But spots for RUPA events can fill up fast. So be quick and smart. Make friends in your major and/or dorm! I love my nursing class! They are amazing people I hope I can stay with for life. If you enjoy the party scene, go for it. It's not as nice as you would think it is. Some people I know regret going to a party.
Bang for the buck
In-state tuition is beautiful! Then there is Federal Pell Grant and HESAA which decrease tuition even more (for me at least since I don't dorm). I'm glad to attend a great university that allows me to not worry too much about student debt after I graduate. If you dorm and got no money, I recommend looking into the living options after freshman year, or applying to scholarships! Out-of-State students, I feel for you.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
On Cook/Douglass, there is the passion pond and the notorious kissing bridge. It's cute, but the bridge is a bit sketchy. At the end of Busch, where the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy is located, there is Woody's. A delicious food place! It should be closer honestly. As a nursing student, there is a cafe in the nearby hospital that accepts meal swipes. So my friends can get me food lol. Lucy Hall on Livingston is the dumbest building created. It is a labyrinth.
Great for these types of students
Students interested in research! Rutgers is, I think, the largest research college. This college is not for the lazy types. You need to be SMART, and know when to put down the phone. I have friends who enjoy the Mason Gross Arts program here. I love the nursing program. Athletics here are also great!
Clubs and Activities
At the beginning of each semester there is an involvement fair to showcase all the clubs and organizations offered by Rutgers! GO TO IT! You won't regret the 2-3 hours spent there! You can get free stuff too! There will be at least one club that you will love and dedicate your time to!
Greek Life
Not really sure! I know a couple girls who want to be in a sorority and it looks fun. Frats are cool, but some have rude guys. Be careful of going to parties at Frats! They may call you ugly behind your back or right to your face. They are disgusting people. They are just as ugly as they think you are, so its honestly not worth your time to go. But if you are into greek life, go for it!
Campus Safety
Campus police are always on patrol. We get constant alerts through email or text right when an incident occurs. They want to keep us safe. Especially on college avenue, they are there for us since its so close to downtown New Brunswick. The campus police are very efficient and work to make us safe and ultimately feel safe being on campus during the day and night.

Devin from Hazlet, NJ

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
You learn as much as you want, it's all about putting in the effort. Some kids skate by and take advantage of the bigger classes and never really go to lectures or learn much. Others go to every class and every exam and take a lot from it. Just like the rest of college, it is what you make it.
Am enjoying being here
I've only been at Rutgers for a year, and I can honestly say I look forward to the school year now more than I do the summer. It's so easy to make friends, considering there are 20,000 people there, and there's always something fun going on when you have down time. Whether it's sporting events, parties, concerts, guest speakers, clubs, intramural sports, etc., there is always something to do.
Bang for the buck
Only around $12,000 or so for two full semsters in tuition and meals, and you can take up to 18 credits a semester. Factor in another $8,000-$9,000 for room and board, which aren't bad accomodations for a dorm, I loved it.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved! I joined club baseball and got to travel to Florida with the team on spring break where we got to play teams from around the country and enjoy our time off at the beach as well. I also pledged Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity and made friends that I know I'll be close with for a lifetime. Rutgers is what you make of it, so get out there, start meeting people, and get involved! Make sure you take care of your work in the classroom too, because it can be tough to find balance being away from home for the first time.
Great for these types of students
Outgoing people - there are so many people at school, don't be afraid to introduce yourself.
Motivated students - Professors won't stay on you and keep buggin you for late assignments, you NEED to stay on top of things.
Time managers - It's easy to get caught up in the social life of Rutgers, so you need to balance your schedule between classes and social events.

Naomi from Newark, NJ

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Definitely. You will learn even if you sleep, not just academically, responsibility wise as well. Keep on top of things and sign up for as many possible programs to aid in your transition to college as possible. Make the load that is bound to come, much easier on yourself.
Am enjoying being here
I have learned to enjoy it much more than I had anticipated. I was all for small universities and colleges, but Rutgers has made a significant affect on my view of college.
Bang for the buck
Try to get as much government aid as possible, dorm expenses combined with a mandatory meal-plan as a freshman will kill your parents pockets if you are not EOF or are commuting.
Tips for prospective students
Rutgers is a challenging place to attend school if you are easily discouraged. As a freshman, I commuted not because I could not afford to live on campus, but because my parents were afraid to let me dorm. This put a tremendous strain on how I experienced college. Yet, it did not stunt my views on college life. Academics at Rutgers if you are an engineering, math, science, nursing, pharmacy, arts major are rigorous. Do not be fooled, partying happens but so does exams that you must prepare for and shops that you have to stay long hours to complete various activities in. All in all, it is a blast. Learning about yourself through the eyes of your peers and those faculty that you become close to, teaches you a lot about who you are. Discouragement and depression about an exam grade or a test scores or even your GPA in your first year at Rutgers is bound to occur. However, at the end of that spring semester, when you look back you will be thankful to have experienced so much, learned so much, and enjoyed your time budding into young adulthood. This school, though not my dream school, nor my first pick has indeed opened my eyes to reality. As a prospective student, strap down and be prepared for a ride.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for people with good and bad study habits, high and low GPA's and a lot of ambition. Any major apply, but know that you must be prepared to be challenged and actually learn much more than you thought you could in high school. If a new scene is what you are looking for, you will find it here. There are plenty of different cultures and people of all races here, you will become immersed in diversity and that is from every spectrum, academically, socially, culturally. Prepare to be embraced.

Samir from Jersey City, NJ

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Rutgers University provides a broad range of academic programs and exiting career fields. Students come from all over the world to take part in Rutgers academic tradition that has an educational legacy for over 235 years. The School of Arts and Sciences, School of Pharmacy, School of Engineering, and School of Environmental Sciences are the top schools that interest prospective students. In both classrooms and lecture halls, professors are more than willing to help students after class or during their office hours. Work assignments can be accessed and must be completed online, like Rutgers Sakai during the course of a semester. Learning presents itself outside the university, where students can seize internship and fellowship opportunities in, hospitals, research institutions, non-profit companies etc. Rutgers Career Services is available for students to access and explore career plans, graduate schools, and build strong resumes.
Am enjoying being here
Students have an exciting opportunity to live and explore each of the five campuses (Busch, Livingston, College Ave, Cook, and Douglass). Outside of class, students can socialize with peers and friends in the campus dining halls at any time. Although the food courts get crowded during school days, the food is great and is paid through meal swipes or RU Express. In New Brunswick, the Rutgers bus system is very efficient, arriving every 10 minutes to stops in each campus during weekdays and runs to accommodate students in the weekends as well. Often, the buses get overcrowded during days of severe weather. Students can get free tickets to Rutgers football and basketball games and be part of the Scarlet Fever. In the spring semester, Rutgers Day (April 25th) is an auspicious day which is celebrated in each of the five campuses. Along with students, parents and relatives visit and tour on the campus and engage in many outdoor activities on that day. Rutgersfest is a thrilling event, where concerts take place, there is free food, and a great chance to make new friends. For on-campus housing, students get free wireless internet access in their dormitories/apartments as well as in comfortable study lounges and working areas in libraries. Recreational centers are open in each campus for students to stay in reasonable shape with an in-door pool, basketball courts, and weight rooms.
Bang for the buck
Rutgers is a state university in New Jersey, so the university receives funds. For low-income students, there is Equal Opportunity Funds (EOF) to earn aid and academic counseling. For the most part, the university offers scholarships for out-of-state students. 80-90% students receive some kind financial aid package based on their FAFSA. As an EOF student, I am receiving some financial aid next year. Students can also apply for Work-Study and work on-campus during the fall and spring terms to cover expenses. I am doing work-study for the entire academic year in order to cut the costs of the Stafford subsidized loan I borrowed. Moreover, the Dean and advisors of each school offer scholarships to students based on their academic credentials.
Tips for prospective students
Rutgers University is professionally business-orientated university. I advise prospective students to manage their finances carefully. Students should choose a meal plan that is fitting. If you receive a refund check, consider the costs of books for a semester and any borrowed loans. As for the social atmosphere, keep in mind that time is money. You are now responsible for deciding what classes to take, how to structure your time, and with whom to associate. Leisure time should be expended for studying for first-year students. Freshmen, who work to set the foundation for their graduate studies by establishing a high GPA, are more prone to find success in this university. In addition, never let your ego and confidence take best of you in courses that are not challenging and seemingly a waste of your time. Students on Pre-Med track should consider not taking too many science courses in one term. In addition, I recommend students to utilize tutoring services, such as OADSIS for pre-med students and Writing Centers for specialized writing/research courses, to perform well in class. Most importantly, learn to become an active member of the community fresh and early.


Great for these types of students
Rutgers University offers endless extracurricular opportunities. The Glee Club, Residence Hall Association, and Student Government, are some of the many popular organizations. In this ethically diverse and high-spirited community, students can find also multi-ethnic clubs and organizations. Rutgers University Student who seek to pledge and join a fraternity and sorority are more than welcomed. Networking is the key for any future profession. I find the blend of urban and rural environment very comforting Ultimately, Rutgers is suitable for anyone who strongly believes that education is his or her own creation. Henceforth, Rutgers is a prestigious university that proudly stands by the slogan “Jersey Roots, Global Reach.”

Joanna

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Rutgers New Brunswick has the prestige of being one of the 8 earliest founded colleges in the nation and is often ranked within the 100 best colleges in the world, for less than half the cost of an Ivy League school. Research opportunities, networking, and rigorous academics are in abundance for those looking for it, and an outstanding social atmosphere here also awaits you - Rutgers is truly one big happy family, and you can sense the unspoken bond all Rutgers students share.
Tips for prospective students
If you're considering any other colleges, don't look any further. Rutgers has all you need and then some by tenfold, for a reasonable pricetag. While the sheer size of Rutgers is often the deciding factor in why students say no to Rutgers, do not be intimidated. As you get familiarized with the bus system and different campuses, join clubs and make friends, you'll notice you will find familiar faces nearly everywhere you go. Many of my friends regret going to small colleges because the clique aspect is still alive and well in many smaller schools. Well, not here. Everyone is so friendly and willing to adopt you into their friend group. Striking up a conversation with nearly anyone is bound to have favorable results, and with all the clubs and organizations you can join, NOT making friends is virtually impossible. Shy people rejoice! Tips? Challenge yourself academically, be open minded when meeting new people, be kind, and balance work and play in a healthy manner!
Academic Rigor
It's challenging! Rutgers may have a reputation for being a party school, but everywhere you look there are students poring over their books and typing away at computers. Exams come frequently and essays all over. Rutgers is definitely no joke when it comes to the academia, but don't be worried! With all the tutoring, learning centers, workshops, and advising offices there are you have plenty of resources to help you reach new heights with your studies. As long as you actively seek help if you need it, you'll do great.
Dorm Life
I'm one of the lucky freshmen that got placed into College Ave dorms, which is pretty rare since College Ave is the most sought after campus. Of course, Livingston, Busch, Cook and Douglass also have dorms that are just as pretty, but a lot more secluded than the bustle of College Ave and downtown New Brunswick. Some dorms have air conditioning, some don't, some have extra fancy things, some don't. I love dorm life much more than I thought I would, as long as you go into it with a positive attitude and you're kind, you shouldn't have any problem whatsoever with dorming. In fact, you will probably learn to really love it. Living with people just like you and the ability to make friends with people is so beautiful, as is the community aspect of it! Also, if you're in a particular major or have a special interest, there is special interest housing and living/learning communities tailored to what you do. For example, French majors can be placed in an all-french major floor so they can immerse themselves in the language and improve. There are also LGBTQ housing options, housing for female STEM majors, honestly, anything you can name. Dorming is pricey but a very rewarding experience.
Food and Dining
There are four dining halls, so you can take your pick and even if you're on a campus that isn't yours, food is never far away. The food isn't bad, and there are certain restaurants and eateries that take meal swipes if you're not feeling dining hall food. It may not be the tastiest food you've ever eaten, but in comparison to most other colleges, we're very spoiled.
What to do for fun
The fun really never ends at Rutgers. Clubs you probably could never imagine existing are here, there are parties, there are plays you can catch, a movie theatre on campus, there are nature trails to walk, gyms to work out in, restaurants, shopping, games to watch, and events that are programmed by various organizations on campus that are either free or very inexpensive to attend. For example, fall harvest festivals, concerts, movie screenings, art exhibitions, and so many more. You will never be bored at Rutgers if you keep your eyes peeled for fun events that are happening on campus.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Getting fat sandwiches from the grease trucks!
Great for these types of students
There is so much diversity at Rutgers and so many different majors that Rutgers can be tailored to fit any student's goals, interests, passions.
Clubs and Activities
At the start of every year, there's a Student Involvement Fair, where College Ave is completely shut down and all the clubs and organizations set up booths so you can find out more info about them. Sign up for the ones that interest you and attend their events! It's really that easy. And you won't have a problem finding one that interests you, in fact, you'll probably find too many that interest you!

Emily from NJ

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
There are so many opportunities to attend speeches or seminars, practically daily. In class you learn what you are required to in your syllabus, and then you also learn about the professor's research and the field. Every professor is required to have a research project, since Rutgers is a research university, so they are all very knowledgeable on their areas of interest.
Am enjoying being here
There are lots of things to do! Rutgers is a big school - a really big school since it spans 2 both New Brunswick and Piscataway. With 3 different campuses to choose from, there are always activities going on. There are events that RUPA organizes, like Hot Dog Day or Rutgersfest, and then there are events hosted by different clubs or sororities/fraternities. Apart from the events, there are gyms on every campus, a golf course on Busch campus, a frisbee track on the Cook/Douglass campus, and much more. Plus, you can always go into New Brunswick or hop on the train to New York, both within walking distance from the College Ave campus.
Bang for the buck
I received a scholarship from Rutgers that was granted to me because of a combination of my SAT score and my class ranking/percentile. I also commute from home - about a 40 minute commute - so I only pay a few hundred dollars a year to attend.
Tips for prospective students
If you want to apply, apply earlier rather than late. The school has probably over 10,000 applicants each year, and you want yours to be read sooner to ensure your spot. While a lot of people have said that anyone in NJ can get into Rutgers, I know people that have gotten rejected because they had one bad grade on their transcript. And write the essay on the application. I know it's optional, but write it anyway. Make sure to visit the campus and see all 3 campuses, so you can get a feel for the school. Also, talk to multiple advisors, because they may have different advice or one may be more knowledgeable about your concern than another.
Great for these types of students
People who do not want to be at a school located in the middle of nowhere, but don't want to be in a big city either. People who are looking to explore a variety of interests and areas of study. People who want to have fun.

RUNBNursing

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Although it's a large University, if you're involved you will meet a lot of people and be able to network. As a nursing student: the building is small and apart from the rest of the university but a short walk from George st. where the campus bus stops. Lots of events offered by many organizations, many are free and extremely fun to go.
Tips for prospective students
Getting in contact with admissions, financial aid office, etc., is difficult so keep harassing them and calling till they have helped you.
If you can commute, do it (unless you can afford dorming) because there is so many things to do and events to go to that you will still make friends and meet people with having a huge debt.
Although it is sometimes describes as a safety school, the rigor of the classes might surprise you so don't underestimate the difficulty level.
Academic Rigor
Depends on your major but you might be surprised. Definitely more difficult than most people think. As a nursing major, classes have been quite difficult, but there's lots of studying resources (tutoring, office hours).
Dorm Life
Sorry, I commute!
Food and Dining
I commute but I like to go the the restaurants in the student centers (Wendy's Burger Kind, Pizzerias, greek food, burritos, Dunkin Donuts, quite versitile!). I've heard many good things about the dinning halls although I don't go there as I don't have a meal plan.
What to do for fun
Many events offered by school organization (especially RUPA). Bars and restaurants in close proxity. Relatively close to NYC and the shore.
Bang for the buck
I'm very happy for my decision to come here. Quality education, no debt, great people, fun activities and great networking opportunities!
Campus Safety
The area is a little iffy but campus police is very efficient.

Tyler from Chicago, IL

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Rutgers is a very diverse environment. It's large community of students provide an ideal place for personal and academic growth. It's also rich in resources available to students.
Tips for prospective students
Because Rutgers is such a large institution, do your best to get involved! Attend the involvement fair to learn about clubs and activities you could be interested in. Also use your first few days before class to get acclimated to the bus system and where things are.
Academic Rigor
Rutgers is a very rigorous institution. Though I'm a dance major which most people would probably consider a major with low academic rigor, I've found myself challenged throughout my first semester. But, I don't think the rigor of Rutgers is overwhelming for students. With proper time management students tend to still have an enjoyable experience.
Dorm Life
The dorms are nice and very efficient. I remember my heat was broken and I called maintenance expecting them to show up within a few weeks but instead they were there within the hour. Within my dorm we have a very positive relationship with our RA's as well which greatly impacts the experience.
Food and Dining
The food at Rutgers is amazing! There is such a variety at all times. And, with a menu that changes everyday you never get bored with the food. It's also quality dining.
What to do for fun
There are always parties on campus during the weekends. The football games are also a lot of fun. Also, many of the organizations on campus host events regularly including poetry events, movie nights, and parties at the student center.
Bang for the buck
Rutgers is definitely worth the tuition. Our terrific dining services, convenient bus system, and fun and diverse environment make for an amazing college experience for any student.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We have a pond called Passion Puddle. Supposedly if two Rutgers students walk around the pond three times hand in hand, they'll get married. We also have the Kissing Bridge and if two Rutgers students share a kiss on that bridge, they'll be married as well.
Great for these types of students
Artsy, athletic, studious, or part going students.
Clubs and Activities
Greek life, cultural clubs, recreational sports, environmental clubs, student government organizations, etc.
Greek Life
There are many fraternities and sororities at Rutgers. They host many parties on campus. They also perform community service projects on campus.
Campus Safety
RUPD makes us feel very safe. They are very present on campus. They also can be called to escort students home when they feel unsafe walking at night.