FAQs for Out-of-State Students
Written by out-of-state students for out-of-state students.
01
Q: How does Rutgers University assist in the transition for out-of-state students?
A: At an overnight summer orientation program, you will stay in a residence hall, eat in the dining hall, ride the campus buses – everything to prepare you for the first day of classes! You’ll also make new friends (possibly even meet a future roommate) and connect with current students. To learn more go to http://nso.rutgers.edu/summer-orientation.
02
Q: What if it is difficult for me to get to campus for placement testing, advising, and/or registration?
A: Rutgers allows you to take placement tests at your high school if you live 200+ miles from campus, so that you don’t have to drive/fly to Rutgers to take them. Placement tests can be taken in your high school with a guidance counselor. Contact April Pagano for more information pagano@instlres.rutgers.edu. Also, if you live a considerable distance, in place of attending an on-campus academic advising and registration session, the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Environmental and Biological Science, and the Rutgers Business School (these are the schools that typically have on- campus programs), offer electronic methods for accomplishing these activities by special request/arrangement with the dean’s office of your college of enrollment.
03
Q: How does Rutgers personalize the experience for its students?
A: There are so many opportunities to get help if you need it. Professors are required to have office hours when you can schedule an appointment to meet with him/her. If you ever need help in class there are tutoring centers on every campus that are free for students. As a first-year student you can take Byrne Seminars (roughly 20 students per class) taught by faculty members on a variety of subjects. Academic advising is also available if you have questions about which classes to take.
04
Q: How can I get involved my first semester?
A: There are so many different ways to get involved on campus! The first week of school, Rutgers hosts an Involvement Fair, where you can learn about and join more than 400 student groups and clubs. There are also opportunities for on-campus jobs that can keep you busy as well as earn you some extra spending money. Your Resident Assistant (RA) hosts introductory programs and also is a great resource for any questions.
05
Q: Is the campus active on weekends?
A: The Rutgers campus is always lively! There is always something going on no matter if it’s a Monday or a Saturday. Most students stay on campus for the weekends and don’t go home. There are on-campus events you can get involved in as well as fun local venues in downtown New Brunswick, like the State Theater or the Stress Factory Comedy Club that are within walking distance.
06
Q: How would I travel home during breaks? What are the transportation options in New Brunswick?
A: There are many different options for transportation depending on where you are going. If you need to travel by airplane the best airport to use would be Newark Airport. There is a NJ Transit train that goes directly from the New Brunswick train station to Newark Liberty International Airport and also connects you to Amtrak. All of this is accessible in downtown New Brunswick, which is an easy campus bus ride away. Should you want to bring your car, Rutgers also allows first-year students to have a car on campus, provided you pay a small parking permit fee through our Department of Transportation.
07
Q: What if I’m scheduled to take classes on a different campus than where I live?
A: Classes are available on all 5 of the residential campuses at Rutgers (College Avenue, Busch, Livingston, Cook and Douglass). You can live on one campus and be scheduled for class on another campus. But don’t worry – it’s just a simple bus ride away! All the campuses are connected by a Rutgers bus system that is free for students and runs 20 hours a day (6am-2am). Buses come every 5-7 minutes and are very easy to navigate.
08
Q: How far is New Brunswick from New York City and Philadelphia?
A: The New Brunswick campus is about 45 minutes from New York City by train and 90 minutes from Philadelphia. Being at Rutgers offers you many unique opportunities. Some elective classes are taught in NYC, and through Career Services there are many opportunities for internships. Many students also take the train into NYC for the weekend to visit museums, shop, see a Broadway show, or go to a sporting event.
09
Q: How's the weather?
A: There are four seasons in New Jersey, and yes we do get snow!! We do have winter, spring, summer and fall so make sure you have a coat and gloves for the winter as well as shorts and flip-flops for the summer!
10
Q: How would I find my roommate? Will I live with an out-of-state student?
A: When looking to find a roommate a great tool is Go Rutgers. It is a closed social network available for students admitted to Rutgers. There are different groups you can join based on interest; one of which is a group just for out-of-state students. This could be a great way to find a possible roommate. To join Go Rutgers go to: admissions.rutgers.edu/inviteme. The “preferences survey” of the housing application helps to pair you with a similar personality. You are asked a series of questions, such as, “Are you an early riser?” or “Do you stay up late?” If you and your roommate are not compatible, just talk with your RA (Resident Assistant) who can mediate a resolution.
11
Q: How would I receive mail?
A: When you receive mail or a package, you can pick it up at your campus post office.
12
Q: What is the best advice you have for incoming out-of-state students?
A: Get involved and be proactive! Make sure you go out and meet new people and try new things. Everything is at your fingertips, you just have to go out and find it!
13
Q: How do I do my laundry?
A: There are laundry rooms located in the on-campus residence halls that are equipped with washers and dryers. The machines take quarters or RU Express. Your ID card is not only your identification, but it is also your RU Express Card that acts like a debit card to all essential services on or near campus.
14
Q: Where can my parents stay when visiting me?
A: Two of the closest hotels are the Hyatt Regency and the Heldrich, both located in downtown New Brunswick. Another hotel to consider is the Embassy Suites, located in Piscataway. For others go to: http://nb.rutgers.edu/visit-us/lodging-dining-visitors.
15
Q: Are football tickets free to students?
Student tickets are free. However, since entering the Big Ten Conference the policies have changed. This is the policy straight from the athletic website:
Student season tickets are currently on sale for the 2014 season. All undergraduate students can purchase discounted season tickets for $99 (63% discount off the full face value). This is the easiest way to guarantee a seat to all six home games. Student season tickets are for general admission seating in the student section. Limit one per student. To place your order, log on to your student ticketing account or call the ticket office at 866-445-GORU.
The remaining unsold student tickets will be distributed to New Brunswick undergraduate students through the Scarlet Lottery. By demonstrating loyalty to Rutgers Athletics, students will be able to increase their chances of obtaining a ticket through the Scarlet Lottery. For more details, please click here.
16
Q: What if I have special dietary needs?
A: Dining Services employs a nutritionist/registered dietician to assist students with special dietary needs. You can schedule a meeting with the nutritionist to discuss an individualized nutrition plan for medical needs such as celiac disease, food allergies, etc. Dining Services also provides upon request prepackaged kosher meals at any of the dining halls. You can contact a dining hall manager at any of the dining hall locations to request a kosher meal. A Kosher meal plan is available through the Rutgers Chabad House with options that range from 5 to 18 meals per week. On-campus residential students opting to purchase a Chabad House meal plan are exempt from the minimum meal plan requirement with Dining Services upon verification of participation, with a minimum of a 12 meal per week plan for first-year students or an 8 meal per week plan for upper class students.