Rutgers University
Reviews

Rutgers Busses Aren't as Bad as You Think

Sure, around rush hour, you might have to pack onto the bus like sardines. And weekend schedules can be irritating. But if you think about the scale of the Rutgers Bus System, they accomplish a great deal for their students, and they are constantly improving their efficiency. The buses are regular, convenient, and totally free. And I certainly don't know what I would do without them.

Luck of the Draw

I would have easily given Rutgers an A considering all the re-structurization and effort they've put into housing, with beautiful options like BEST Hall and Livingston Apartments cropping up every year. However, getting the opportunity to live in places like this is all contingent upon the lottery system, which is entirely random. If you're lucky though, prepare yourself for one of the best dorm experiences NJ has to offer.

A True Home

Mason Gross, the fine arts buildings are extremely small and separate from the rest of Mason Gross and Rutgers University. It creates a divide within Rutger's University but it also creates a very strong family within Mason Gross. But do not think as a visual art student you are stuck in the two visual arts buildings! As an art student you have the entire campus at your disposal and with other requirements beyond studio art, you can explore other campuses and meet students with other majors. I truly found a home at Mason Gross and the teachers, including Graduate students are there to help you. I have made many friends amongst students but as well as Graduate students and professors which I know I can and will contact in the future.

The City of New Brunswick and Rutgers

College avenue campus is the most enveloped into the city of New Brunswick and that shows in the food choices and availibility. There are many Rutger's student discounts as well as just good cheap eats. Any where on George Street or Easton Avenue would be a great choice for a student.

Convenience on Getting to Classes on Time

In terms of convenience, the buses are the best way to go to get to classes. To get from one campus to another, it takes about 15-25 minutes. Depending on how traffic goes, it can go faster or longer. The bus stops are within 5-10 minutes to get to your specific building walking-distance. There will be a few times when the buses will leave without even stopping, but usually there will be another bus in another 5 minutes. NextBus also helps in figuring out when the bus will come. There are a few times when the times are inaccurate, but it's generally reliable. Also, the buses can get really crowded, but if you see an empty seat, take it. If not, just try to get in the best you can. If there are open spaces to stand, move in so other people can get on the bus. You wouldn't like it yourself if there is a huge gap of space and nobody was moving to make room for others to get on.

Safe Only During the Day

I always feel completely safe during the day time on campus. But at night safety has become more and more of a problem since 2010. Crime has become more regular on and near the campus. It is not suprising to see crime alert emails from the Rutgers police atleast twice a month now. Hopefully the Rutgers police department will add more officers to stop the rise of crime on and near the campus so that us students can feel safe again.

The Melting Pot

While overall there are more white students than any other group, the diversity at Rutgers is very good. Being a person of color myself, I feel very at ease and very welcomed at this school. In any class you take, you will see diversity. Rutgers also has many organizations and clubs based on ethnic, racial, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and many others that anyone can join to feel welcomed and accepted.

Diverse

Its New Jersey. So the weather is very diverse. We have our cold and snowy winters. But warm summer and spring weather is also great. Fall is the best though.

The Lottery System Is Flawed

Living on campus is great, as it is a really great way to build a community. However, the lottery system is flawed and there is not enough housing, so many people get stuck in places they do not want to be. There are inconsistencies with the types of housing, as some dorms are beautiful and some are very tiny.

Sort of Strict Sometimes

There are many rules, but often there are ways around them or they are not strictly enforced. Discreetness is typically the best policy.

I LOVE IT

I love the program that I'm in. I'm studying Sport Management and I've been a building manager at two recreation facilities on campus for 3 years. I love the experience that I am getting.

Don't Cheat

Plagiarism is never okay, and Rutgers enforces that.

New Brunswick

Rutgers has 5 campuses in the New Brunswick area. The central campus located in the heart of New Brunswick (college ave) features many different types of restaurants, bars and lounges (great night life) however a little distracting after hours. There are many gyms, 2 on college ave and one on all other campuses and a park. There are some crime alerts in the downtown New Brunswick area.

Plenty to Offer

New Brunswick had been known as the city of health care in New Jersey. The city is within 45 minutes from New York and more than an hour from Philadelphia. There is great diversity in the student body. There are local bars and fraternity houses, where parties are often held. Grease trucks have been really popular here for a long time, and variety of food is offered. Rutgers has its own bus transit to accomdate students and residents in the area to all four of the campuses. There is always something going on on campus.

Don't Plagiarize!

Rutgers is extremely strict about plagiarism--it really isn't a joke and EVERY teacher takes it very seriously.

Alright

Its not necessarily the most dangerous campus and I believe the school does the best they can, but if your not careful there are definitely dangerous people out there. Many come in from outside areas and don't have much of a fear of being caught. Always travel in groups especially late at night and your good

Computer Science Is TOUGH

Computer Science at Rutgers is very challenging. The workload is enough to keep you stressed throughout the entire semester. But the professors are AMAZING. Very understanding and helpful. Projects, however, are a killer.

Fun!

New Brunswick has a little bit of everything for everyone. With the bus service you can get almost everywhere in a couple minutes. The bars on Easton give you space to get away from your studies but the many libraries and their hours balance out the fun.

Good Bus System

Buses are free and run daily all over campus. Anyone can ride them, even people who are not students. Is you're driving, you will need a parking permit or you WILL get tickets. Parking is limited to one lot and then you'll have to take the bus around if you have classes in other places. This can be annoying but you get use to it.

Pretty Decent

Lots of computer labs around the campus. You must use your student ID to print but they give you $30 a semester for printing, which lasts a long time! Internet speed is average like every other school. Wireless is an option but can be slow.

New Brunswick

The local atmosphere is not the greatest. Any streets not holding a Rutgers building are usually not the greatest. However, Rutgers covers most of New Brunswick and they do a great job of having tons of security. Also, there are fast emails sent out whenever any type of crime happens in the school area. There are lots of restaurants and bars downtown which are fun. Students are the majority of the population in this town. You can always find activities at dorms or the college gyms. Also, NYC isn't too far away (about 35 min) when you take the train.

Douglass College

Douglass College is an all-women's college that is a part of Rutgers. It offers amazing opportunities to meet and network with professional women. It's not a feminist college, but there is a lot of girl power and support for young women to excel.

Could Be Better

I have heard horror stories when it comes to finding a parking space at Rutgers. I know people who have driven around so long that they have missed their class altogether, and I know of a case where someone actually racked up $500 worth of parking tickets simply because she could not ever find a spot even though she had a commuter permit. Traffic is horrible, and finding a parking spot is worse.

Dance At Mason Gross

Really terrible program. I transferred out of the program because most teachers were horrendous and had no credentials. One of my dance teachers was never a dance teacher, he was a lighting designer for dance companies. I could have taught his class and gave corrections/feedback to students better than he did. Dance at Mason Gross is extremely political and your talent is judged by how well you can suck up to the teachers. Really awful/negative environment. I would NEVER recommend this program to anyone.

School Spirit

At Rutgers University there is a very huge feeling of school spirit. This really stood out to me during my freshman year when our football player, Eric, got hurt during football. The whole school really seemed to come together to support him and to support each other.