Rutgers University - New Brunswick

I am an out of state student so being able to explore a completely new city such as the one Rutgers is in has been amazing. The campus is split into four campuses each with a different vibe making it the campus an interesting mix of urban, countryside, and surburbia all at the same time. That was the utmost important thing that attracted me to Rutgers because the campus feels so diverse and the setting can never get boring. I would defintely defintely advice though that whatever major you follow, plan out your four years ahead of time, or else you'll get RU Screw. Not all classes are open fall and spring or available and the complexity of fulfilling credits for certain programs makes it so that scheduling is a complete pain. I feel like so many students go through scheduling problems it's ridiculous. Other pros though is food in most dining halls(there's four!) is really good and there are so many other places on campus to eat besides the dining hall. Getting good food is definitely NOT a problem. With classes, though, if you want to get good grades, you need to know how the system works and base it off individually of professors. Knowing how to take tests and identifying the way to get the grade is so important. Basically I love Rutgers to death and I wouldnt have chose any other place in the world if I think about it. People are diverse and wonderful and there are so many things to do all the time!!

1st Year Female -- Class 2010

Faculty Accessibility: A, Scholastic Success: C

I am a Junior at Rutgers University and transferred from a small, private University after my freshman year and all I can say is transferring to this school was the best decision of my life. I am a Caucasian female studying Psychology and I can say this school is definitely my second home. The diversity at this school is amazing and never thought I would be able to click with so many different people. Students are extremely approachable and I do not feel judged or discriminated against at Rutgers. Classes are definitely challenging and extremely competitive, but I never thought I would learn so much in college. The social life is incredible and there is always something to do, between clubs, sports, greek life, career opportunities or internships, there is just so much to choose from. For instate students, you receive so much for the small tuition price. The professors are very intelligent, in my opinion, and generally pretty approachable. Although they may not remember your name, they definitely are there to help you succeed. All of my friends are here to get their degree and actually make something out of their lives which makes me feel students here are driven to do well. School work always comes first to many students and most students are willing to help each other. With the various campuses, bus system and large student body, I feel I have become much more independent and have an easier time transitioning into the real world compared to other friends at smaller, more personable schools. We study hard and party just as hard. The school sprit is incredible and it is rare if you do not attend the football games. Rutgers is something that has helped me grow and develop into someone I have always dreamed of being and my life would not be the same without it.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2015

Social Life: A+, Individual Value: C+

I had a phenomenal experience at Rutgers-NB and wouldn't trade it for the world, or that acceptance to NYU. Your experience depends solely on you and what YOU make of it.

Phenomenal resources, libraries, huge cafeterias, (dorms are lousy, but hey they're dorms!), DIVERSITY, recreational sports, huge gym facilities with everything available to you (basketball, swimming, racquetball, even golf).

At a university of over 30,000 students across two towns--New Brunswick & Piscataway--I was able to meet with my Dean all the time, had access to the learning centers, talked to my professors (the sane ones at least), and took advantage of all the free services provided by Rutgers.

The New Brunswick area has a lot to do, from dining to bars and sports stuff, trails, and you're only a 45 min ride from New York City (or you could go to Philly if you prefer).

I ended up working for the University for a while, and I got to see the behind the scenes perspective and administrators work their butt off and really care. People generally tend to be pretty lax and down-to-earth at Rutgers--which I loved.It's a wholesome school, with a great education, access, environment, etc. Though the Psych dept, needs a transformation or two... the History/Philosophy departments are great. As is the Political Science dept. A lot of that has to be with faculty bias and where the money and attention goes. But carpe diem and make the best of where ever you go!

4th Year Female -- Class 2007

Social Life: A+, Useful Schoolwork: B-