New Brunswick's Take On Rutgers Students

Rutgers University-New Brunswick is a bustling and vibrant community of diverse individuals, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 36,344 students as of Fall 2022. The university offers a dynamic and diverse experience for students, with a wide range of extracurricular activities and academic programs. Students can join more than 500 clubs and organisations, including over 80 fraternities and sororities. The university is also home to several unique institutions, such as the Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, where students can take hands-on courses and work on community projects. With its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, Rutgers University-New Brunswick provides students with access to internships and employment opportunities. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and advancing academic excellence.

Rutgers University–New Brunswick's reputation and ranking

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is a leading public research university in New Jersey, with a rich history, vibrant campus life, and a strong academic reputation. It is the flagship campus of New Jersey's state university and is considered an "academic powerhouse".

The university is ranked #40 out of 439 National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, and #299 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. It is also ranked #15 in Top Public Schools, #161 in Best Value Schools, and #53 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. Rutgers is also recognised as a top producer of Fulbright students by the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is also highly regarded for its graduate programs, with 28 programs ranking in the top 25 according to U.S. News & World Report. The university's business school is ranked as the top public business school in the NJ/NY metro region by Bloomberg Businessweek. Additionally, the university's nursing and pharmacy programs are nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is known for its diverse community and is ranked #37 in campus ethnic diversity by U.S. News & World Report among AAU public institutions. The university is also recognised for its commitment to equal access and inclusivity. With its prime location near New York City and Philadelphia, Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers students access to top employers and internships.

The university has a strong reputation for research and is a member of the Association of American Universities and the Big Ten Academic Alliance. It is also the only university in the United States that is a colonial college, a land-grant institution, and a leading national public research university. Rutgers University–New Brunswick is recognised for the achievements of its faculty and alumni, who have made significant contributions to society across various fields.

Student life and accommodation

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is a bustling and vibrant community of diverse individuals. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including New Jersey's largest student-run philanthropic event. As a member of the Big Ten Athletic Conference, Rutgers has a thriving squad of sports fans cheering on their Scarlet Knights. The university draws students from all 50 states and over 100 countries, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 36,344 (fall 2022). The gender distribution is evenly split, with 50% male and 50% female students.

Rutgers University–New Brunswick has five campuses: Busch, College Avenue, Cook, Douglass, and Livingston. Each campus has a distinct vibe and offers a mix of eateries, housing, and study and academic spaces. The university is located in central New Jersey, near New York City and Philadelphia, providing easy access to internships and career opportunities.

On-campus housing is available for students, with 40% of students living in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing. The remaining 60% of students live off-campus, with many rental options available in the surrounding area. On-campus housing includes apartments for single students, married students, disabled students, and international students. The Residence Life Department at Rutgers is committed to providing a safe and hazard-free environment for its residents.

For students seeking off-campus housing, there are several popular streets and areas to consider. Huntington Street, Hamilton Street, and Mine Street are all located within a short walk of the university and offer a mix of well-maintained homes and apartments. Easton Avenue is a lively and energetic street, popular among students for its easy access to campus, restaurants, and bars. Other options include Guilden Street, Louis Street, and Richardson Street, which are slightly further from campus but offer a more relaxed and quiet environment.

Student life at Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved. The university has over 750 student organizations, including more than 80 fraternities and sororities. Students can also join various clubs, such as dance, drama/theater, international student organizations, literary magazines, radio stations, student government, and film societies.

In addition to extracurricular activities, Rutgers University–New Brunswick also offers a variety of recreational and wellness opportunities. The Recreation Center provides a space for students to engage in physical activities and connect with friends. There are also comprehensive clinical care services available, including medical and mental health counseling.

Overall, Rutgers University–New Brunswick provides a dynamic and diverse student experience, with a range of housing options to suit different needs and preferences. The university's location and extensive student organizations contribute to a vibrant and engaging community.

Sports and extracurricular activities

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is a bustling and vibrant community of diverse individuals, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 36,344 (fall 2022). The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, fraternities and sororities, and community service initiatives.

Sports

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is part of the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference and offers a variety of sports programs for both men and women. The university's athletic teams are known as the Scarlet Knights, and they compete in sports such as football, basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, wrestling, and track and field, among others. The women's basketball team won the WNIT championship in 2014, and the men's track team won the Big East Outdoor Championship in 2005.

The university has four large recreation centres, a freestanding fitness centre, and 20 acres of outdoor activity space. The recreation centres include pools, an 80-foot climbing wall, a ropes challenge course, and a roller hockey rink.

Extracurricular Activities

In addition to sports, Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers over 750 student organisations and clubs, as well as more than 80 fraternities and sororities. The clubs cover a diverse range of interests, from academics to anime, bass fishing to belly dancing, and bioengineering to business analytics.

The university also encourages community service and philanthropic initiatives, including New Jersey's largest student-run philanthropic event, the Rutgers University Dance Marathon, which raises funds for the Embrace Kids Foundation.

With its diverse community and range of extracurricular activities, Rutgers University–New Brunswick provides students with numerous opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and community engagement.

Student organizations and Greek life

Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers a wide range of student organizations and Greek life opportunities for its diverse student body. With over 750 student organizations, there are numerous ways for students to get involved, connect with like-minded individuals, and explore new interests.

One of the unique aspects of Rutgers University–New Brunswick is its five distinct campuses, each with its own personality and atmosphere. This provides students with a variety of choices in terms of housing, dining, and academic spaces. The five campuses – Busch, College Avenue, Cook, Douglass, and Livingston – offer a mix of vibrant and serene environments, catering to different student preferences.

In terms of Greek life, Rutgers University–New Brunswick has a long history dating back to 1845 when Delta Phi became the first fraternity to organize on campus. Today, there are over 70 fraternities and sororities, with more than 80 chapters active on the New Brunswick-Piscataway campus. Greek life at Rutgers is governed by the Four Pillars: Leadership, Scholarship, Service, and Friendship for Life. Campus involvement is highly valued, and members are encouraged to participate in other clubs or activities outside of their Greek organizations.

The fraternities and sororities at Rutgers University–New Brunswick cater to a diverse range of interests and communities, including traditional, historically African-American, Latino/a, Multicultural, Asian-interest, and professional chapters. The Inter-Fraternity and Sorority Council (IFSC) serves as the governing council, implementing standards for membership intake, educational programs, scholarship, community service, and leadership development.

Greek life at Rutgers University–New Brunswick provides students with opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, scholastic achievement, community service, and lifelong friendships. It is an integral part of the university's vibrant and diverse community, offering a well-rounded college experience.

History and location

Rutgers University, officially known as Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States. It was founded in 1766 as Queen's College, a private college with Dutch Reformed theological roots. The college was established by Dutch colonists who received its charter from New Jersey's Royal Governor, William Franklin, the son of Benjamin Franklin. The college's first classes were held at a tavern called the Sign of the Red Lion in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

During the Revolutionary War, the college abandoned the tavern and held classes in private homes to avoid harassment from the British, who suspected taverns as hotbeds of rebel activity. In 1825, Queen's College was renamed Rutgers College in honour of Colonel Henry Rutgers, a Revolutionary War hero and benefactor of the college.

In the 19th century, Rutgers responded to the Industrial Revolution by adding new courses in the practical arts and sciences, agricultural sciences, law, and engineering. In 1864, Rutgers became New Jersey's land-grant college, charged with offering educational access to a wider range of students. The college also expanded its curriculum with the establishment of the Rutgers Scientific School, featuring departments of agriculture, engineering, and chemistry.

In the 20th century, Rutgers experienced significant growth and transformation. It became coeducational, first admitting women in 1918 with the founding of the New Jersey College for Women (now Douglass Residential College). In 1924, Rutgers College became Rutgers University. The university continued to expand its academic offerings, establishing schools of pharmacy, education, and graduate studies.

Today, Rutgers University has four distinct campuses: Rutgers University–New Brunswick, Rutgers University–Newark, Rutgers University–Camden, and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences. The New Brunswick campus is the largest and most diverse, with a total undergraduate enrollment of over 36,000 students and a setting that spans five campuses across New Brunswick and Piscataway, New Jersey. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and athletic opportunities for its students, making it a top-ranked public university in the nation.

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