Commuting To Rutgers: Who And How Many?

Rutgers University, New Brunswick has a large population of students who commute to their campuses. The university provides an array of services to support its commuting students, including the Rutgers Commuter Student Association (RCSA), which is a student-led organisation that serves the needs and interests of commuters while helping them integrate and build a community on campus. In addition, Rutgers University provides a comprehensive transit system, with buses that are accessible to individuals with mobility impairments, serving all destinations on the New Brunswick/Piscataway campuses. The university also offers a paratransit van service for students with temporary or permanent disabilities.

Rutgers University—New Brunswick has 36,344 undergraduate students, 60% of whom live off-campus

The university provides a comprehensive transit system that serves all destinations on the New Brunswick/Piscataway campuses. The Rutgers University—New Brunswick Campus Buses provide safe and reliable service across campus, with multiple routes and ADA-accessible buses. The buses are equipped to handle individuals with mobility impairments and have low entrance steps and/or mechanical platforms for wheelchair accessibility. The university also offers a paratransit van service for students with temporary or permanent disabilities who cannot use the regular campus bus service.

In addition to the bus system, Rutgers University—New Brunswick also offers a Knight Mover shuttle service that operates within or between the New Brunswick/Piscataway campuses after the Intercampus Transit System closes for the night. This service is only available to Rutgers-affiliated persons and requires a valid university ID to board.

For those who prefer to drive to campus, Rutgers offers night commuter parking permits that allow parking in specific lots during designated times.

For students who live off-campus but do not have access to a car, there are several public transportation options available. For example, students can take the Northeast Corridor line from NY Penn to New Brunswick, which drops off just two blocks away from the Scott Hall bus stop on College Ave Campus. Rutgers also sells bus tickets from New Brunswick to New York for $17 round trip.

The Rutgers Commuter Student Association (RCSA) is a student organization that serves the needs and interests of commuter students

The Rutgers Commuter Student Association (RCSA) is a student-led, inclusive, and volunteer-based organization that primarily serves the needs and interests of the large population of commuter students at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. With 60% of the student body living off-campus, RCSA plays a crucial role in building a strong commuter community on campus.

RCSA, formerly known as the Off-Campus Students' Association, aims to integrate commuter students into the broader Rutgers community. They achieve this through programming, advocacy, and collaboration with other student organizations, committees, and departments. The association ensures that commuter students have a voice and are well-represented across the university.

To cater to the diverse needs of commuter students, RCSA offers various amenities and services. The association manages dedicated commuter lounges, such as the Busch Student Center Commuter Lounge and the Douglass Student Center Commuter Lounge, which provide comfortable spaces for students to relax and socialize during their free time or between classes. These lounges are equipped with various amenities, including seating areas, to make students feel at home away from home.

RCSA also maintains an active online presence through its Discord server, creating a virtual community for commuter students to connect and engage with each other. This online platform fosters a sense of belonging and enables students to access resources and support remotely. Additionally, RCSA leverages social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to reach a wider audience and keep students informed about the latest updates and events.

The Rutgers Commuter Student Association is committed to advocating for commuter students and enhancing their overall experience. By providing opportunities for engagement and offering dedicated spaces, RCSA ensures that commuter students feel welcomed and integrated into the Rutgers community. The association's efforts contribute to a more inclusive and accessible campus environment, fostering a sense of belonging for all students, regardless of their living arrangements.

Rutgers University—New Brunswick offers a mobile application that provides information on Campus Bus times, News, Sports Scores, and Dining Hall menus

Rutgers University—New Brunswick has a large commuter population, with 60% of its 36,344 (as of Fall 2022) undergraduate students living off-campus. The university offers a range of resources to support its commuter students, including the Rutgers Commuter Student Association (RCSA), which aims to build a community for commuter students and promote their integration into the larger Rutgers population.

To cater to the needs of its students, Rutgers University—New Brunswick offers a mobile application that provides a wealth of information and features. One of the key features of the app is the ability to check Campus Bus times. The university's bus system serves multiple routes across its five interconnected campuses, providing safe and reliable transportation for students, staff, and faculty. The buses are ADA accessible and equipped with mechanical platforms and low entrance steps to accommodate individuals with mobility impairments. Students can use the app to track their bus in real time and get actual arrival information. This feature is also available on web browsers and mobile phones, ensuring that commuters can easily navigate between campuses.

In addition to bus schedules, the Rutgers mobile application offers a variety of other useful features. Users can stay up to date with the latest university news, follow their favourite Rutgers sports teams and keep an eye on the latest scores, and view dining hall menus. With meal plans being an essential part of student life, the app helps students make informed decisions about their dining options.

The mobile application is designed to be accessible across various platforms and devices, allowing users to connect with the university from anywhere. It serves as a central hub for important information, enhancing the overall student experience at Rutgers University—New Brunswick. Whether students are looking for transportation updates, staying informed about campus news, cheering on their sports teams, or planning their meals, the app provides a convenient and comprehensive solution.

The Rutgers University—New Brunswick Campus Buses provide safe and reliable service to the Rutgers community with ADA-accessible buses on multiple routes across campus

Rutgers University—New Brunswick has a large commuter population, with 60% of its 36,344 undergraduate students living off-campus as of Fall 2022. The university provides these students and the wider Rutgers community with a safe and reliable bus service. The Rutgers University—New Brunswick Campus Buses offer multiple routes across campus, with ADA-accessible buses providing transportation for individuals with mobility impairments.

The bus service is provided by Transdev and operates year-round, including on weekends and holidays. There are currently 10 weekday routes, 2 weekend routes, 2 summer session routes, and 1 holiday route for the New Brunswick campus. The buses are equipped with GPS technology, allowing riders to track their bus in real time using the PassioGo app or a web browser. This technology also enables automatic stop announcements.

The Rutgers bus service is the second-largest in New Jersey and one of the largest university bus systems in the United States. It is a zero-fare service, meaning riders do not need to pay to use the buses. During normal operating hours, no ID is required to board. However, during the Knight Mover service hours (3:00 AM to 6:00 AM Monday through Thursday), a valid Rutgers ID is necessary.

In addition to the regular campus bus service, Rutgers also provides paratransit services for individuals with temporary or permanent disabilities who require accessible transportation. The university also operates a late-night shuttle service, the Knight Mover, which fills in the service gap when the regular campus transit system is not running.

Students commuting to Rutgers University—New Brunswick from New York City can take the Northeast Corridor line from NY Penn to New Brunswick

Rutgers University—New Brunswick has a large population of students, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 36,344 as of Fall 2022. Notably, 60% of these students live off-campus. While there is no precise data on how many students commute from New York City specifically, it is certainly an option for those attending the university.

For those commuting by train, it is worth noting that there is a 25% discount available for students on monthly train tickets. This can help offset the cost of commuting, which can add up over time. Additionally, Rutgers University offers a comprehensive transit system on the New Brunswick/Piscataway campuses, with ADA-accessible buses serving multiple routes across the campus. The university also has a mobile application that provides real-time updates and arrival information for campus buses, as well as other useful features.

Commuting to Rutgers University—New Brunswick from New York City is certainly feasible, and the university provides resources to support commuters. However, it is important to consider the time and cost involved in commuting, especially when compared to living on or near campus. For some students, the benefits of living on campus, such as a greater sense of community and easier access to extracurricular activities, may outweigh the advantages of commuting. Ultimately, the decision to commute or live on campus depends on individual preferences and circumstances.

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