Rutgers New Brunswick: Fun Or Not?

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is a fun place to be. Located in central New Jersey, it is within easy reach of New York City and Philadelphia, giving students access to top employers and internships. The university offers a diverse community, with five mini campuses, each with a unique setting, student centre, dining options, and housing. Students can join over 500 clubs and organisations, including fraternities and sororities, and there are plenty of recreational opportunities, from sports teams to clinical care services. The university is also home to the Scarlet Knights, who compete in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference.

Nightlife

Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers a plethora of nightlife options for students, ranging from restaurants and bars to music and sports events. Here is a detailed overview of the nightlife scene at Rutgers:

Dining and Bars:

The university is known for its diverse dining options, with something to suit every taste and budget. From quick bites and dining hall classics to food trucks and takeout, students are never far from their next meal. Some popular choices include:

• Edison Diner: A 24-hour diner known for its delicious food and seasoned wait staff.
• Costa Chica/Cinco de Mayo: Mexican restaurants known for their cheap eats.
• Frog and the Peach: A popular spot for happy hour on Sundays.
• Delta's: Known for their half-price drinks and free chicken wings on Thursdays.
• Old Bay: Features cheap drinks and live music events, including Tuesday karaoke and live band karaoke on Thursdays.

Music and Entertainment:

There is no shortage of musical talent and entertainment options at Rutgers. Students can enjoy a variety of live music events, ranging from jazz to indie pop and folk. Some notable venues and events include:

• Hyatt: Offers free live jazz music on Wednesdays.
• George Street Ale House: Hosts karaoke nights on Thursdays.
• Court Tavern: A proper venue for live music and shows.
• Stress Factory: A popular entertainment spot.
• Brownstone: A bar located just outside New Brunswick that features dance music and drink specials.

Sports and Recreation:

As a member of the Big Ten Conference, Rutgers University-New Brunswick takes sports seriously and offers a wide range of athletic facilities and events for students to participate in or spectate. The university fields 27 intercollegiate sports programs and is a Division I school. Some notable sports-related nightlife activities include:

• Rutgers Gardens: A popular spot for strolling and enjoying nature, though be cautious as it is known as a stereotypical smoke spot.
• Rutgers Day: An annual festival established in 1906, featuring various events and activities.
• Dance Marathon: A student-run philanthropic event that includes dancing, live music, and fundraisers, with proceeds going towards the Embrace Kids Foundation for children with cancer and blood disorders.
• Bowling: A fun activity, though it can be costly and less enjoyable alone.

Other Nightlife Options:

In addition to the dining, music, and sports options, there are plenty of other nightlife activities to explore at Rutgers. These include:

• Art Walk: A neat experience to see various art installations and exhibits.
• Johnson Park: Offers a free "zoo" and a beautiful view of the New Brunswick skyline.
• Chimney Rock Park: Another park with a nice view.
• Brunswick Zone: A place for bowling and other entertainment options.
• New Brunswick Theatres: Venues for movies and shows.

With its array of dining, entertainment, and recreational options, Rutgers University-New Brunswick provides students with a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene that caters to a wide range of interests and preferences. Whether you're looking for a quiet dinner, a lively bar, or an exciting sporting event, Rutgers has something for everyone.

Student activities

Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers a wide range of student activities to cater to diverse interests. With over 500 student clubs and organisations, students can find numerous opportunities to pursue their passions and connect with like-minded peers.

Social, Academic, Service, and Athletic Clubs

The university encourages students to get involved in extra-curricular activities, offering more than 500 social, academic, service, or athletic clubs. Students can explore a variety of interests, from academic pursuits to community service and sports.

Greek Life

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is home to a vibrant Greek life, with over 80 fraternities and sororities on campus. Greek organisations provide opportunities for social connections, leadership development, and community involvement.

Sports and Recreation

As part of the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference, Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers a comprehensive range of sports programs, including football, basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, wrestling, and track and field, among others. The university's athletic teams, known as the Scarlet Knights, provide a source of school spirit and pride.

Student Media and Publications

Students with an interest in journalism, creative writing, or media can get involved with The Daily Targum, the university's long-running college newspaper. Other opportunities include The Medium, a satirical newspaper, and The Rutgers Centurion, a conservative publication.

Performing Arts

For those with a passion for the arts, Rutgers University–New Brunswick has several vocal ensembles, such as the Voorhees Choir, the Kirkpatrick Choir, and the Glee Club. The university also has a male choral singing group, the Rutgers University Glee Club, which is one of the oldest in the country.

Student Government

Rutgers University–New Brunswick has a student government that controls funding to student groups and represents the student body. It is made up of campus councils and professional school councils, providing a platform for students to have a voice in campus affairs.

Off-Campus Activities

Students can also explore the surrounding area, with New York City and Philadelphia less than 90 minutes away, offering access to cultural experiences, internships, and employment opportunities. Closer to campus, students can visit New Brunswick attractions like the Rutgers Gardens, the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum, and the Rutgers University Geology Museum.

With such a diverse range of student activities, clubs, sports, and organisations, students at Rutgers University–New Brunswick can easily find their niche and get involved in a fun and engaging campus community.

Greek life

Rutgers University–New Brunswick has a vibrant Greek life with over 70 fraternities and sororities, including historically African-American, Latino/a, Multicultural, and Asian-interest chapters, as well as professional chapters. Greek life at Rutgers is guided by four pillars: Leadership, Scholarship, Service, and Friendship for Life.

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs (OFSA) oversees the Greek community, which consists of over 1,400 undergraduates. The OFSA is located on the College Avenue campus and houses the governing councils: the Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Association, and the Pan-Hellenic Council.

Greek organisations at Rutgers are values-based and encourage members to be involved in campus life and contribute to the wider community. They emphasise the importance of academic skills, leadership, and service within a community of shared values. Members can also benefit from lifelong friendships and valuable connections within the larger fraternity and sorority community.

Overall, Greek life at Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers a comprehensive educational and social experience, providing opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and community engagement.

Sports

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is a sports-lover's dream. As part of the Big Ten athletic conference, the university competes at the NCAA Division I level for men's and women's sports. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights provide thrills and excitement all season, and supporting the team is a big part of the Rutgers experience.

The university offers a wide range of sports programs, including football, basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, wrestling, track and field, softball, lacrosse, and many others. With nearly 1,000 students actively participating in the university's sports programs, there is a strong sense of teamwork and pride on campus.

The university has a rich history of athletic achievements. The women's basketball team, led by head coach C. Vivian Stringer, holds one of the best records in the history of women's basketball. The men's basketball program earned the nickname "Trapezoid of Terror" from Rutgers fans during a historic campaign in 2019-2020. The women's soccer team included two-time Olympic gold medalist Carli Lloyd from 2001 to 2004. Rutgers wrestling celebrated two NCAA champions in 2019: Anthony Ashnault and Nick Suriano, with the latter qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Trials.

In addition to varsity sports, Rutgers also offers a variety of club and intramural sports. The Sports Club Department consists of 57 student-led organizations across all five New Brunswick campuses, providing opportunities for students to develop their physical, social, and mental well-being through competition and recreation.

Whether you're a fan or an athlete, the Scarlet Knights offer excitement and a sense of community for all.

Dining

Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers a wide range of dining options across its five campuses. The Rutgers Dining Services is the third-largest student dining operation in the country, preparing 35,000 meals daily. The university's dining services prioritise sustainability and high-quality menu options, co-curated by the Culinary Institute of America.

Each campus has its own dining options, from cafes and restaurants to full-service dining halls. Here is a breakdown of the dining options on each campus:

• College Avenue Campus: The Atrium, located on the lower level of the College Avenue Student Center, houses five eateries serving a variety of cuisines. College Avenue also offers off-campus dining options in downtown New Brunswick.
• Busch Campus: Busch Dining Hall offers an extensive menu that includes soups, salads, fresh fruit, sandwiches, and a large selection of Build Your Own (BYO) stations. Cafe West and Knightsbridge offer diverse menus and daily specials. Gerlanda's Pizza and Cafe, Panera Bread, and Starbucks are also available on or near the Busch Campus, although they are not owned or operated by Rutgers Dining Services.
• Livingston Campus: Livingston Dining Commons is Rutgers' newest dining hall, featuring customised burgers, a welcoming fireplace, and three dining rooms. The Rutgers Club, located upstairs from the Livingston Dining Commons, offers innovative menus created by award-winning chefs and a full-service bar. The Livingston Student Center also has several restaurants and cafes, including Dunkin' and Starbucks.
• Cook/Douglass Campus: HARVEST, located in the New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health Building, serves creative dishes focused on whole, minimally processed foods. The Cook Cafe and the Douglass Cafe offer a variety of meals, beverages, pastries, and snacks. The Douglass Student Center is known for its coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods.

Meal Plans

Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers meal plans in the form of "block plans," where students decide in advance the number of meals they will need for the semester. These plans are available for both on-campus and off-campus students. Students can use their Rutgers ID cards with RU Express to purchase meals at on-campus and off-campus locations, as well as for online ordering.

Frequently asked questions