Rutgers University Guide

School Motto: Sun of righteousness, shine upon the West also

Mission and Values:

• Mission: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, has the threefold mission of providing for the instructional needs of New Jersey’s residents through its undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs; conducting the innovative research that contributes to the medical, environmental, social, and cultural well-being of the state, as well as aiding the economy and the state’s businesses and industries; and performing public service in support of the needs of the residents of the state and its local, county, and state governments.
• Additional Information

Residential Housing System:

Across its five interconnected campuses, Rutgers University operates one of the largest collegiate housing programs in the country, with more than 50 housing options.

• Residence Halls – (Busch, College Avenue, Cook/Douglas, Livingston)
• Living-Learning & Interest-Based Communities
• Residential Colleges – (Honors College, Douglass Residential College)

Housing Statistics:

• 85% of freshmen live on campus
• 43% of undergraduates live in on-campus housing for the entirety of their stay

Campus & Surrounding Area:  

• The Rutgers University New Brunswick campus is broken up into five smaller interconnected campuses each with its own distinct atmosphere: Busch, College Avenue, Douglass, George H. Cook, and Livingston.
• Check out the Zimmerli Museum to see amazing soviet, post-soviet and early modern Russian/Slavic art. 
• Explore one of the largest old growth forests in the state at the Rutgers Ecological Preserve.
• Paddle the D&R Canal in a canoe from the Outdoor Center to enjoy the beautiful foliage and scenery that Rutgers has to offer.
• Attend a performance in the Rutgers Theatre District
• Stroll among the various monuments and houses that date back to pre-revolutionary war times in a guided Old Queen’s Campus Tour.
• Safety information: (Rutgers, College Factual)
• Virtual Tour, Virtual Visits

Transportation:

• The New Brunswick campus consists of 4 separate campuses that require the use of some form of transportation to go between them.
• Campus Bus transportation is readily available for free on all campuses.
• Bike paths are available and the university is working on expanding their use and safety.
• Walking paths connect each campus. 
• Parking information

Traditions:

• School songs resonate throughout the years dating all the way back to 1873.
• In 1875, the Cannon War between Princeton and Rutgers began with Rutger’s sophomores stealing their cannon back, thus beginning the tradition’s significance.
• New Jersey Folk Festival  and Rutgers Agricultural Field Day gathers local vendors every year on the Rutgers New Brunswick campuses.
• Football games have many traditions from chants to their mascot. The Scarlet Knight and the noble steed grace every football game.

Student-Run Organizations: 

• Organization Database
• Sample Organizations (Creation of Games Society, Women In Business, Creative Writing Club, Muggle Mayhem)

Sports:

• D1 Athletics Big 10 Conference (Good men’s lacrosse and women’s basketball)
• Intramural Sports
• Club Sports
• Main Rival: Princeton

Greek Life: 

• There are 80 Fraternities and sororities at Rutgers, however only a small population of students participate in them.

Nightlife:

• Rutgers has a flourishing underground music scene. Several nights a week, numerous “basement shows” are thrown that require around 5$ for admission. To find out where the shows are one can a.) ask around. b.) do a quick google search or c.) look at the many event boards scattered around campus which usually have fliers for upcoming shows. Most bands want as many people in attendance as possible so advertisements for them should be easy to find.
• New Brunswick has an excellent offering of Jazz music. Most shows are put on by the New Brunswick Jazz Music Project.
• Rutgers’ excellent Robert A. Schommer Astronomical Observatory is equipped with a high powered telescope that is open to the public for viewing your favorite planets, constellations and stars.
• Take the charming Ravine Bridge, also called the “Kissing Bridge,” across the scenic ravine to the Mason Gross Performing Arts Center. Besides being a great romantic spot for engaging in the aforementioned activity, it is a great spot to hang out and enjoy nature.
• Passion Puddle is a beautiful pond on Douglas Campus that is lit at night making it a perfect place to hang out with friends while watching the stars.
• The Stress Factory comedy club is one of the most famous venues in the country and has hosted some of the most renowned comics currently performing.
• Bars and Restaurants in New Brunswick