New International Student Resources

• Undergraduates: Contact your academic school (SAS, SEBS, RBS, SOE, Pharmacy) for questions about classes, academic advising, schedules, or course registration. Placement testing is required before course selection. 

• Graduate Students: Contact your academic program directly for registration. 

• Browse Courses 

• Register for courses 

• Limit to Online Classes: Note that there is a limit for how many online classes F-1 and J-1 students can take each term. 

• Finding Your In-Person Classes: Use Rutgers maps and plan your travel time between classes. Reference building codes and names to help you navigate.  

• Wifi Access: Connect via RUWireless using your NetID. 

• Tech Support: Visit the OIT Help Desk or the on-campus tech store, Kite+Key. 

• Printing: Students receive a printing allowance on their RUID card each semester. 

• Free Software: Access tools like mS Office and MATLAB via the software portal. For those who are subject to national firewalls, note that many Rutgers services use Google. 

• Recommended for all first-year students 

• Family housing is available for students with dependents 

• Visit the Residence Life webpages for more information, including an International Student FAQ, New International Student Move-In Info, and packing lists. 

• Pre-ISO Housing 

  • On-campus students: move in on the designated move-in day.  

  • Off-campus students: stay within commuting distance. 

  • Family Accommodations: Regrettably, there is no on-campus housing for family during ISO. Book nearby hotels such as Rutgers’ University Inn, or the Hyatt or Heldrich in New Brunswick.  

• Rutgers Health (Newark) Students: Review on-campus housing resources 

• Visit The Office of Off-Campus Living and Community Partnerships for resources, safety tips, and more 

• Student Legal Services office offers free lease review. Take advantage of this service BEFORE signing any contracts. 

• Get a Rutgers parking permit from the Department of Transportation Services (DOTS) 

• Student parking lots 

• Visitor permits are required for non-Rutgers affiliated guests 

• Parking without an appropriate permit can result in parking citations/tickets. Only certain lots may be available to you depending on a variety of factors. 

• NJ Transit offers student discounts for train travel to campus. 

• Driver’s License information is available on our Resources webpage 

• Paying Your Term Bill: Pay online through the Student Accounting, Billing, and Cashiering website. Payments are due per semester. Learn more about Tuition & Fee Rates and International Student Fees. 

• International Payments: Flywire is the only approved vendor for international payments. 

• Payment Plans: Set up here 

• Opening a US Bank Account: Guidance on opening a U.S. bank account will be provided during ISO. Required documents include a minimum deposit, proof of identification, and proof of address. 

• RU Express: Add funds to your ID card with RU Express for use on campus and at participating locations. 

• Social Security Number (SSN): An SSN is not required to live in the U.S. Learn more on our Resources webpage.  

• Search Rutgers Handshake for job opportunities (not for Rutgers Health students). 

• International students are not eligible for Federal Work-Study. 

• Graduate students: Contact your department regarding GA/TA roles and onboarding. Our office will help you obtain the necessary forms to be added as an on-campus employee, including guidance on how to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). 

• The Office of Career Exploration and Success offers major/career guidance, professional skill development, career path exploration, and matching with internship and work opportunities.  

• F-1 and J-1 students: Authorization is required for off-campus work. Please check-in with ISSS before accepting any position. 

• Contact the ISSS office to learn about STEM OPT eligibility.  

• All students must have health insurance. You’ll be automatically billed unless you waive the fee with alternate coverage that meets Rutgers' requirements. 

• Access medical and pharmacy services at any of the three Health Centers on the New Brunswick campus. 

• In emergencies, call 911 or RUPD at 848-932-7211. 

• Nearby hospitals: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick and St. Peter’s University Hospital. Check your insurance network before visiting. 

• If you are feeling overwhelmed, contact our counseling center (CAPS) for support. 

• If you are in crisis, call CAPS at 848-932-7884 for support during business hours. 

• After hours and weekends: 

  • Acute Psychiatric Services (APS): 855-515-5700 (Available in the New Brunswick/Piscataway area only, 24/7). 

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Available nationwide, 24/7. 

• The Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) ensures a safe environment for the campus community.  

• In emergencies: call or text 911.  

• The non-emergency number for RUPD is (732) 932-7211. You can find more information on campus safety here.  

• Sign up for RU-Alerts for emergency notifications and download the free mobile safety app, Rave Guardian. The app is available for use by all Rutgers University students, faculty, staff, and guests who are subscribed to the University’s Emergency Notification System (ENS). 

• View our page on common scams to be aware of how to protect yourself against fraud.  

• Purchase meal plans through Dining Services. Different levels of plans allow access to the many dining halls, restaurants, and takeout options offered at Rutgers. Required for most first year undergraduate students in residence without a kitchen. 

• Rutgers Dining Services accommodates dietary needs. 

• ISSS offers trips to local grocery stores.  

• Common grocery stores include ShopRite, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods. Specialty stores include HMart, 99 Ranch and Apna Bazaar. 

• Rutgers Food Pantry supports students facing food insecurity 

• Enjoy a diverse range of dining options near Rutgers.  

• Common delivery apps: UberEats, GrubHub, DoorDash, Instacart, Amazon Fresh, and Walmart+. Many students also use Amazon Prime Student.  

Shop secondhand or use online platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Use caution when purchasing online. 

Learn about getting a U.S. phone number, applying for a license, buying a car, schooling for dependents, and more on our Resources Page. 

• Rutgers Access and Disability Resources provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Common examples of assistance includes exam accommodations and note taking.  

• Request short-term accommodations from the Dean of Students. 

• Rutgers offers over 600+ student organizations. Getting involved helps balance academic life, develop skills, and make new friends.  

• The International Women's Group supports those with spouses and families. 

• Show your student ID for discounts at many stores and restaurants.  

• You may also be eligible for discounts on products like software, technology, and train tickets.