New International Student Resources

Welcome to Rutgers! Below are key resources to help you prepare for campus life.  New Brunswick students should also visit the Student Success page for guidance on student life, academic support, and more.  

Academic 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. 

Information Technology (IT)

    • Wifi Access: Connect via RUWireless using your NetID. 

    • 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. 

Housing, Packing, and Parking Resources

Term Bills, Banking & Finances

    • 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. 

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

Employment & Career Services

    • 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)

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

Health Resources

    • 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. 

    • 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. 

Food, Dining & Shopping

    • 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. 

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

    • 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. 

Other Topics and Resources

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

    • 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.  

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

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