New Student FAQs

NEW STUDENT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Welcome to Rutgers! Here are answers to some common questions to help you prepare for your time on campus.

How do I prepare to come to Rutgers?
Pre and Post Arrival Steps: Follow these steps to prepare for your move to New Jersey. We recommend reviewing this webpage thoroughly.

For New Brunswick Students: Visit the Student Success page for answers to questions about virtual learning, student life, and other resources, to help ensure your success this coming semester.

Rutgers Vocabulary and Acronyms: Check the Definitions of Terms and Rutgers Lingo page to get familiar with Rutgers-specific terminology.

NetID and DUO two-step authentication: DUO provides additional virtual security when signing into Rutgers platforms. We recommend that you register MULTIPLE devices for DUO. This way if you change your phone number, you can still access your netID by verifying your DUO on another device (computer, tablet, iPad).

You can register multiple phone numbers on DUO - we encourage keeping BOTH your international and US phone numbers active in case you lose access to one of your devices.

ARRIVING AT RUTGERS, GETTING TO CAMPUS, & INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION

Getting to Campus: Review the Transportation Options presentation prepared by student Orientation Leaders.
Using Mobile Maps: Use Apple or Google Maps, or the "myRutgers" app, available in the App Store, to navigate campus.
Arrival Notification: All F-1 visa international students must check in via the RGlobal portal upon arrival. Failure to do so can affect your legal right to study in the U.S. Detailed instructions are available here.
Campus Layout: Explore Rutgers campuses here. The New Brunswick campus includes Cook, Douglass, College Ave, Livingston, and Busch.
Getting Around Campus: Review our intercampus and US transportation guide here, including information on Rutgers Buses.
Check-In Upon Arrival: You must check-in with our office as soon as possible via your RGlobal portal. If you do not check-in, you may lose your legal right to study in the United States! Detailed check-in instructions can be found on this link.
International Student Orientation (ISO): The mandatory ISO provides essential information about studying in the U.S. and Rutgers resources. Enjoy social events, shopping trips, and more.
Late Arrival: Arriving on time for the first day of the semester is mandatory. If you anticipate a delay, notify us immediately.

ACADEMIC ADVISING, VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON LEARNING, AND SUPPORT RESOURCES

Choosing Classes:

Undergraduate Students: For questions about classes, academic advising, your schedule, or course registration, contact your academic school. Contact your specific school (SAS, SEBS, RBS, SOE, Pharmacy) for guidance. Each school will have a process to advise you virtually or in-person to select your courses. You MUST complete placement testing before picking classes.

Graduate students: Contact your academic program directly for course registration for your first semester.
Registering for Courses: View available courses at https://sis.rutgers.edu/soc/ and register https://webreg.rutgers.edu/ . Use your netID to access your schedule.
Accessing Online Classes: Follow instructions from professors. Common platforms include WebEx, Zoom, Canvas, and Sakai. Learn about Rutgers’ learning management systems here.
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. A list of building codes and names can be found here.
Free Software Access: Visit the software portal to access tools like MS Office and MATLAB. Explore the tech guide for additional resources.
Note that many Rutgers services use Google, for those who are subject to national firewalls.
Digital Classroom Services offers spaces for students to use technology in and outside of class
Joining Campus Wifi: Connect via RUWireless and log in with your NetID.
Printing on Campus: Students receive a printing allowance on their RUID card each semester. More info is here.
Tech Support: Visit the OIT Help Desk or the on-campus tech store, Kite+Key, for assistance.

ON AND OFF CAMPUS HOUSING, PACKING, & PARKING

On-Campus Living: We recommend on-campus living for at least your first year. The Residence Life office provides FAQ for international students, including move-in dates and dorm information. Check the New International Student Move-In page for details. Students with dependents are able to apply for family housing.
Holiday Break Housing: Most undergraduate residence halls close during breaks, but some remain open. Indicate your need for break housing on the application.
Pre-ISO Housing: On-campus students can move in on the designated move-in day. Off-campus students should stay within commuting distance.

Regrettably, we cannot offer accommodation arrangements for family members planning to attend ISO. We ask you please plan to book a personal stay a local hotel. Rutgers has its own University Inn available for reservation, and the Hyatt or Heldrich in New Brunswick are within distance of the train station. There are also many other hotels to stay at within a close distance to campus.
Off-Campus Living: The Office of Off-Campus Living and Community Partnerships offers resources for students seeking off-campus housing. Safety tips and lease review services are available here.

Researching your future living space is important. Click here to learn about safety when living off-campus, and here for information about important "things to consider" before renting.

Additionally, the Student Legal Services office offers free lease review. Take advantage of this service BEFORE signing any contracts.
Housing for Rutgers Health (RH) - Newark Students: RH students located in Newark can find additional information regarding on-campus housing here.
Parking on Campus: Obtain a Rutgers parking permit. Visit Department of Transportation Services (DOTS) for more information. Parking lots for students are listed here.

Visitor permits are required for non-Rutgers affiliated guests.

Please note that only certain lots may be available to you for parking depending on a variety of factors. Parking without an appropriate permit can result in a parking citation/parking ticket, which comes with a fine which you will be responsible for.
Driver's License and Commuting: Learn about applying for a driver’s license here. NJ Transit offers student discounts for train travel to campus.
Packing List: A comprehensive packing list includes essential documents, electronics, medications, and personal items. For students living on-campus, details, including a packing list can be found on the Residence Life website.

For more information and tips from ISSS, visit our Planning your Stay page.

TERM BILLS, BANKING, & FINANCIAL INFORMATION

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. Read more on Flywire here.
Payment Plans: Information about setting up a payment plan is available 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 here.

EMPLOYMENT AND CAREER SERVICES

On-Campus Employment: Attend ISSS workshops for on-campus employment guidance. Check the Rutgers Handshake for job opportunities (not for Rutgers Health students). Note: international students are not eligible for Federal Work-Study positions.

Some graduate students may have a GA or TA opportunity. Please work directly with your department regarding on-boarding. 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).
Internships and Job Opportunities: The Office of Career Exploration and Success assists students in choosing a major based on their interests, developing professional skills, exploring career paths, and matching with internship and work opportunities. F-1 and J-1 students need authorization for off-campus work. Please check-in with ISSS before taking on any off-campus work.
Employment Authorization: Authorization is required for both on-campus and off-campus work. Our office offers many workshops and learning opportunities on how to legally pursue these opportunities. Please always ask the ISSS office first if you have questions about employment.
How do I know if my major is STEM eligible? Please contact the ISSS office to learn which programs are STEM OPT eligible.

INSURANCE, HEALTH, AND IMMUNIZATIONS

Health Insurance: All Rutgers students must have health insurance coverage. Students are automatically billed each semester.
Using Your Own Insurance: You can waive the student health insurance fee with alternate coverage that meets the Rutgers' minimum requirements. Details are here.
Medical Services: Access services at any of the three Health Centers on the New Brunswick campus for medical and pharmacy services. In emergencies, call 911 or RUPD at 848-932-7211.

If you need a medical service that is not available through Rutgers Health Centers, there are two large hospitals within ten minutes of the campus: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick and St. Peter’s University Hospital. Before you go, be sure to check with your insurance provider for physicians in your insurance network to minimize medical cost.
Counseling Services: If you feel sad, lonely, homesick, or stressed, contact our counseling center (CAPS) for support. In crisis, call CAPS at 848-932-7884 during business hours. After hours or on weekends, contact Acute Psychiatric Services (APS) 855-515-5700 (New Brunswick/Piscataway area only; available 365/24/7.), OR call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This service can be reached from anywhere in the country; available 365/24/7.
Immunizations: Immunization requirements can be found on your Student Health Portal. If there is a Rutgers vaccination that is not available in your home country, you can take it when you arrive on campus by making an appointment at one of our health centers. Students can also schedule other tests and vaccines at Rutgers health facilities, such as routine bloodwork and flu shots.

FOOD, DINING, & SHOPPING

Meal Plans: Purchase meal plans through Dining Services. There are different levels of plans, which allow access to the many dining halls, restaurants, and takeout/takeaway food options offered at Rutgers. Most first year undergraduates in residence halls are required to have a meal plan, if their housing facility does not have a kitchen.
Grocery Stores: ISSS offers trips to local grocery stores. Common stores include ShopRite, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods. Specialty stores include HMart, 99 Ranch and Apna Bazaar.
Rutgers also offers a Food Pantry for students needing help securing food.
Off-Campus Dining: Enjoy a diverse range of dining options near Rutgers.
Dietary Restrictions: Rutgers Dining Services accommodates dietary needs. Learn more here.
Delivery Services: Common delivery apps include UberEats, GrubHub, DoorDash, Instacart, Amazon Fresh, and Walmart+. Many students also sign up for services like Amazon Prime.
Affordable Furnishing: Shop at secondhand stores or use online platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Exercise caution when purchasing online.