Describing Rutgers as "pretty large" is an understatement. It's huge! With its diverse student population, five campuses and numerous organizations, Rutgers has a lot to offer. It has so many resources that allow students to make their goals and dreams tangible. But what are some of these resources on campus that appear minute, unknown and overlooked but can actually encourage engaging in our huge university?
Here's my top ten: Photos & Do's & Don'ts included!
Macs on macs on macs
Always see those Apple promos toward the end of a school year? Buy a new macbook for school & get a gift card/ itouch for free! Tempting right? I felt the same way. Knowing the upcoming work load and being infatuated by Apple products, I thought it would be a good idea to upgrade from my Dell Inspiron circa 2004 to a shiny new macbook. I had put off trying to buy one until I became more familiar with the university only to realize that Rutgers has so many computer labs. Free of charge.
Located in the BEST residence hall on Busch Campus is a new computer lab open to all students. All the computers are Macs. Each wall of the lab has a flat screen for mini presentations or social media sharing. The computers print to both black and white and colored printers. Almost all of the student centers at Rutgers have their own computer lab. Each of the libraries has many computers also. See for yourself!
DO use the computer labs and printers.
DON'T buy a new computer unless it's very necessary. Also don't buy a new printer and ink! Each student gets $30 worth of printing every semester.
Teach Me
Thought you never needed tutoring during high school? You were probably right. Thought you won't need tutoring during college? Let's rethink that. Everyone could use a little help or some office hours once in a while.
Located on College Ave, is the David Lloyd Kreeger Learning Resource Center. With the vast courses Rutgers has to offer, the Learning Centers are there to accommodate your academic needs. Every campus has their own learning center. There are even specialized ones such as the Writing Center.
DO ask for help once in a while!
DON'T under or overestimate the learning centers. Come prepared and open minded.
One of my friends works at Kreeger and she said a student came in with his calc text book. He asked her to reteach him everything from that semester so that he could take his exam later that day. Not sure how his exam turned out but the Learning Centers are there for you!
I got 99 cents... But that's it.
Always see those 99 cents coffees or 99 cents value menus? But in reality, your small coffee is actually $1.05 because of tax. That 7% of your work-study earned money is valuable. Save it!
All food vendors on campus will not charge you sales tax on your meal. Places such as Au Bon Pain, Wendy's, Subway, Gerlanda's, The Rock Cafe and Dunkin Donuts can be found at one of the five different campuses and are tax free. College definitely teaches us the value of money and little perks like not being charged tax can make a difference on our wallets.
DO treat yourself to those 99 cents five piece chicken nuggets because they will only be 99 cents.
DON'T skip meals or neglect healthy eating habits.
Artsy
One of my favorite things about Rutgers is the different libraries found on campus. Each library has a completely different vibe to offer. In one library, you'll find a cafe, the best view of campus and nap-worthy couches. In another library, you'll find great rooms for group study sessions or dead silent individual study rooms. In all libraries, you'll find books upon books upon books and a welcoming atmosphere.
At the Mabel Smith Douglass Library on Douglass Campus, is an art gallery free for all students to see. The exhibits change over time, so be sure to check them out before committing to a three hour bio study session when entering the library.
DO explore all the libraries on campus at least once.
DON'T forget to study afterwards.
To the Ball Game
Always supported your high school's team? Never had the chance to? Whichever question is applicable to you does not matter. New school, new support!
Rutgers is a Division I school and the founder of college football. So why not come out and support our Scarlet Knights! Tickets for football and basketball games are free for students. More info can be found here. Most of our games are televised but ESPN can't even capture the overwhelming school spirit and RU RAH RAH chant like being in the stands can.
DO pick up your free tickets, score a free shirt and attend a game.
DON'T hesitate because you aren't familiar with a certain sport. Chances are the people around you love sports and people who love sports love to talk about them as well.
The Sound of Music
Do you and your friends reminisce about playing the piano or having jam sessions back home? Do you simply enjoy the sound of a piano being played? Upgrade from the keyboard underneath your bed at your dorm and play a baby grand on campus.
In every student center is a piano, free for all students to use. Usually the pianos will be locked, so all you have to do is ask the info desk for a key. Please play the piano or tell your friends. I personally love studying to the sound of it and I'm sure many students feel the same way.
DO show off your musical talent.
DON'T let those piano lessons from since you were in first grade go to waste!
First Year Fresh
You need to pick classes for your second semester but there isn't any APA day to help you out. Here's how Rutgers can help:
Found at the Busch Campus center, Room 172, is the SAS Office of Academic Services. The Deans are great for working out scheduling problems, adding/dropping courses, recommending new courses and advice on careers and co-op programs. Outside room 172 is this huge bulletin board filled with websites, phone numbers, tips, new courses and potential programs to get involved with. Check it out for answers to any question you may have or for any ideas on what to ask at your next appointment. The office doesn't accept drop in appointments so be sure to call 732-445-0163 or stop in from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm to schedule an appointment. Not a student at SAS? The Deans will gladly refer you to the appropriate office. Check out their blog here!
DO consultant a dean regarding any course-related or academic questions. A second opinion never hurts! Neither does a third opinion.
DON'T call a week before it's your time to register for classes. Plan to meet with a dean in advance.
I called a week before I was able to register for classes but the only appointment available was two weeks after. However, they were still helpful!
From Behind the Yellow Line
Never really took public transportation before attending Rutgers? I was the same way. Although the bus system sounds like it has the difficulty of a 4-credit course, it really doesn't.
Each bus has an electronic screen notifying any bystander or passenger of the bus's origin and destination. While on the bus, a voice clearly announces what stop the bus is currently at and what the next intended stop is. At each bus stop is a black, rectangular screen that shows every bus arriving at that stop and their approximate arrival time. They're pretty accurate too! For smart phone users, the Rutgers bus system can be found in apps such as NextBus or Smart Ride. (I personally prefer Smart Ride.) These apps not only show you the arrival times for the buses at the current stop you are at but also arrival times for other buses on different campuses.
DO be aware of the electronic screens both on the bus and at the bus stop.
DON'T be afraid to get lost or get on the wrong bus.
Read All About It
Want to know what issues are currently affecting your peers or whose album is under every student's "Recently Played" playlist? Pick up one of the university's publications.
Found in every student center, library, major classroom building and some bus stops are the university's publications free for students to take. Get informed about trends, news, events and even comics from newspapers such as The Daily Targum or the Rutgers Review. Reading the paper once in a while keeps students up to date on new programs on campus, free giveaways, events, opinions, important people and new music.
DO stay informed about what is going on at Rutgers.
DON'T liter.
The Circle of Livingston
Love sitting on steps with your friends, just chilling? Often rethink that love because of the reality that many people walk up and down those same steps? As the weather gets warmer, take a seat outside.
Behind the Livingston Student Center are concrete steps that outline a circle. They're great for hanging out with friends in between classes, eating out for lunch or reading that one Expos passage you kept falling asleep to the night before. Inscribed with sidewalk chalk in the circle will usually be advertisements of the Livingston Theatre Company's upcoming show or any event that might interest you. The steps come with good people, good info and good scenery. It's too good to pass up.
DO enjoy our school's atmosphere by taking a seat.
DON'T forget to tell your friends you're all meeting up here later.
As a first year, this is my list of the things at Rutgers that continue to make my experience here worthwhile. I still tell fellow first years about some of the things that they weren't aware of and they tell me their tips and tricks as well! I think we all feel more a part of our university when we can share things or places we have found within Rutgers that a brochure can't effectively convey; but students and OLs can!
No comments:
Post a Comment