Rutgers University-New Brunswick Top Questions

I wish I had known how big the school was before attending. I believe I would have done much better in a smaller community.

The workload of the courses that are required for my major

Rutgers University is synonymous with Big 10 Athletics, yet Big 10 Academics are equally important. As we enter the University's 250th Anniversary, a Rutgers degree has withstood the test of time. I took Advanced Placement classes while in high school but I wish I was more prepared for the intensity of Rutgers academics. I excelled in high school and expected to the same in college. I quickly learned that I needed to put more effort into my academics than I did in high school, which was challenging. Note-taking and studying are strengthened with tutoring and attendance at Rutgers.

I wish I would have known two things before attending Rutgers University. The first thing is how fast pace the school system is and the second is the challange I would have to face of prioritizing. It was difficult for me to try to make new friends, join new clubs, and still get my work done.

I wish I had come to Rutgers University knowing exacly what I wanted to major in, so that I could just jump in and no exactly what my plan was, but that's often not the case, plans change and you just have to keep looking for yourself. Luckily, Rutgers University has many opportunities for people to explore.

If I had known how important keeping up with my Sakai resources for classes was, I would have certainly done better. I wish I knew how much more independant I would have to be. Many tasks had to be accomplished by me singularly and I suddenly had more responsibility. For example, this was a factor when I started to do my work study job. Lastly, I wish I knew how hard I really had to try. People comforted me a lot, before this school year and said I would do fine, but I let my guard down too much.

I wish I had known about financial aid more before I came to this school. I hear a lot of the phrase "RU Screw" and it turns out that it is absolutely correct. The university promises more financial aid than you will receive and you will most likely need to take out loans.

I wish I had known that the large campus made it hard to stay around the people/classes/locations you want to be, and the overpopulation made getting housing an unnecessary struggle. I wish I had known that scholarships and financial aid were difficult to come by.

I wish I had known how big it was. It takes a long time to get to class sometimes because of traffic.

I wish I would have known exactly how large the campus is. Three campuses with several thousand students make the school seem too big.

I wish I had known how the size and student population affected my experience.

I wish I knew more about the type of teaching styles I will see while in college. I learned that leactures are absolutely worthless and a lot of studying is dependent on you. The teachers will never spoon feed you answers but they will help only if you specifically ask for it. They will not go out of their way to help those who are struggling.

I wish I had known where exactely important offices like the financial aid and advising office are located so that I didn't have to walk around the area for so long without having a clue about where I was going. Maps of the entire compus around the area could be a good idea to solve this issue. Also, I wish I had known that Rutgers has offices in both New Brunswick and Piscataway and that if new students go there for some information but without a car, they have to walk that big distance between those two campuses.

I wish I knew how to become more involved with social and interactive activities. Usually when school starts I get so focused on work and doing well, I forget to relax and have fun once in a while.

I wish I had known how important it was to take every available opportunity in looking ahead towards my future and career. Focusing on schoolwork was a challenge in itself but I wish I had taken the time and effort to look forward towards the future, beyond my college graduation. It is extremely vital to take steps towards finding a job and a successful career, well before graduation time comes around, whether that be talking with an academic advisor, or attending job fairs, internships, externships, etc. It's so important to get a headstart when it comes to the future.

I wish I knew that Rutgers can be a huge distraction if you let it. It takes a lot to focus when it comes to Rutgers and its nightlife.

I wish I knew that sometimes being a commuter is tough!

I feel that there is no reason to wish to have known anything about this school before I got here. I say that because I feel I would have been taking away from the great experiences that I have had the opportunity to take part in if I had known more about the school. Coming to Rutgers University with and open-mind and a positive attitude helped me to reach out and get invovled on campus in ways I might not have I know a little more.

The amount of international students are enrolled. It is a very diversed environment to be in.

The buses are very hectic on weekends and sometimes impair your ability to go out.