<p>As an incoming freshman, I'm interested what current/recently former students have to say about their top pros and cons of the school.</p>
<p>beer</p>
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<p>I’ve answered this before, so here’s a copypaste:</p>
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<li>The hugeness/my friends! - I thought I’d be lost in such a big school, and while sometimes administration makes you feel like a number (or they are just mean secretaries!) I’ve found that I love having so many people around. If you’re open to meeting new people, you can make all different kinds of awesome friends. Classes, clubs, etc. are all great places. I’ve found that buses are the hardest place because everyone is pretty focused on wherever they’re going or it’s not considered a people-meeting place… I dunno.</li>
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<p>It’s good because you can find your niche, and people are generally very friendly. Sometimes the hugeness can be a con, but that’s just how it is. P:</p>
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<li>Student orgs - There are so many. I love that the fall involvement fair at the beginning of the schoolyear always has a huge turnout from all the clubs and all the students! I’d advise you to try a lot of things as a freshman, but definitely keep it to your interests. If you’re def not interested in Greek life, well, there’s no need to force it. But maybe something that makes you think, “Oh that looks fun, but I don’t think I could do it…” would be fun to try! (So many of my friends tell me they can’t dance, but fall in love with swing dancing after visiting the club!)</li>
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<p>I myself like to keep my clubs to a minimum that I really really enjoy and can put time and effort into.</p>
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<li>RUPA/Events - RUPA is the Rutgers University Programming Association; they organize fun events so students can take time off studying. I personally enjoy several of RUPA’s events, like their concerts (recently, Reel Big Fish) and some silly events (I went line dancing last year! I also went to the record-breaking attempt air guitar thing. Haha, it was silly). I also know they usually get a famous comedian on campus every year.</li>
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<p>**You’ve probably heard that Rutgersfest has been cancelled, though. And Snooki was invited to speak, which looks quite bad. Generally, RUPA does a fair job, but when it garners bad press, everyone hops on the Rutgers-is-■■■■■■■■ wagon. My opinion on this isn’t really called for here, but I figured I’d note this caveat.</p>
<p>Anyways, everyone has a different experience at Rutgers, which makes it all the better. I hope you are able to find your best fit here, whether it involves my favorite things to do or not, haha.</p>
<p>diversity, size, cheap/overall value</p>
<p>do NOT let the media distort your image of rutgers. it’s a huge school, so i’m not sure why they are quick to judge everybody.</p>
<p>Yeah, I feel you with all the stereotypes and generalizations. A lot of times rumors like that are simply outliers and exceptions. The undergraduate student body is so huge that I’m sure there are groups of people for everyone (i.e. the ones who stay on weekends, attend sporting events, etc). Just gotta find your niche.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any reassuring input on the campus safety of a north Jersey urban environment, primarily on College Avenue? Is it just a matter of being cautious and aware?</p>
<p>I’d agree with koto. It’s such a big school that there is somthing for everyone. Cons might be it’s a little too big area wise and not the greatest location in my opinion.</p>
<p>greg the campuses seem safe to me, except maybe college ave. During the day college ave seems fine, but at night some parts would get pretty sketchy. I guess it’s just a matter of being aware. I know someone whos apartment was broken into on college ave though. I haven’t started going to rutgers yet, but I’ve been there several times so I can’t be 100% positive, but thats been my experience.</p>
<p>college ave is fine during the day. but never walk alone there late at night, it’s an invitation to get mugged. college ave is where just about all of the crimes occur, but every once in a while, they happen on Douglass too. Busch is completely safe. I always walk to my dorm from the library late at night and there is nobody lurking or trying to mug you.</p>
<p>I feel completely safe on Busch at any time, but some of my friends are warier than I am.</p>
<p>It’s a good idea to just be alert wherever you are, and definitely don’t walk around alone late at night if you can help it - especially in the less populated areas of College Ave and Douglass.</p>