Out of State Student

My DS was recently accepted to Rutgers as an out of state student. Despite how large the school is and the questionable bus transportation, he likes really likes the campus. It’s one of his top choices. From a social life perspective, does the school clear out on the weekends or is the school cliquey with high school friend groups? Any feedback from current oos students would be helpful. Thank you!

Wondering the same thing for my oos CT student. We have family nearby, but he definitely doesn’t want to feel like he has to access them regularly due to it being a suitcase school situation.

I am not an oos student but my hall is 1/2 oos or international. My friends who are in state usually go home often but there are plenty of people who stay in campus over the weekend. It depends largely on where they live and they can opt for an oos roommate on the housing application so they won’t be alone

@Tictacmissus Thank you! I didn’t know requesting an oos roommate was an option. What’s your opinion on the bus system between campuses?

@motict I actually have no problems with the bus system. I’ve never been late because of the buses but it requires some planning ahead .Make sure that your student gets to the bus an hour before class starts and you should get to class still 30 minutes early no matter the campus. I don’t recommend taking classes from 4-6 because that is rush hour. I live on college Ave so I can get from my campus to any other campus in 30 minutes, also I had classes in morning so the buses weren’t crowded. First semester I travelled to 3 or 4 campuses on Wednesdays but now I have to use the bus at most 3 times on any day. For some people it is a hassle but I personally didn’t mind the bus system once I got used to it, but I was very scared of the buses at first. It’s normal

My daughter went to RU and we never saw her home and we live 40 minutes away, So it really depends on the kid. My son was just accepted to RU but waiting in the business school decision.

It’s really up to the person.

If you make an effort to find friends, join groups, volunteer/job/involvement opportunity, put yourself out there, then you will find people to hangout with over the weekends and through the week. It may take time(just like anything), but in the end you’ll realize it’s not too hard and you’ll be fine. Don’t be surprised if the first week or so is quiet and lonely (a lot of new students will feel the same way and go home).

However I don’t think this will happen naturally without any effort, definitely for someone shy, a growing experience is needed. If you just go to class and do the minimum to make friends, then expect the weekends to be quiet and uneventful.

on the contrary I’m very shy and still am. However I have friends who are similarly on the more introverted side. An easy way to make friends is to become friends with your neighbors or your floormates and also people in your classes. You do have to start a conversation, maybe say hi. But you don’t have to go out of your way to make friends as Rutgers is a big school so you can very easily find like-minded people. However, going to clubs may expedite the process.