Graduate Student Checklist

Getting Started as a Student

Activate your NetID

• Follow the instructions here: https://netid.rutgers.edu/index.htm

Obtain your Student ID Card

• Submit a photo: https://ipo.rutgers.edu/publicsafety/online-photo-submission
• Pick up at an ID Card Office
  • Depending on your program of study/school, you may be required to pick up an ID at a specific location

Accessing your ScarletMail (All Students)

• Follow the instructions here: https://it.rutgers.edu/scarletapps/
• Access your Scarletmail by logging in here: http://mail.scarletmail.rutgers.edu/

Understanding Two-Step Login Requirement

• Enroll now in Two-Step Login: https://it.rutgers.edu/two-step-login/

Accessing your Connect Email (Faculty, Staff, and RBHS students)

• Follow the instructions here: https://it.rutgers.edu/rutgers-connect/
• Work with your department for setup

Learn about the History of Rutgers

• Go to https://newbrunswick.rutgers.edu/discover-rutgers/rutgers-roots
   

Technology

Connect to RUWireless Secure

• Follow instructions here: https://it.rutgers.edu/ruwireless/

Accessing Canvas

• All faculty utilize Canvas for academic coursework: https://canvas.rutgers.edu

Know where the Computer Labs are

• Find hours and locations here: https://it.rutgers.edu/computing-labs/

Learn how to print on campus

• Follow instructions here

Download Microsoft Office and other software

• View instructions to download Microsoft Office here: https://it.rutgers.edu/microsoft-office/
• Access the University Software Portal here: https://it.rutgers.edu/software-portal/ to see what software Rutgers’ students can use

Need Help from IT? Know how to contact them

• Go to: https://it.rutgers.edu/help-support/
   

Living, Commuting, and Getting Around Campus

Living On-Campus

• Information on Graduate Student Housing: http://ruoncampus.rutgers.edu/graduate-student-housing/

Living Off-Campus

• Information on off-campus housing: http://ruoffcampus.rutgers.edu
• You may be able to find additional off-campus/outside university housing in the nearby communities of New Brunswick, Highland Park, Edison, Piscataway, East Brunswick, and Somerset. 
• You may find additional listings on external websites such as apartments.com or zillow.com. Some current or new Graduate students may also be looking for roommates on unofficial Facebook groups.

Commuting and Purchasing a Parking Permit

• Information on different parking permit types: https://ipo.rutgers.edu/dots/permits/students
• Purchase a Parking Permit here: https://rudots.nupark.com/portal
  • IPO will announce when Parking Permits are sold prior to the start of the semester via email
  • Fall parking permits are usually announced early mid-August
  • Spring parking permits are usually announced mid-December
  • If students do not park in their assigned parking lots and abide by the proper hours, they will receive a ticket.

Learning the Bus Routes and Traveling campus-to-campus by Bus

• Information on bus routes, bus apps, and more: https://ipo.rutgers.edu/dots/buses-nb

Bicycle and Scooter Rental

• Students can rent a bike at https://ipo.rutgers.edu/dots/bike-rental
• Scooters are available on the New Brunswick campus to use to get around campus. There is a fee to use them. Learn more about Veo Scooters.

Public Transportation Available

• New Jersey Transit operates Bus and Train Services
  • New Brunswick has a train station
  • Full-time students are eligible for 25% off a regular monthly NJ Transit pass
• Learn all your options here: https://ipo.rutgers.edu/dots/public-transportation
   

Registering for Classes

Completing RUHere Campaign

• Follow the instructions here: https://scarlethub.rutgers.edu/registrar/registration/ruhere-confirmation/

Using Webreg

• Login to: https://sims.rutgers.edu/webreg/
• Watch this helpful video to learn how to use it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk8AGLJgJWM

Using Banner (for RBHS students)

• Review the instructions here: https://shp.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/banner-student-registration-instructions.pdf

Knowing registration schedule and deadlines

• Graduate Registration Calendar: https://nbregistrar.rutgers.edu/grad/index.htm 
  • Calendar information may vary for Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Graduate School of Education, School of Communication and Information, and School of Social Work
• Academic Calendar: https://scheduling.rutgers.edu/scheduling/academic-calendar

Knowing which courses to register for

• All students should consult with their advisor regarding course requirements.
  • Your advisor may be listed on your Certificate of Admission letter received in the mail from Graduate and Professional Admissions OR may be assigned to you by your Program Director/Coordinator
• You may receive information from your Program Director/Coordinator regarding registration
• If you need to withdraw from coursework or school, please consult with your Program Director/Coordinator and/or Academic Dean

Bookstore and Course Materials

• Visit https://rutgers.bncollege.com/ (Located at Gateway Transit Building 100 Somerset St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901)
• Students can lookup required textbooks online and purchase them at the bookstore

Planning for the next semester

• When the next semester schedule is released, students can either use:
  • Course Schedule Planner: https://sims.rutgers.edu/csp/
  •   University Schedule of Classes: https://sis.rutgers.edu/soc/#home
     

Paying for Classes

Scarlet Hub

Term Bills must be paid online

• Pay your Bill here: https://finservices.rutgers.edu/otb/

Review Financial Aid for Graduate Students

• https://scarlethub.rutgers.edu/financial-services/information-for/graduate-professional-students/

Review your Financial Aid

• Apply or Access your Financial Aid offer letter here: https://scarlethub.rutgers.edu/financial-services/
• Graduate students are typically expected to be enrolled at least “half time” – 4.5 credits – or more to be eligible for Financial Aid. Be sure to consult with Financial Aid and/or your loaning institution for rules regarding this policy.

If eligible, review your other Financial Aid Opportunities

• TA (Teaching Assistant) or GA (Graduate Assistant)
  • Assistantship salaries, tuition, and health benefits vary from program to program
  • Work with your department, supervisor, and/or graduate program administrator regarding setting up benefits
• Tuition Remission as a Regularly appointed full-time faculty or staff member
  • Review eligibility requirements and instructions here: https://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/tuition-remission
• Fellowships and Scholarships
  • Fellowships and Scholarships vary from school-to-school. Be sure to check your school’s website, contact your program, or contact your dean’s office.  
• Private Loans 
  • More information can be found here: https://scarlethub.rutgers.edu/financial-services/types-of-aid/loans/private-loans
     

Health

Health Centers are located on each Campus

• View hours and locations: http://health.rutgers.edu/about-us/hours-locations/

Health Insurance Available

• Student Health Insurance
  • Rutgers University requires full time and all F&J Rutgers-sponsored visa students to waive or enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) each semester before the deadline. If you need to waive or enroll for SHIP, you can visit: https://www.universityhealthplans.com
  • Review Student Health Insurance information here:
    • https://finance.rutgers.edu/student-abc/insurance-students/student-health-insurance-plan-ship
    • https://www.uhcsr.com
• TA/GA Health Insurance
  • As employees of Rutgers, TA/GAs are eligible to enroll in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP).  Visit Rutgers Teaching Assistants/Graduate Assistants Benefits website for more information on benefits.
  • Questions can be directed to a benefits specialist
• Other types of Insurance
  • https://finance.rutgers.edu/universitywide-risk-management

Rutgers Health Services

• Immunizations
  • All students are required to submit pre-entrance immunizations. For more information, visit http://health.rutgers.edu/medical-counseling-services/medical/immunization-requirements-allergy-shots/
• Make an appointment: http://health.rutgers.edu/medical-counseling-services/appointments/
• Rutgers–New Brunswick offers three full-service health centers available to students. Find more information, visit http://health.rutgers.edu/

Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS)

• Visit http://health.rutgers.edu/medical-counseling-services/counseling/
  • Services include crisis intervention, individual therapy, group therapy, a variety of workshops, alcohol and other drug assistance programs, psychiatric care (medication management), and community referrals. If you want to meet with someone regarding any of the services, make an appointment to see one of the professionals. All meetings are confidential.
• We recommend discussing what you want from CAPS with a Counselor and they will recommend the best course of action.

Temporary Conditions (We also recommend speaking with your Graduate Program Coordinator and/or Academic Dean)

• Temporary conditions or injuries do not last long (typically 8 weeks or less), are not chronic, and have little or no outstanding or lasting effects. Temporary Conditions or injuries lasting six months or less are not considered permanent disabilities and generally do not qualify as a disability under federal or state laws. The University does recognize that temporary conditions and injuries can be problematic and may adversely affect a student’s ability to fully participate in class.
• temporaryconditions.rutgers.edu

Graduate Student Association's Health and Wellness Page

• Graduate and Professional Students are not alone when it comes to mental health needs. The Graduate Student Association has created a compilation of resources to support you: https://gsa.rutgers.edu/resources/health-and-wellness/

Local Hospitals

• Saint Peter’s University Hospital: 254 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
• Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital: 1 Robert Wood Johnson Place, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
   

Safety

If you feel that you need help and support, please contact any of the units below:

University Public Safety

• Rutgers University Police Department
  • The internationally accredited Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to provide the university community with a full range of police and security services.
  • Contact RUPD:
    • Emergency: 911
    • Non-emergency: 732-932-7211
    • Text to RUPD (For non-emergency service requests)
• Emergency Services
  • Access emergency services to learn more about emergency response, emergency medical services, public safety education, and more
• Emergency Management and Notification
  • Be up to date with emergencies on or around-campus by signing up for notifications here: https://ipo.rutgers.edu/publicsafety/emergency-management

Report a Concern

Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance

• The Office of Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance offers counseling and advocacy services, educational programming, and training, consultation and policy development services to all members of the University community. Their programs and services are designed to promote ways of coping with the effects of interpersonal violence and to prevent such violence from occurring.
• Help is available. You can reach someone to talk to 24/7 at 848-932-1181.

Bias Prevention and Reporting an Incident

• Bias is defined by the University as an act, verbal, written, physical, psychological, that threatens, or harms a person or group on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, military service or veteran status.
• Report a Bias Incident: https://studentaffairs.rutgers.edu/bias-incident-reporting

Do Something to Help - Share a Concern!

• Rutgers is a community that cares. We DO SOMETHING when we are concerned about one of our community members. When you click on one of the areas below you will find a form or additional contact information where you can share your concern:​
• http://health.rutgers.edu/do-something-to-help/

Compliance and Title IX

• The Office of Student Affairs Compliance & Title IX strives to provide a safe campus environment free from all forms of sex discrimination. We accomplish our mission through a collaborative approach that primarily focuses on addressing reported misconduct and providing education to the Rutgers community. 
• Please also visit our Confidential and Non-Confidential Resources page

Office of Employment Equity

• OEE investigates complaints of Discrimination and Harassment based on membership in a protected class, Sexual Misconduct Under Title IX, Workplace Violence and Conscientious Employee Protection Policy violations.
• https://uhr.rutgers.edu/oee/home

Please also reach out and talk to your​​​​​​ Academic Deans for academic and non-academic support, especially if you are experiencing trouble with your Advisor or PI. For non-academic support, contact the Dean for Graduate Student Life.
 

Dining Options

RU Express

• Funds can be added to your RUID to pay for food at certain locations. Go to http://food.rutgers.edu/ru-express/ to learn more

Meal Plans

• Go to http://food.rutgers.edu/new-brunswick/ for more information

Eateries available on-campus

• Campus Dining Halls
  • Visit http://food.rutgers.edu/ to find the menu for each campus dining hall
    • Neilson Dining Hall serves the Cook/Douglass Campus
• Various fast-food options are available at student centers.
  • Go to http://studentcenters.rutgers.edu/ to find the options available and hours
  • Meal plans may be acceptable at certain dining options
• For a complete list of dining options available on each campus, visit http://food.rutgers.edu/places-to-eat/

Eateries available off-campus

• New Brunswick – Easton Avenue Area
  • Walking distance from College Avenue
• New Brunswick – George Street Area
  • Students can either walk or take the EE Bus and get off at SoCam Apartments (290 George St.)
• RU Express
  • Visit http://food.rutgers.edu/ru-express/participating-locations/ to find what dining options off-campus accept RU Express

Rutgers Student Food Pantry

• Do you ever... Worry that you will not have enough money for food? Cut or skip a meal because you didn't have enough money to buy food? Find yourself unable to eat balanced or nutritious meals because of lack of money? The Rutgers Student Food Pantry is here to help. Services are confidential, all you need is your Rutgers ID card and an appointment. To schedule an appointment: rutgers.edu/pantrysignup or rutgers.edu/mobilepantry.

Drivable locations

• Nearby communities of East Brunswick, Edison, Highland Park, New Brunswick, Piscataway, and Somerset offer a diverse array of food options
   

Student Life

Where to Study On-Campus

• The Graduate Student Lounge offers a comfortable space where students can both study and gather.
• Rutgers Libraries on each campus offer various spaces where students can study amongst one another or quietly
• Student Centers have many seating options that allow students to eat and/or study
• Check out http://ruoncampus.rutgers.edu/studyspotsca/ to find unique study spots all over campus
• During each semester, students can utilize https://scheduling.rutgers.edu/ecosystem-for-learning/study-spaces to find available lounges, study spaces, or classrooms.

Utilize the Recreation spaces and opportunities available!

• Check out http://recreation.rutgers.edu/ to find various recreational opportunities such as gyms, wellness classes, sports clubs, and more

Know about the Graduate Student Association

• The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is officially recognized by the University as the collective voice of graduate students. Check out https://gsa.rutgers.edu/ to learn more about them
• Subscribe for the GSA Newsletter here: https://sites.rutgers.edu/gsa/contactus/mailing-lists/

Consider joining a Graduate Student Organization

• Visit https://gsa.rutgers.edu/for-gsos-2/gso-directory/ and https://rutgers.campuslabs.com/engage/organizations?categories=16322 to check out all organizations for graduate students

Learn about the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts

• Rutgers University is committed to building a community of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Learn about the work being done here: https://diversity.rutgers.edu/
• Check out their events here: https://diversity.rutgers.edu/events

Check out the Cultural Collaborative and learn how these communities can help create belonging at Rutgers!

• Asian American Cultural Center
• Center for Latino Arts and Culture
• Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities
• Paul Robeson Cultural Center

Living off-campus? Off-Campus Living and Community Partnerships can help you!

• Rutgers University Off-Campus Living and Community Partnerships can provide online resources, educational programming, tips, and information about off-campus living including understanding leases, security deposits, and rental responsibilities.

Students of all religions are welcome to Rutgers! Learn about how to continue your Faith and Spirituality at Rutgers!
 

Student Services

Need Accommodations for classes? Contact Disability Services!

• You can request accommodations here: https://ods.rutgers.edu!

Going to school with Children? Assistance is available!

• Managing your time when you have a dependent can feel impossible, check out this resource for Pregnant and Parenting Graduate Students. click HERE.

Resources for International Students? Check out Rutgers Global!

• New International Students should check Rutgers Global International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office when they arrive.
  • The ISSS also has resources as well as a new student orientation, workshops and events for new students.
• If English is not your first language, you may wish to take advantage of the programs and services provided by the Graduate English Language Learners Program

Are you a Veteran? Be sure to work with the Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services!

• Check out the Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services at http://veterans.rutgers.edu/

Check out the One Stop Student Services!

• The "One Stop" at Rutgers University–New Brunswick represents an integrated and coordinated cross-functional service in the areas of financial aid, student accounts, and registration.
• Contact One Stop assistance or visit them here: https://scarlethub.rutgers.edu/contacts/new-brunswick/

Take advantage of the resources at Career Exploration and Success!

• Career Exploration and Success (CES) provides career-related advising, resources, and programs to help graduate students to succeed during their time at Rutgers and reach their post-graduate goals. Visit https://careers.rutgers.edu for more information

Register for a Graduate Writing Program course or workshop!

• Learn more about the Graduate Writing Program and how you can improve your writing here: https://wp.rutgers.edu/gwp/gwp-home

Explore University Libraries to help succeed in graduate coursework and research!

• Review all the assistance the libraries can provide you with here: https://www.libraries.rutgers.edu/new-brunswick

Be sure to check out our Resources Tab for additional support!

• Professional Development Opportunities
• Student Affairs Resources
• University Resources
   

Additional Orientations

New Graduate Student Online Modules

U Got This!
This sexual violence prevention training consists of THREE modules to be completed in sequential order. Please allow at least 20 minutes to complete EACH module. You will be credited with completing a given module once you are connected to a completion page at the end of the interactive session.
Graduate students can access this training here.

Binge Thinking!
This alcohol education training consists of ONE module. Please allow at least 30-45 minutes to complete the module. You will be credited with completing the module once you are connected to a completion page at the end of the interactive session. Students aged 25 or older can be exempted from completion of this module. If you meet this age requirement, please contact us at nb.compliance@rutgers.edu

All students can access this training here.

Orientation for all Incoming School of Graduate Studies Students

• Click here for the New Student Orientation

Orientation for all New Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy Students

• Click here for the New Student Orientation

This webpage was last updated on August 3, 2023.