Rutgers New Brunswick Housing Situation

I'm thinking about applying to Rutgers New Brunswick, and as someone who would need to live on campus, I'm trying to get a feel for what the housing situation is like there. How is the dorm life at Rutgers? Are there any particular residential areas that are more popular or recommended? I'm curious about both the living conditions and how housing might affect the social scene.

Rutgers-New Brunswick housing is spread across five campuses: College Avenue, Busch, Livingston, Cook, and Douglass.

College Avenue Campus is known for having a lively social scene being in the heart of New Brunswick, and it is near a lot of shops, restaurants, and transit options. The dorms here, however, are generally older.

Busch Campus tends to be quieter with more modern amenities. It's a great option if you're STEM focused as many of the engineering and science buildings are located here.

Livingston Campus is a lot like Busch - it's quieter and more residential-focused. Its residential buildings and apartments are newer and its facilities are modern.

Douglass Campus and Cook Campus are the most serene and laid back of all five campuses. They're "green" campuses, with lots of open spaces and trees, giving them a unique atmosphere compared to the other three campuses.

Keep in mind that the location can influence the social opportunities available. For example, College Avenue Campus, because of its location and the presence of several fraternities and sororities, tends to be more socially active. But all campuses host events, so you won't be lacking for social opportunities no matter where you live.

As for the living conditions, it's a mixed bag. Older dorms, like those on College Avenue and Cook/Douglass, may not have the same modern amenities as the newer dorms on Livingston and Busch. That being said, each dorm has its own unique charm and community.

It's important to think about what you want in your college experience when choosing housing. You'll have to balance considerations like how much you value a modern room, how close you want to be to your classes or the city's amenities and how important a bustling social scene is to you. Visiting the campus (if you can) and speaking to current students can also shed light on what would be the best fit for you.