Finding Your People: Societies and Club Sports at Rutgers

By Alex Toomey, Rutgers New Brunswick, USA

One of the quickest ways to feel at home at Rutgers is by joining a society or a club sport. These groups provide instant community, built-in adventures, and a welcome break from the library grind. Two of my favourite experiences were with the Rutgers Ski & Snowboard Team (RUST) and Rutgers Club Field Hockey.

Rutgers Ski & Snowboard Team (RUST)

I’m an avid skier, and even though I’d heard that East Coast skiing is nothing like the Alps I grew up with, I was determined to find a ski club at Rutgers. I’m so lucky I found RUST. This is a competitive team that races during the first seven weekends of the spring semester. You can compete in either the racing category—slalom on Saturday and giant slalom on Sunday—or in freestyle.

It was my first time racing competitively, but everyone was kind and welcoming. Every Friday we’d load into minibuses and drive north to spend the weekend at mountain motels. Those trips let me see more of the East Coast and visit beautiful mountain destinations. I even got to try all the American drive-throughs I’d only heard about online—my personal favourite before a race weekend was Chick-fil-A (SO good).

The weekends were hard work: long days, early mornings, and hours on the slopes. But it truly felt like a family. Evenings were for themed nights and games that brought everyone together.

Financially, it was also surprisingly reasonable. Our dues covered transport, accommodation, lift passes, and evening activities, so after competing we could free-ski for the rest of the day.

RUST also runs a pre-season trip to Mont Tremblant in Canada, which was incredible—an absolute highlight of my year abroad. I’m already plotting how to come back and ski with everyone again because they genuinely became friends for life. It’s the ultimate mix of sport and social life, and even if you’re not a hardcore skier or boarder, you’ll leave with great stories—and maybe a few bruises—from epic weekends in the mountains.

Rutgers Club Field Hockey

For something more relaxed, I joined Rutgers Club Field Hockey during the fall semester. If you’re craving a competitive outlet but not the intensity of NCAA varsity sports, this club hits the perfect balance.

Practices were held three evenings a week on the Busch campus turf fields, with weekend games against other universities nearby. The standard was solid—plenty of former high-school players—but it was welcoming to anyone willing to learn.

Away games meant day trips and the occasional overnight tournament, and those road trips were half the fun. Think car-ride playlists, post-game diner stops, and lots of laughs.

What stood out most was the team’s friendliness. We had froyo nights, went out together, and even made hilarious TikToks after practice, which made the team feel more like a group of friends than just teammates. As an international student, I was nervous about fitting in, but everyone shared sticks, explained drills, and invited me to socials from day one.

How to Get Involved

• Club Fair & Involvement Hub: At the start of the year, Rutgers hosts a huge involvement fair on College Avenue. It’s the easiest way to browse hundreds of societies and club sports, sign up for mailing lists, and grab free stickers.
• Interest Meetings & Try-outs: Most clubs hold informal meetings and open practices or “try-it” sessions—no commitment required.
• Dues & Equipment: Expect a small membership fee to cover fields, coaching, or trip costs. Most clubs are partly subsidised by the university, making it an affordable way to try something new and meet great people.

Why It’s Worth It

Joining a club sport or society gives you far more than a schedule—it gives you a Rutgers family. Practices, socials, and road trips turn strangers into friends, and you’ll explore New Jersey and beyond in ways you’d never manage on your own. Whether you’re carving through fresh powder with RUST or sprinting down the turf with club field hockey, these groups are the best way to turn a study-abroad semester into an unforgettable adventure.