Settling into Rutgers University!

All things moving in dorm decor, add/drop period and the fun stuff!

On August 19th, I arrived into Newark New Jersey to begin my exchange at Rutgers University. I spent a few days with family and friends in New Jersey, visiting the US Open, collecting some room essentials, and soaking up the sunshine!!

Driving down to Rutgers on the 24th of August, I was full of anticipation, excitement, but a lot of nerves. Now I realise, everyone else was feeling the same way, and all these thoughts were normal. When we arrived to the parking deck, we were given bins to put our things in to take them up to our floor – thankfully our building has lifts (which Americans call an elevator!!). I had a lot of things, I couldn’t wait to unpack and decorate my new room!

Next I knew, I was meeting all three of my roommates! They had also come from the UK so I was feeling really lucky that we all had that in common!

That evening flew by, before we knew it, we were off to ISO – International Student Orientation. These sessions were helpful, but my favourite was when we got to meet our full cohort of exchange students – I think there was 23 of us in total!

The remainder of our food was ours to settle in, meet more people and create bonds with our flat and new friends. I also ended up going into New York City with my Mum, as she was still visiting that week!

Outside the Plaza Hotel from Home Alone!

Once I had my fun, I had to make some changes to my timetable. This is called the add/drop period. Essentially, during this time you are able to make changes to your timetable in order to find a schedule that suits you – but also your study requirements. This period is really helpful because you are able to go and try classes before you are fully committed to taking them for the semester! I ended up switching some classes and before I knew it I had my ideal class schedule. It is also important to note, that if there are classes you may not be able to enrol in yourself – it is worth asking for special permissions as the professors here may not know what you have done in Manchester!

This is how I was able to take a Clothing and Culture Class (which aligns with my degree in Manchester) which has been my favourite so far!!

The ‘FUN STUFF’

Now, I know people probably aren’t reading my post for the academics, but care more about the ‘fun stuff.’ Since being here, I have been to a few football games. The atmosphere in the stadium is electric and so fun to be a part of. Tickets were provided to us students free-of-charge, so it is a no brainer to see Rutgers Football!!