6 Resources Every International Student at Rutgers Should Know About!

You did it! You’ve waved goodbye to your family and friends and flown overseas. You’re finally here at Rutgers. Now what? If you’re a new or continuing international student at Rutgers and looking for ways to make your time at Rutgers memorable, you’ve stumbled on the right article! Here’s a list of 6 resources that you can use to make your time at Rutgers a lot easier.

Make New Friends through The International Friendship Program

International Friendship Program Rutgers

Are you looking forward to increasing your circle of friends? The International Friendship Program (IFP) might just be the right thing to join! IFP is an initiative that unites the international students at Rutgers with domestic students, scholars and the local community. With events such as speed friending, potluck parties, holiday dinners, and football tailgate parties, you’re bound to leave with a bunch of new friends and memories. Even if you just want to brush up on your English-speaking skills, you can attend the Free English Conversation Practice at Conversation Cafe hosted by IFP.

Check out IFP's Facebook page for their upcoming events.

Participate in The International Living Learning Community

Rutgers Residence Life / Via ruoncampus.rutgers.edu

A living-learning community (LLC) is a group of students who share similar academic interests and live in the same housing. There is a special LLC designed specifically for international students called the International LLC where international students live together in Frelinghuysen Hall, a traditional residence hall on College Avenue Campus. You will have three peer mentors to provide 1:1 mentoring to guide you through your first year at Rutgers. Not only will it make your transition to Rutgers easier, but also help you build a small community at Rutgers, which is essential considering how large the university is! If you’re a first-year undergraduate international student, you can apply for the International LLC. You will also get to experience American traditions such as Halloween pumpkin carving, Thanksgiving celebrations and more. You can also celebrate holidays from your home countries such as Holi and the Lunar New Year!

Here's more information on how you can apply.

Join the International Students Association

International Student Association, Rutgers - New Brunswick / Via Facebook: rutgersisa

The International Students Association (ISA) is a great opportunity for you to meet your fellow international students. You can bond with students from all over the world and celebrate each other’s cultures. The most well-known event organized by the ISA is the “Colors of Nations,” an annual event that brings all the countries together! I went to the Colors of Nations last semester, and it was a great experience. From free multicultural cuisine to performances by the belly dance troupe, stand-up comedy club, and more, this event will not disappoint you (you have my guarantee!) ISA meets weekly and has a lot of exciting events such as game nights and karaoke nights!

You can reach out to them at [e-mail] or contact them through their Facebook page.

Attend the Employment Workshop Organized by Rutgers Global

Rutgers Global

Questions about employment? Rutgers Global is the resource you need! Rutgers Global provides advising related to immigration. They host numerous workshops every month on off-campus employment, on-campus employment, what to do post-completion OPT (Optional Practical Training) and more. I had all of my questions about social security numbers, the US tax system, and employment procedures answered at one of these workshops. It’s definitely something you should make sure to attend.

Find more information about the workshops here.

Sign Up for The Global Roommate Program

Rutgers Residence Life

If you’re an incoming first-year international student at Rutgers and are feeling lost or are not sure where to begin your Rutgers journey, consider signing up for the global roommate program (GRP). With this program, you will be paired up in a four-person apartment with two mentors. The mentors are current undergraduate Rutgers students who will guide you through your transition to Rutgers and provide support through everything you need. Not only this, but you also get to participate in events such as snow-tubing, trips to Broadway shows, camping and much more with your mentors and fellow mentees!

Learn more about how you can sign up for GRP here.

Get Career Advice from Career Services

Rutgers Career Services

Did you know that University Career Services has career advisors specifically for international students? You can get your resume and cover letter reviewed and discuss job search strategies with advisors who are trained to work with international students. It’s no surprise that being an international student limits your career opportunities in the United States, but the career advisors help you through everything. I went to University Career Services to have my resume reviewed and discuss job strategies, not only did I learn helpful tips, but I also ended up getting an internship. All you need to do is book an appointment through Handshake, which all Rutgers students have access to, and you’re all set!

Learn more about University Career Services here.

Rutgers not only caters to all of the needs of their international students but also makes sure that they achieve success in their time at the university. So, don’t wait too long to make use of all of the resources available to make Rutgers truly your home away from home!