By ANNA SOLIN
STAFF WRITER
Many say Rutgers University in New Brunswick is overcrowded. But some say it is not as bad as outsiders think.
Enrollment has increased in recent years, but students say that the buses, classrooms and housing are still manageable.
“For the most part, I find a seat on the bus,” Jessica Kim, a junior said. “I’ll have to stand when it’s really busy, like during a time when there are a lot of classes going on.”
Planning ahead, some students say, has helped them avoid the reported jammed conditions.
Leaving early for class and going to dining halls at non-peak times are two remedies that students have adopted to avoid the rush.
Despite the efforts of the university and students alike, there are still problems because of the surge in enrollment. Some students have even lived in temporary housing in previous years because of the lack of accommodations.
But Ryan Sharp, 20, said that even though living at the Crowne Plaza last year was a hassle, it was ultimately worth the inconvenience.
“It took 45 minutes to get to or from Busch every day,” Sharp said. “I would have lived off campus, but I didn’t want to give up my lottery number for next year. I got the exact housing I wanted this year, so it was definitely worth it to live in the hotel last year.”
Postponing classes has also been a constructive and necessary way to fulfill requirements. Students in popular majors have found it easier if they plan their classes ahead, and outline multiple possible schedules in advance because of the high demand of their courses.
Lisa Murphy, a junior, found it easier to take the requirements for her communication major in the spring and summer semesters, rather than in the fall.
“I couldn’t get into my early communication prerequisite because so many kids wanted to get in,” Murphy said. “I just took the classes the next semester when I could get in and took other requirements instead. I’ll still graduate in the same amount of time.”
Despite having to make adjustments to their routine, students say that the quality of life at Rutgers is still good. They came here for the quality of the education, and many students agree they can understand why others would enroll as well.
“It’s still a really good school for a really good price,” said Diana Chaves, 21. “I understand why other students want to come here.” |
