I attended my freshman year in New Brunswick, and ...

I attended my freshman year in New Brunswick, and for the 1st semester it was a bit of a challenge to navigate the system--getting the right classes, dealing with the administration, and finding the best way to get around the huge campus--but by 2nd semester I had figured out all of the tricks. If you're a self motivated and relatively focused individual the size and complexity of the University as well as the larger class sizes will not pose a problem. The campus life is fantastic with a vast array of academic, extracurricular and social clubs and groups to suit absolutely any and all interests. Accessibility to NYC, Philly, and the Jersey shore make it an ideal location for both cultural pursuits and also the variety of entertainment.

I transferred to the Camden campus sophomore year for financial reasons and was very surprised at the quality of most of my instructors and professors. Smaller class sizes and a tiny campus--especially compared to NB--has its advantages, and for certain majors such as mine Camden is just as good, if not better than NB. RU Camden is predominantly a commuter campus in a much poorer city so the campus life is much less vibrant and eclectic as NB, but Philly is just a quick Speedline ride across the Delaware River where cultural attractions, great dining and nightlife are all excellent. Getting around on a bicycle is easy, including riding across the Ben Franklin Bridge into and around Philly, and the biking and hiking trails behind the Art Museum and in Fairmount Park along the Wissahickon are fantastic.

Rutgers is a reasonably competitive university where certain areas of study--particularly applied research, business & marketing, and fine arts related studies--are top rated and comparable to other top rated research and liberal arts schools. The Camden campus thrives in the shadow of such prestigious and respected institutions as The University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Drexel University, and many others, and so the standards for excellence are keenly felt.

Unless you're a top 1% level student, or a premium brandname obsessed consumer, Rutgers University is a superb and worthwhile choice for higher education, including the Camden campus. And above all else, the cheesesteaks & hoagies are the best in the world!