Any Rutgers student can easily tell you all of the awesome things about this comically large, but wonderful institution of ours - Grease trucks, nights out on College Ave, Livi Apartments, football games, the list goes on and on. But aside from the obvious, there are tons of low-key, great things about our school that might not have as glittering of a reputation.
Here are a few of my favorites:
1. Academics. Because (in theory) that's why we're all here. Bad reputation or not, we were recently ranked 33rd amongst the world's top 1,000 universities. Work hard play hard, amirite?
2. Non-football sporting events. Because being a Division I school means we play more than just football. From Basketball season, to Club Sports, to Keller League, to even intramurals- the sports scene is HUGE at Rutgers so next time you get the chance, go out and support your fellow non-football playing Scarlet Knights! (If you're a football fan it'll also land you some Scarlet Lottery points- I'm just sayin'.)
3. Cook/Douglass. The C/D hate is (in my humble opinion) mostly due to it's inconvenient location in comparison to the other campuses. However, those who've taken a walk through either campus cannot deny that both are absolutely stunning. Once you've visited the beauty that is Passion Puddle and the Cook farms, you'll likely forget that you had to sprint away giant mutant bees in the middle of nowhere just to get there.
4. The Non-Social Greek Life scene. I'm referring to Professional, Community Service, and Multicultural organizations. They may not be the Greek life you hear about or see in the movies, but you'll have a hard time finding people who take more pride in their letters. This passionate group of organizations is best suited for people who are interested in Greek Life with a specific focus.
5. Tillett Hall. To be fair, a few years ago Tillett would have no business being anywhere near this list. Known to alumni as the former crappy, dungeon-like dining hall, it has now been partially renovated into a glorious, orange wonderland with a brand new computer lab, and outlets as far as the eye can see.
6. Rutgers Cinema. Because %5.50 a ticket means I can grab a Grande Pumpkin Spice latte beforehand and still have spent less than at a regular theater #yaaaaaaas.
7. The RutgersZone. Located in the Livingston Student Center, the RutgersZone is known for it's Free Ice Cream Special every Thursday (and now Friday!) night. Did I mention their ice cream is also supplied by Thomas Sweet? It doesn't get much better than that! (I recommend Birthday Bash!)
