Health & wellness

Rutgers University is proud to be an Aira Access Partner, providing free visual interpreting services throughout the Rutgers—New Brunswick campus. Any student, staff, faculty, or visitor can use Aira for free on a smartphone simply by downloading the Aira app and connecting with an agent.

Learn more about Aira on the Office of Disability Services website.

College life can be very stressful and demanding. The help you need in addressing this stress is just a phone call away. We can assist you in your journey and provide necessary intervention or relief to help you stay on track.

RUEMS has partnered with Residence Life, Student Health Services, and University Behavioral Health Center (UBHC) to provide emergency behavioral and emotional heath services to the Rutgers Community.

Suicide touches us all regardless of ability, age, gender identity race, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, and more. This 2hr experiential training, aims to increase knowledge about statistics, risk & protective factors, warning signs, and campus resources concerning college student suicide. It will enable participants to demonstrate kindness and empathy towards others, helping them to respond caringly and effectively to those experiencing a wide range of emotional crises. Visit go.rutgers.edu/Campus-Connect for more information, campus-wide training dates, or to schedule a closed session with your group or student organization.

Students can connect with a community-based counselor for Let’s Talk in person and via phone appointments. Conversations with CAPS (Counseling, ADAP – alcohol and other drug assistance program – and Psychiatric Services) counselors are private and confidential.

• To schedule an appointment, call 848-932-7884, and leave a voicemail with your full name, phone number, and RU ID.
• Please speak slowly and clearly into the phone. Your message will be returned within 1 hour during regular business hours.
• Please note: CAPS will return your call from a blocked number, so please set your phone to allow blocked numbers and set up your voicemail to allow for messages.

Access to and information about other CAPS services is available by calling CAPS at 848-932-7884.

Rutgers CAPS offers mental health services for students such as individual and group counseling/therapy, crisis services, a wide variety of workshops (e.g. Coping with Anxiety, Mindful Meditation, etc.), and Let's  Talk (informal support from a counselor). We also assist students with substance use concerns and our psychiatrists offer medication management. With the exception of psychiatry (medication management) we do not bill students for services beyond their standard Student Health Fee. For students who prefer an off-campus resource, we can assist with referrals to providers in the community who take the student's insurance. Call 848-932-7884.

Residence Life Main Office
Phone: (848) 932-4371
90 Davidson Road (Davidson Hall D)
Piscataway, NJ 08854
resident@rutgers.edu

Busch Campus
Phone: (848) 445-2561
55 Bevier Road (Buell Apartments)
Piscataway, NJ 08854
buschreslife@echo.rutgers.edu

College Avenue Campus
Phone: (848) 932-7209
590 George Street (Clothier Hall)
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
collegeavereslife@echo.rutgers.edu

Cook/Douglass Campus
Phone: (848) 932-9363
45 Biel Road West (PAL Building)
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
cookdouglassreslife@echo.rutgers.edu

Livingston Campus
Phone: (848) 445-4086
70 Joyce Kilmer Avenue (Lynton South Tower)
Piscataway, NJ 08854
livingstonreslife@echo.rutgers.edu
 

Students can make appointments online or by phone to see medical clinicians at any of our 3 Health Centers-Hurtado Health on College Ave Campus, Busch-Livingston Health on Livingston Campus or Cook-Douglass Health at the Institute for Food, Health, & Nutrition on Cook Campus. See our website for our hours.

We offer birth control (including IUD placement), STI screening and treatment, injury evaluations (accidents, sprains, and strains), vaccinations, general medical care and illness visits in a CONFIDENTIAL setting. We have in-person and select telehealth visits with physicians, nurse practitioners(APN), nurses, a physician assistant(PA) and a nutritionist to help you with your medical needs. We are experts in adult and adolescent care including women's health and gender affirming care. 

The College Support Program (CSP) is a unit of the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services RCAAS.  The CSP supports Rutgers University students on the autism spectrum as they begin, continue and prepare to graduate from the University. It is a comprehensive program that assists students through the provision of direct support and collaboration with University services that address executive functioning, social competence, academic skills, self-care, self-advocacy, and career preparation. 

The CSP currently serves matriculated full-and part-time undergraduate students on the New Brunswick-Piscataway campus only.   CSP students may live in on- or off-campus housing, or they may commute from their permanent residence. Please visit our FAQs section: https://gsapp.rutgers.edu/centers-clinical-services/college-support-program/faqs for answers to our most frequently asked questions. 

The Cultural Center at Rutgers support the needs of Rutgers’ campus communities by creating a welcoming and holistic learning environment for all members of the community, inclusive of all identities and allies. Through cultural, social, and educational programs, students have the opportunities to learn and explore their identities and those of others. Additionally, cultural centers partner with departments throughout the University to provide access to services that support student success. The cultural centers, known in a group as the Cultural Center Collaborative, include: the Asian American Cultural Center, Center for Latino Arts and Culture, Center for Social Justice and LGBTQ Communities, and Paul Robeson Cultural Center.

The office of the Dean of Students – Advocacy, Outreach & Support assists students experiencing unexpected challenges which impact academic performance, time to degree completion, finances, and their overall student experience.  The office serves as a support network by providing advocacy, problem solving strategies, resource referral, and critical incident intervention when additional assistance is needed.

Students may meet with a staff member during Virtual Drop-In Hours (Monday – Thursday, 1:30pm– 4:30pm) or a scheduled appointments (Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 4:00pm).  See Requesting Assistance to learn more about the best way to connect with the office, complete forms for Virtual Drop-In Hours, Scheduled Appointments, or Absence and Verification Notices.

Rutgers Dining Services operates four dining halls and over a dozen retail operations on the New Brunswick/Piscataway campus. Visit our Places to Eat page to access hours of operations, menus, and more! 

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) provides academic accommodations and ensures access for students with disabilities. 

Our team provides the necessary tools, resources and support for individuals with disabilities to become responsible decision-makers and self-advocates in charge of their own future.

The Office of Disability Services at Rutgers works collaboratively with students, faculty and staff in order to provide guidance, support, resources, and academic accommodations to ensure equal opportunity and access.

Ultimately, our goal is to spread knowledge and awareness throughout the university and beyond to establish an inclusive community that values diversity, acceptance, and academic achievement.

Students of all religions are welcome at Rutgers. As a public university, Rutgers is dedicated to supporting an inclusive community, where freedom of religious expression is protected and encouraged. Our campus is home to students of Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, and Humanist faiths, as well as many other traditions and backgrounds.

Rutgers supports an open forum for religion & spirituality through:

• more than 40 student organizations dedicated to faith-based/religious-cultural interests

• more than 25 chaplaincies serving students’ spiritual needs

• a Multifaith Council that promotes an inclusive atmosphere for the pursuit of intellectual and spiritual truths

Rutgers Recreation, located on the Rutgers University—New Brunswick campus, provides fitness and wellness programs to students. We offer:

• Access* to 4 full-service facilities and one stand-alone fitness center
• Over 100 cutting-edge classes per week that are free for students
• Exercise Is Medicine On-Campus Coaching
• Affordable personal training and small group training classes
• Opportunities to become a certified instructor or trainer
• Special programs, fitness challenges, and events
• Massage Therapy and Wellness Services

* Facility access and classes are offered during typical operating hours in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. To view your membership type, please visit the membership section of our website.

Staff from CAPS (Counseling, ADAP – alcohol and other drug assistance program – and Psychiatric Services) offer a variety of virtual and in-person workshops for students on various health and wellness topics – Mindful Meditation, Healthy Communication and Assertiveness, etc. Most virtual workshops are drop-in with no registration required.

For virtual resources, including videos and tip sheets, see our website:

http://health.rutgers.edu/education/self-help/virtual-resources

Health Outreach, Promotion, and Education (HOPE) works to advance health and wellness at Rutgers University through community engagement and innovation. HOPE provides students with tools to advocate for personal and community wellness and coordinates a large and active peer education program. Students are trained to facilitate interactive outreach and workshops on issues that directly impact students’ lives.

HOPE offers public health internships through the Edward J. Bloustein School. 

WHO WE ARE: Our goal is to educate the college population about nutrition and provide the necessary tools to adopt healthy eating habits. The team consists of nutritional sciences undergrads under the guidance of Dr. Peggy Policastro, RDN.

READ ONE: The team writes weekly Eating 101 Nutrition Newsletters that can be found within the dining halls and in electronic form on our website and social media platforms.

STOP BY: Throughout the academic year, The Healthy Dining Team hosts creative and interactive nutrition booths at the dining halls. 

Do you have a nutrition question? Visit our nutrition booths or connect with us on social media. We can be found on Facebook (RU Healthy Dining Team, Instagram (@ru_hdt), or email us at nutrition@dining.rutgers.edu.

We are fortunate to have Shan Reeves, from Rutgers CAPS (Counseling, ADAP, and Psychiatric Services), working directly with the Honors College to help you address challenges and emotions that you may be feeling throughout the year. Counseling sessions are private, free, and confidential.

The Honors College also maintains wellness-based programs and initatives developed based on findings from a student-driven mental health task force that indicated a desire for more peer-support initiatives. We aim to foster a culture of wellness in the Honors College and to dismantle the stigmas surrounding mental health.

Students of all religions are welcome at Rutgers University. As a public university, Rutgers is dedicated to supporting an inclusive community, where freedom of religious expression is protected and encouraged. Our campus is home to students of Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and many other faiths and traditions. The University provides space on campus to allow students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to participate in prayer, reflection, and meditation activities that promote health and wellness.

For questions or concerns, please visit http://Bit.ly/rufaith or the information desk in the associated facility. If not available, direct questions to 848-932-5500.

Have a question about meal plans on campus? Get them answered here. Meal plans range from 50 to 285 meals per semester and are available to any student, faculty, or staff that would like to take advantage of what Rutgers Dining has to offer.  

The Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance (VPVA) is committed to creating a community free from violence. We provide services designed to raise awareness of and respond to the impact of interpersonal violence and other crimes. Through a combination of crisis intervention, advocacy, and counseling, we provide direct service, education, training, and consulting to the University and broader community. We serve as a critical voice in changing prevailing beliefs and attitudes about violence.

To speak with someone immediately call: 848-932-1181 (24/7 call services)

Dining Services employs Nutrition Specialists/Registered Dietitians to assist students with specialized dietary needs. Students requiring a specialized diet for medical needs such as celiac disease or food allergies can schedule a meeting with a nutritionist to discuss an individualized nutrition care plan.

Dining Services will work with students who have dietary restrictions to ensure a medically appropriate and nutritionally sound diet. Complete the Medical and Dietary Consideration Form and submit by emailing the form to nutrition@dining.rutgers.edu to initiate a professional review of your nutritional and dietary concerns.

For general nutrition questions regarding food in the campus dining halls, contact one of our Nutrition Specialists.

Rutgers Off-Campus Living and Community Initiatives is part of the Offices of the Dean of Students and serves as the central resource for students living off-campus. We prepare students for independent living by assisting them with their housing search, including educational workshops focused on lease agreements, tenants rights, legal issues, safety, security and respect. The department interacts with students, parents, property owners, residents, local businesses, and city officials to establish priorities and create student programming that is reflective of community interests and concerns. 

The Office of Student Affairs Compliance & Title IX strives to provide a safe campus environment free from all forms of sex discrimination. We accomplish our mission through a collaborative approach that primarily focuses on addressing reported misconduct and providing education to the Rutgers community. We are committed to facilitating equitable response and resolution to all reported incidents of sexual harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, and related misconduct among students.  We are also proud to provide awareness of Title IX by offering trainings, education, and other outreach efforts to the Rutgers community. Any student who experiences sexual harassment, sexual violence, stalking, or relationship violence is encouraged to report incidents to the Title IX Office, and to seek support from the confidential resources available on our campus and in the local community.

Peer education builds on the idea that students learn best from their peers, especially about difficult or uncomfortable topics. Peer Educators are trained by the HOPE professional staff to engage their peers in relevant and relatable discussions on issues of health and wellness. Peer educators are trained in specific topic areas such as mental health, sexual health, alcohol & other drugs, and nutrition. Each program has its own requirements, application, and training process. Visit each website to learn more about the unit.

If you have questions regarding any of the Peer Education programs, please contact HOPE at 848-932-1965.

Rutgers Recreation Proudly Supports The Health & Well-Being of Its Students-

Do What Moves U

To enhance the mind, body, and spirit of students and other eligible individuals by providing programs, services, and facilities to meet the physical, social, recreational, and educational needs of the campus community.

• 4 large recreation centers (one on each campus), one free standing fitness center and  20 acres of outdoor space, an Olympic size pool with a diving tower, an 80 foot climbing wall, a ropes challenge course, a large picnic pavilion and a roller hockey rink.
• Fitness and wellness classes each week, personal & small group training, and massage therapy.
• Outdoor Trips, swimming and SCUBA lessons, and certification opportunities.
• 57 club sports and a top 50 intramural program
• Exciting yearly events, including the Big Chill, the largest 5k run/walk in New Jersey.

*Programs may be limited. Please check back for availability.

To view our facility schedule, click here.

Please download our app, RURec2Go to view schedule, facility hours and more!

The Residential Care Team serves as a resource for all residential students living on any of the five campuses at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. We support students through a variety of creative initiatives, specialized services, outreach, and campus partnerships. Our unique placement within the department of Residence Life allows us to address concerns specific to living on campus, and to understand that residential experiences can have a profound impact on students’ academic and personal lives. Our goal is to assist students in navigating challenges that arise while they live on campus, and to support students through a successful residential experience.

Have funds deposited directly into your Campus ID card! 

RU Express is the official university debit account. It offers a convenient cash-free alternative that allows students, faculty, and staff to use their RUconnection ID card like a debit card. RU Express is administered in both the Rutgers Camden and New Brunswick/Piscataway campuses. Over 100 on-campus and off-campus locations are accessible through the swipe of your university RUconnection ID card.

Vision: We envision a Rutgers University where people of all identities and experiences are understood, appreciated, and fully included in the community, and where equitable treatment and outcomes prevail.

Mission: SJE promotes a supportive environment for students of all backgrounds, with a focus on gender and sexuality, while promoting both social and educational opportunities for leadership, identity, and social justice advocacy development. With a critical understanding of multiple identities and connected systems of oppression, SJE works collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and community members to develop relevant initiatives and policies that center on diversity, inclusion, and intersections of identity.

https://youtu.be/0vgvRR7fENk 

Basic needs include, but are not limited to, food, housing, clothing, childcare, mental health, financial resources, and transportation. At some point in a college student’s educational journey, they may face challenges in accessing adequate amounts of food, housing, financial or other resources. This is called basic needs insecurity; millions of college students experience it yearly. To ensure that basic needs are met for all Rutgers students, on-campus resources and those available in the surrounding community are listed throughout the basicneeds.rutgers.edu website including:  

• Food Assistance  
• Housing Assistance 
• Emergency Aid 
• Mental, Physical, & Spiritual Wellness 
• Utility Assistance 
• Internet & Technology 
• Child Care Resources 
• Faculty & Staff Resources 

Food and housing insecurity, as well as homelessness, often carry a significant stigma. If someone confides in you about facing these challenges, it's important to respond with compassion and understanding. You can refer them to the Offices of the Dean of Students or the Basic Needs Center at the College Ave. Student Center. Students seeking assistance can also complete online forms for emergency grants, textbook/technology assistance, or housing insecurity. Additionally, you can suggest other available resources. Remember, your support and kindness can make a profound difference in someone's life. We encourage you to also reach out to the Offices of the Dean of Students to share these concerns. 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RUFoodPantry/

Instagram:  @rubasicneeds

 A temporary condition can be an injury or illness (i.e., a concussion, broken bone, or short-term effects post-surgery) that lasts less than 8 weeks. These temporary conditions may cause unforeseen barriers that can impact your academics and overall Rutgers experience.  The Offices of the Dean of Students- Advocacy, Outreach, & Support can help facilitating access to classes and services in your time of need. It is essential that you take an active role in identifying needs, engaging with offices, and providing the necessary documentation to help ensure academic success.  For more information please visit, https://studentsupport.rutgers.edu/services/temporary-conditions.

We are pleased to announce a partnership with Uwill, the leading student mental health and wellness solution. Uwill offers students free immediate access to teletherapy through its secure, easy-to-use online platform.

To schedule teletherapy, students can choose a therapist based on their preferences including issue, gender, language, & ethnicity. Students can create a profile and book their first session in just minutes by clicking here.

The Office of Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance offers counseling and advocacy services, educational programming, and training, consultation and policy development services to all members of the University community. Our programs  and services are designed to promote ways of coping with the effects of interpersonal violence and to prevent such violence from occurring.

A wellness coach is someone who helps you focus on your present situation and provides general assistance to come up with strategies that will improve various aspects of your life. The idea is that you are the expert on your own life, and your coach is there to assist you with your plan. With regular meetings around your schedule, the two of you will work through possible solutions to reach your goal(s). Our coaches are not counselors or therapists. For more information, visit go.rutgers.edu/wellness-coach and get started today. Open to graduate and undergraduate students.