Success is often connected to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We have medical and counseling services at Rutgers, and incorporating principles of wellness into your daily life can support you in college as well as lead to a lifetime of positive outcomes. In college, sleep, eating and social patterns along with academic and work demands may differ from high school. All of these combined, if not well-balanced, can lead to stress. 

You may hear the phrase “food is medicine” and it’s true.  Whether you live on campus or commute, there are meal plan options. If access to food is limited, we have a Student Food Pantry. Make sure your diet is balanced and nutritious; meet with a nutritionist if you need guidance, and be sure to incorporate exercise into your routine.

Recreational services at Rutgers are vast. Check out a free class, sport club or intramural team and discover which of our hundreds of offerings are right for you--maybe yoga, Frisbee, belly dancing, soccer, quidditch, spin, basketball, or weightlifting.

Ready to get started? Look through the resources listed, or use the search bar to type in what you need. Still need help? 

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Aira
— Office of Disability Services

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.

Behavioral Emergencies
— Public Safety

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.

CAPS Let's Talk - Informal Support from a Counselor
— Student Health

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.

CAPS Mental Health Services
— Student Health-CAPS

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.

Central and Campus Service Offices
— Department of Residence Life

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  

Clinical Medical Services- Student Health
— Rutgers Student Health Services

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. 

College Support Program
— Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services

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. 

Cultural Centers

The Cultural Centers at Rutgers facilitate a sense of belonging and support the health and well-being of community members by offering safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for all to explore identities through the lens of cultural, social, and educational programs. There are also CAPS counselors that work with each center to provide mental health services. The cultural centers, known as the Cultural 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.

Dean of Students - Student Support (Office of)
— Student Affairs

The Office of the Dean of Students – Student 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.

Dining Halls and Retail Hours of Operation
— Rutgers Dining Services

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! 

Disability Services
— Office of Disability Services

The Office of Disability Services 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.

Faith & Spirituality Resources
— Off-Campus Living & Community Initiatives

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

Fitness & Wellness Programs
— Rutgers Recreation

Rutgers Recreation, located on the Rutgers University—New Brunswick campus, provides in person and virtual 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.

Health and Wellness Virtual Workshops
— Student Health

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 & Education (HOPE)
— Health Outreach, Promotion & Education

Health Outreach, Promotion, and Education (HOPE) works to advance health and wellness at Rutgers University through community engagement and innovation. Using evidence-based curricula, HOPE provides students with tools to advocate for personal and community wellness and serves as an expert resource to faculty and staff. HOPE coordinates a large and active peer education program in which students are trained to facilitate interactive outreach and workshops on issues that directly impact students’ lives. Additionally, HOPE offers a number of academic opportunities, such as serving as a location for public health internships, coordinating with the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy on the Public Health Education Certificate, and advising a chapter of Eta Sigma Gamma, the national Health Science/Health Education Honorary.

Healthy Dining Team
— Rutgers Dining

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 Twitter (@RUHDT), Facebook (search “RU Healthy Dining Team”), Instagram (@RU_HDT), and SnapChat (ru_hdt)

Honors College Wellness Resources
— Honors College

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 has a Student Wellness Committee that was developed based on findings from a six-week mental health task force that indicated a desire for more peer-support initiatives. The Wellness Committee's goals are to foster a culture of wellness in the Honors College and to dismantle the stigmas surrounding mental health.

Interfaith Prayer & Meditation Spaces
— Off-Campus Living & Community Initiatives

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.

Meal Plans
— Rutgers Dining Services

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.  

Need Help? - Crisis Intervention and Advocacy
— Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance (VPVA)

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)

Nutrition Services
— Rutgers Dining

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 special dietary needs 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.

Off-Campus Living Resources
— Off-Campus Living & Community Initiatives

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. 

Office of Student Affairs Compliance & Title IX
— Student Affairs

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.

Recreation Facilities
— Rutgers Recreation

Rutgers Recreation Proudly Supports The Health & Well-Being of Its Students- Do What Moves U

Our Mission

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.

Rutgers Recreation Offers*

  • 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.
  • Virtual and in-person fitness 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!

Residential Care Team (Student Support)
— Department of Residence Life

The Rutgers 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, campus partnerships, and housing accommodations. 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.

RU Express
— Rutgers Dining Services

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.

Rutgers Student Food Pantry
— Off-Campus Living & Community Partnerships

The Rutgers Student Food Pantry is one of over 20 food pantries in New Brunswick, exclusively serving Rutgers students. It is located in room 115 at the College Ave Student Center (126 College Ave) and as a campus mobile food pantry at various locations throughout campus. The pantry carries non-perishable items, toiletries, and seasonal produce. Students just need to show their Rutgers ID to use the pantry. Find more information here and follow our social media for updated information. Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RUFoodPantry/ Instagram:  @RUFoodPantry

Social Justice Education & LGBTQIA+ Resources
— Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities (SJE)

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 

Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance
— Student Affairs

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.

Wellness Coaching
— Health Outreach, Promotion & Education (HOPE)

Need help managing test anxiety or other challenges? Check out wellness coaching at HOPE (Health Promotion, Outreach & Education). Wellness coaching is not counseling. Coaches are students who have been trained to help their fellow students focus on the present and identify solutions to reach their goals in weekly one-on-one sessions. Free to students.