Sports & Activities

Rutgers University fields 27 Division 1 sports teams. Many of the teams have games or meets on campus and students are always welcome to attend for free. I'm a football fanatic, so that pretty much seals the deal for me.

RU-Rah-Rah!

In addition to D-1 athletics, Rutgers also offers several club sports and intramural sports. Club sports require a bit more commitment than intramurals- many of the teams travel for meets and players often pay dues. These sports can range in anything from Ice Hockey (Men's and Women's) to Performing Dance.

I participated in the Rutgers Performing Dance Company (RPDC), which is a club sport. We did have to pay dues and fund-raise, but at the end of each semester we had two company shows on campus. It was a lot of fun and I met so many great people. Most club sports are open to beginners interested in the activity as well as more experienced athletes. RPDC ranks dances in terms of skill levels, so there are dances for people who have little to no experience, dances for those who have danced most of their lives, and dances for everyone in between. Most club sports practice a few times a week depending on the club. Each dance in RPDC had one practice a week.

In the dressing room before a show at the NJ State Theater in New Brunswick!

Rutgers Recreation runs the intramural teams. Intramural sports are less intense than their D-1 or club counterparts. Teams do not have to travel; they play against their classmates in matches at campus rec centers. RU Recreation supplies all the equipment needed for matches (unless you want to bring your own). These are usually fun ways to hang out with your friends and you have the potential for bragging rights if you win the intramural championship at the end of the season.

If you're not athletically-inclined, Rutgers has 400+ student-run organizations. A great way to find organizations is at the Involvement Fair in August (or the smaller fair in January). Most organizations, including club sports, academic clubs, and Greek Life have a table at the fair and you can sign up for emails, pick up flyers, or get some free stuff (I personally love the free pens). It's a big deal and I would recommend getting there early because it can get busy. If there's an activity you're interested in that isn't represented at Rutgers, you can always start your own organization.

There really is an activity for everyone at Rutgers, whatever your interests may be.