Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ, USA

Reviews

Rider University

Robert from Hamilton, NJ

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
The professors are very knowledgable. Many of the professors take the time to get to know their students.
Am enjoying being here
It is a lot of fun being on campus. Sadly I'm a commuter, so I don't get the full college experience but other than that, it really is fun to be a Rider Bronc.
Bang for the buck
Sometimes it seems that Rider is priced too highly for the kind of entertainment they offer, but what they lack in entertainment they make up for in professors.
Tips for prospective students
Get to know people. I'm a commuter and I didn't really reach out to other people. Everyone's friendly here at Rider, and they are really easy to get along with.

Student from Bound Brook, NJ

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
If you are ready for a great time, go to Rider. Its very social and out going. It is a small community with so many opportunities to grow and do great.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved. take risk. Fall in love. Enjoy your self. Don't rush to grow up. Make friends with random people. Be open to the best 4 years of your life. Try to study aboard, even if its just for a week. Run for student government. Take advantage of the location. Stay up late. Don't get in trouble. Get drunk, once....even if its not your thing. Be you.
Academic Rigor
The professors are hard, however, they really care about your success. If you talk to them, build up a relationship, and take leadership roles inside the classroom, you will do great.
Dorm Life
There are many things I like about dorm life, however, I would say that my favorite thing about dorm life is that there is special living is each building. What I mean by that is that one building is for international students, one building is for freshman who want to live with other freshman, there is a all female dorm. Then, there is the healthy living, honors dorms and apartment style living. I lived with 5 other guys,.. three bedrooms to an aperment with two bathrooms and it was a lot of fun. I had a blast.
Food and Dining
Bunch is SOOO AMAZING on the weekends. OMG. Also, breakfast in general, we have a so many bagels and people to make eggs. Also, we have like 25 different cereals. In addition, every there is something different and very good. They also always have pizza. I do love to order out sometimes, there is a diner on campus, we have to-go containers, and there is a second dining hall called Cranberries which has so many different choices. Depending on your meal plan, you can eat as much or as little as you want- however, I would suggest getting the unlimited b/ the dining halls are open so late that its so much fun to go to. Surpisingly, just an FYI, although the food is sooo good, don't worry about freshman 15 b/ there is so much to do to keep off the weight and a lot of healthy choices that are very good.
What to do for fun
Every night there is something to do whether its a club event, concert, movie night, free food etc. Also, it seems like there is always a different night to drink. I know for me, Sunday, Wed. Thursday and Friday and Sunday were big nights for my friends and I to drink. Also, there are so many good places to
Bang for the buck
The food and small classes are amazing. Also, you cannot bet the location. We are 5 mins. from Princeton and TCNj with a lot of bars/ night clubs, in addition, we are only a train ride from NYC and Philly.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
On campus, we have a pub. If you are 21, you can drink on campus and on Friday night they have 18 and over night. This is really a great place to hang out and have fun with your friends. Also, one of the dorms is apartment living and it is rumored that you can easily fit 20 people in the showers if you know what i mean ;)
Great for these types of students
The campus is diverse. However, if you are the type of student that likes to have fun and do good in school, this is the place for you. The professors are great, however the parties are even greater. Its always fun to dorm hop to party to party.
Clubs and Activities
I am currently involved with several different clubs and organizations. There are so many things to do- currently there are like 120 clubs on campus and if there is not one there for you, you can easily start one. One program that I am is called the Leadership Dev. Program and it is really a great program. It is rates in the top 20 in the United States and has really opened so many doors for me.
Greek Life
There are many different organizations within Greek life- they have professional frat's such as the business frat., theater ( which is actually the most wild one) to leadership. Then they have a ton of social organizations from Sig Ep to TKE to several latino/ aferican multi-cultural organizations, and there are a bunch for females on campus. There are houses on campus, however, many of the upperclassman greek life have houses off campus which is a lot of fun. They do a lot of mixes with TCNJ's baseball/football teams and Princeton U. which is right down the street.
Campus Safety
Since it is such a small school, everyone knows everyone and its a really friendly school. With that being said, a lot of people feel safe going out and having fun. Also, two things that I really enjoy on campus is that we have a public car service to drive you around campus and we have a free late night car service program which you allowed to use 3 to 4 times a semester if you ever get stuck at a party coming back late from the train station and don't have a ride.

Katherine from Hewitt, NJ

a current student here
Categories Comments
Academic Rigor
I have learned so much more than I thought I would in classes I didn't even think I would learn much in.
Am enjoying being here
The classes are great and interesting, and the students are enjoyable.
Bang for the buck
It's pricey, but still worth it! There are scholarships based on high school GPA and SAT/ACT scores that can help you pay up to half of your total tuition.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you work hard. At around $40,000 a year, you need to make the most of it!
Great for these types of students
There is an honors program, and it's wonderful (I'm in it). But there's definitely a place for everyone, and if there's not a club that you want, you can make it!

Anonymous

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Rider is full of opportunities, and extremely diverse. It is half and half commuters and residents. Nothing is handed to you at Rider, you have to work for it.
Tips for prospective students
If you want to go here, make sure you want a small school where you will recognize almost everybody. There are SO many opportunities at Rider that people don't see, so definitely check out all of them. There's intramural athletics, different certificate programs, tons of leadership opportunities, and hundreds of clubs to join, you just have to keep an eye out.
Academic Rigor
Some classes are harder than others, and same can be said for professors- but that is the case EVERYWHERE. If you make sure that you take a class you know will be easy with one you know will be harder, then take some in between, you'll never be too stressed out! Just don't expect Rider to be like high school, it is a college, and you WILL be challenged academically.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is great, as long as you make friends! The people who say there is nothing to do at Rider on the weekends just don't know where to look. Not all the dorms are air conditioned, but Rider is an old school. The rooms are actually a decent size, as well.
Food and Dining
Rider has multiple places to eat, as well as a Starbucks and other Coffee/snack stands around campus, plus a Convenience store. Dalys is the main dining hall, plus there is Cranberry's in the Student Center, and then the Diner at night. Dalys is your typical dining hall, and Cranberry's is just like the diner, both of which have made to order diner food, though Cranberry's also has pre-made stuff like sandwiches and salads, and also has the Wawa milkshakes.
What to do for fun
Go to sporting events, go Greek, or join a club!
Bang for the buck
If you don't make Rider fun, it won't be. That's the case at any school though. The academics re pretty good, and so are your options for extracurricular activities. Career Services also does really well at helping with internship and job placements for students AND Alumni, so you're not just left with a degree.
Great for these types of students
Leaders: take advantage of the Leadership Development Program!
Thespians/Performers: You don't have to go to the Westminster campus to perform, the main campus also has many opportunities, including coffeehouses & open mic nights!
Athletic Supporters: Rider is known for their basketball & baseball teams, and has tons of sports, all of which are fun to watch!
Those who want to do community service: Rider has something organized to help the community out almost every week.
Those who don't want to live on campus but want to be involved: Rider is close to TCNJ, so there is a lot of houses close to campus just waiting to be rented!
Those who want an off campus Job: Princeton Marketfair is not even 10 minutes away, and has plenty of jobs to offer!
Clubs and Activities
You name it, Rider has it. If it doesn't, it is SO easy to start up a club, as long as there are just a few others interested in the topic!
Greek Life
Only four NPC sororities, and there are a few Fraternities, as well as the Latin and Black associations, and all are extremely friendly with one another, as well as supportive of one another and of Rider. Definitely recommended to anyone who has ever thought of going to Rider and Going Greek!
Campus Safety
It's a pretty safe campus, and even when something shady happens off campus to a Rider student, we all get text alerts, emails, and phone calls telling us every possible detail. Also, after 8 or 9 at night, you have to show your ID or at the very least have an extremely good reason to be entering the campus to even get on!

Christian from Fair Lawn, NJ

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
The teachers here can be like the teachers at any school, some care and do a great job while others just care about doing the day to day grind. However, most of the teachers here at Rider University are the first, and actually care about the students and also care that the students understand what is going on. I have learned more here in the going on two years than I did in all four years of high school.
Am enjoying being here
Rider can be hit and miss for students in the fun category. For me and most of my friends, we all love it. When you come to Rider you get a feeling of being at home. The good thing is is that I have heard, from kids who do not end up liking Rider, that you realize you do not like sooner rather than later which gives you a jump start on trying to find new pastures for further learning.
Bang for the buck
You do get what you pay for, but keep in mind it is a private University in New Jersey so it will be up there in terms of price. However, if you do try and do well in classes Rider offers a few scholarships that help shave off some of the costs.
Tips for prospective students
Be open to trying new things. College can be rough if you come in empty handed and by yourself, as I did, but by being social and doing well in classes I have met a lot of great friends and great teachers that I can also call good friends. Oh, and do NOT eat Chinese food in your room... It'll smell for the next week.
Great for these types of students
Every student should have a good time here, but my tastes do not reflect others, so take my words with caution and hopefully you enjoy it here!

Adriannah from Milwaukee, WI

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
I enjoy attending Rider University. During my first year the food was not the best although this year they have made some improvements to the food and have brought on better and nicer kitchen staff.
Tips for prospective students
I would recommend that prospective students get involved but not to involved to the point it hinders their studies.
Rider has free on-campus tutoring that students definitely should utilizes to write better essays, study for tests, and get help in classes they struggle in.
Look for all the things that the campus has to offer.
Academic Rigor
I have a hard time in some of my classes but they are not impossible. Also some teachers drop you're lowest quiz grade.
Dorm Life
I did not particularly like living in dorms my first year because I was not used to sharing my room with another person. Also, the bathrooms were gross because students would not clean up after themselves causing some hallways to be fined.
Food and Dining
The food has improved since the first year I was there although with their new process it takes them longer to get food out. They added some new kitchen staff who are much nicer and way more talkative which makes the dining experience better.
What to do for fun
I enjoy being a peer mentor for Freshman Seminar and hanging out at the on-campus pub with my friends on Thursday nights. I also enjoy going to the weight room. Although the weight room is not the best they have upgraded it in the last year since I have been there.
Bang for the buck
Rider is very expensive although they offer a lot of scholarships which help with the price. They have the Rider Advantage as well as Endowed scholarships in addition to their Dean, and Presidential Scholarships. I have the Dean's Scholarship which provides me with $16,000 per year. The cost of tuition is $40,000 per year so that $16,000 helps out a lot. For the price you would think the food would be better and that the dorms would be nicer.
Clubs and Activities
I am the President of Phi Beta Lambda and Strategic Gaming Club. Both are a lot of fun to be a part of. I am also a member of the Leadership Development Program which is a pretty elite group and I as well as my mother was proud that I was able to get into.
Campus Safety
We have public safety on campus which is made up of ex-police officers. We are next door to the actual police station and we have poles around campus with buttons on them that you can press if you are in danger. We also have SafeRides where students give other students rides around campus to their destination.

Jessica from Princeton, NJ

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Rider is a great school, however I attend classes and live on the Princeton campus. I love the curriculum and the quality of my education. It is top-notch and I truly feel that I am a person, not just a number.
Tips for prospective students
Everyday you are competing with people in your field of study. Always work to the best of your ability and never stop trying your hardest. Once you stop, other people are going to get ahead of you.
Academic Rigor
I feel that I am thoroughly challenged. I enjoy what I am studying. I took courses pertaining to my major from the first semester. It is a wonderful feeling.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is fun! My only issue is that the walls are super thin on the Princeton campus. So, if someone is talking at 2 in the morning, you can hear the whole conversation through the walls.
Food and Dining
The Dining Commons on Princeton's campus are pretty bad. They offer a large variety for a small school, but it doesn't always taste good. The salad and sandwich bar is your best friend.
What to do for fun
On Princeton's campus, you are about a 5 minute walk from downtown. There are so many restaurants and stores to have fun in. Even just walking around town or visiting Princeton University can be fun!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Our wave! Westminster has a special hand wave when something or someone is outstanding. You'll definitely know it when you see it :)
Campus Safety
Absolutely superb! Public Safety always has the student's best interest at heart.

JM

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Rider University offers a great range of interesting courses, professors, and extra curricular activities. However, if you are not an active member of the Greek community or a sport team, you may find yourself struggling to find things to do on the weekend. The location of the school is great, and they are continually adding new dinning and academic facilities on campus.
Tips for prospective students
Take advantage of the service offered in the Student Success Center. Also, definitely go Greek! Sorority/Fraternity life gives you a chance to meet people who will undoubtedly become your closest friends and helps elevate the stress of college life.
Academic Rigor
Of course, the intensity of a given student's course load is dependent on his/her major. In my experience, professors have been rather fair and understanding when it comes to assigning exams and essays.
Dorm Life
Nothing beats Greek housing! Many of the sororities have their own chef and meal plan right in their house. The dorms are cleaned every day by staff members, and the bathrooms are rarely ever over crowded.
Food and Dining
Aside from it rather high costs, Cranberries is currently the best place to eat on campus. For late night cravings, be sure to stop by the diner and order a Fat Bronc. Yum!
Also, having a Starbucks on campus is absolutely amazing. Rumor has it that Rider is currently building a Subway sandwich shop on campus this semester as well!
What to do for fun
Go Greek! Throughout the year, the Greek community gets involved in many philanthropic, academic, and (of course) social events.
Also, stop by Bronc Bingo and Bronc Buffet events if you can. They sound lame, but once you're their you might find yourself having more fun than you anticipated.
Bang for the buck
Rider is certainly very expensive, but I feel that I have received a great education which almost makes the high prices worth it. It would be better if the university offered more free events and activities for students to attend both on and off campus.
Great for these types of students
If you work best in small classes Rider is perfect for you.
Clubs and Activities
There are many clubs to choose from, but students have to take it upon themselves to get involved in organizations on campus. Definitely attend information sessions about them when possible.
Greek Life
We Greeks often say, It's not four years, it's for life. Those who go Greek are welcomed into a unique experience that will remain with them long after their college years have come to an end. Each sorority/fraternity has its own traditions and values, but no matter which chapter you may choose, you are sure to love every minute of it.
Campus Safety
Public safety gets a lot of criticism, but, overall, the campus is safe.

Jessica from Newtown, PA

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Love how the classes are on the small side so you get more one-on-one time with the professor.
The advisors want you to stay in school and so helpful.
There is almost always something going on on campus.
Tips for prospective students
Take the classes that you like and listen to what other students have to say about the professor. The professor can make or break that class.
Academic Rigor
Everyone wants you to great and there is always help available.
Dorm Life
I'm a commuter, but most of my friends like the dorms. There are times when the ac will suddenly cut off or the internet will have an outage.
Food and Dining
I love Cranberry's and the Pub.
What to do for fun
The on campus pub.
Downtown Princeton is close.
Bang for the buck
It's a costly school so make sure that this the school you want to be at.
Greek Life
I'm not a Greek life person but they are great people and I have done a lot of volunteer work with a sorority.
Definitely join if that's your style.
Campus Safety
Security guys are friendly and helpful. I feel safe walking from my friends dorm to my car on the other side of campus.

Diana from South River, NJ

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
I simply just love attending Rider University. From the amazing people, to the fun events and the great professors, choosing Rider was the best decision I made.
Tips for prospective students
To really get the fullest experience from any college, you really need to get involved in clubs, organizations and events on campus.
Academic Rigor
Rider University has some of the most prestige professors in the classrooms. The professors really care about your grades and are willing to help because of the small student to teacher ratio.
Dorm Life
I was going to commute and that would have been a big mistake. Dorm life gives you the full out college experience and gets you connected to great friends that a classroom cannot give you.
Food and Dining
There are several options of food dining from the general cafeteria to a late night diner, an academic to go store and more. There is a variety of food for every stomach. They have vegetarian options, gluten free, etc.
What to do for fun
Rider clubs and organizations are constantly hosting events on campus for students like a fall concert, several comedians, raffles, sports rallies, and much more. There is always something to do at Rider University.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many clubs and organizations on campus you will definitely find your fit.
Greek Life
There is a great greek life on campus although it is small.