Ten Frequently Asked Questions for Rutgers Commuter Students

1. How can I purchase a parking permit and how much will it cost?

Parking permits can be purchased online. You can purchase the permit in person at the Department of Transportation Services, which is located on the corner of Commercial Avenue and George Street in New Brunswick. The annual cost for parking permits can be found here.

2. Can students use the same parking permit on more than one car?

Students with parking permits may register as many additional vehicles as needed (at a reduced rate) and will be given a window sticker for each vehicle. However, the student will only receive one hangtag. The hangtag must be transferred to whichever vehicle the student intends to use on campus that day. Both the hangtag and window sticker must be displayed on the vehicle at all times.

3. What parking lots can commuters use?

Commuters may purchase a parking permit for one of 4 different commuter lot zones: A, B, C/D, or L. Students must follow the parking and time restrictions for the permit zone purchased. For more information, visit the Department of Transportation Services' Website

4. What violations are students ticketed for and can a ticket be appealed?

Parking regulations on the New Brunswick campuses are enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the entire year. Enforcement by ticketing and towing is constant. Enforcement in problem areas is especially rigorous. To view violation descriptions and fine costs, visit the Department of Transportation Services' and scroll to the bottom to view the list of Parking Ticket Offense Codes and Fines. Tickets may be appealed within ten days of the date the ticket was issued. After ten days, the right to appeal is lost and the violator is responsible for all fines associated with the ticket. Towing tickets may not be appealed. All appeals must be submitted in writing on an official appeal form, which is available online or at the Department of Transportation Services. For information regarding appeals, visit the Department of Transportation Services' and scroll down to the "Ticket Appeal Form".

5. Where can I go to study and relax between my classes?

Meeting the needs and concerns of all Rutgers University commuter students is important. To that end, there are several spaces across the campuses for students to study and take advantage of "down time" between classes including lounges, game rooms, dining halls, computer labs and food courts. Here is a list of the amenities at each campus center location:

  • Busch Campus Center: Fireside Lounge, International Lounge, food court and a new Lounge Opening Soon!
  • Cook Campus Center: Lounges, Computer Lab, Game Room and Café
  • Douglass Campus Center: Douglass Lounge, NJC Lounge, Computer Lab and Café
  • Livingston Student Center: Lounges, Food Court, Tillett Hall, and Yorba Lounge
  • Rutgers Student Center: Off-Campus Students' Association Office (OCSA), Video Arcade, Food Court, and Lounges
  • Student Activities Center: Raritan River Lounge

6. Do I have to get a meningitis vaccination if I am a commuter?

While public health officials recommend that all students receive the vaccine, only incoming first year and transfer students living in residence halls at Rutgers University are required to have the meningitis vaccine. However, all students born after 1956 must have a MMR vaccine. In addition, all students registered for 12 or more credits must have three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine before attending Rutgers. Finally, all incoming students on non-immigrant visas or born in countries with high TB prevalence must submit to Tuberculosis skin testing within the first 6 months of attending the university. According to state law and university regulations, students must provide the university with a completed Pre-Entrance Immunization Record signed by their health care provider prior to starting classes at Rutgers. All incoming students are mailed a Pre-Entrance Immunization Record. For more information see Rutgers Health Services

7. Who helps students with physical and learning disabilities?

Students with disabilities include individuals with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments, learning disabilities, ADD or ADHD, emotional/psychological problems, or chronic illnesses. For specific parking policies and procedures, visit the Department of Transportation Services Website.For more information on the University's Disability Support Services visit their website.

8. How can I receive help for academic difficulties?

Students can seek help from the Office of Academic Services or at any of the Learning Centers. For information on the Learning Centers please visit the Learning Resources Website . Students who wish to know more about the Office of Academic Services or see an Academic Advisor should visit the School of Arts and Sciences Website .

9. Is there a place where I can heat up food that I bring from home?

There are several conveniently located microwaves for students to use on campus. Students may use microwaves located in the following campus center locations:

  • Busch Campus Center: Convenience Store
  • Cook Campus Center: Cook Café and Market
  • Douglass Campus Center: NJC Lounge Kitchen
  • Livingston Student Center: Convenience Store
  • Rutgers Student Center: Red Lion Cafe, Off-Campus Students Association Office
  • Student Activities Center: Convenience Store

10. What if I want to speak to a "live person" concerning my issues as a commuter student?

Staff members within the university's Department of Student Life have been appointed to assist with commuter student issues. You may email , Assistant Director of Student Involvement or call 848-445-6556 for more information.