20 tips for the Class of 2020

Be organized. Check out the dos and don'ts of what to bring to Rider. Plus, you can always visit the bookstore or Andrew J's, a small market store on campus, if you forget something. 

When you arrive at move-in, you’ll meet the Bronc Buddies who will make moving in a breeze. To make it even easier and to avoid confusion, label your stuff with your building and room number. Sometimes, the Bronc Buddies have volunteered as a group from a club or organization. Ask them about Rider and their journey as you are moving in. This is a great way to meet some older students at Rider from the beginning.

Take a look at the campus maps (Lawrenceville) and locate where your classes will be held, where your dorm is and more. The better you know the campus, the more confident you will be on your first day.

Start now, before you arrive, by discussing who should bring what for your room so you do not end up having double and less space. Get to know each other and avoid later conflicts by discussing your likes and dislikes. Talk about your class schedules, if you're an early bird or night owl, how late other people can be in your room, and more.

There are exciting opportunities for Rider students to maintain a campus job while continuing their education. These desirable positions develop leadership abilities, public speaking skills and other work related skills that translate well to life outside of Rider.

If you're looking for a part-time job, the Fall Career Fair will be Sept. 27. This event attracts over 100 employers from around the region who come to campus to meet and recruit students at all levels, from all majors and for part-time jobs, internships, and full-time opportunities. Visit www.rider.edu/careers to learn more on creating your resume and for more tips.

"College is your chance to grow as a person and find out what you are all about. That starts with challenging yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone. Try new things and talk to people you wouldn't normally talk to." 

- Christopher Botti, assistant dean of students at Westminster Choir College

Rider can text you updates for classes and more. In most cases, Rider will remain open and fully operational during snowstorms and other emergency situations. Under extreme circumstances, however, it may become necessary to cancel classes and other functions, and close certain buildings or take emergency actions. If such circumstances should arise, a notice will be sent via the Rider Alert Emergency Notification System. Sign up for Rider Alert as soon as you can. Cancellations will also be announced online at www.rider.edu and on the Rider University information hotline at (609)-219-2000, option 1. 

Beyond having years of experience and expertise in your chosen field, professors can also provide tips to get the best out of your college experience, including which clubs or organizations might fit your goals, write letters of recommendation and provide a networking path to internships. Rider's student to faculty ratio is 12 to 1. Take advantage of it.

A great way to find out what is offered for clubs and organizations at Rider is to attend the SGA Awareness Fair on Sept. 10. 

"Getting involved as a student can be a transformative experience. It opens the doors of connection to the school, fellow students and faculty and staff in ways that staying your room cannot." 

-Nicholas D. Barbati, assistant director of Campus Life for Activities & Student Engagement

Rider provides many resources for students to succeed. The Student Success Center offers Rider students free programs and services designed to maximize student involvement in their own learning and development. The staff of administrators and trained professional and peer tutors, graduate assistants, peer assistants, and student success coaches work collaboratively with students as they discover options for creating academic and personal success.

The office offers tutoring services and a writing lab, located in the Bart Luedeke Center, Suite 237, and provides free individual and small-group tutoring for writing, reading comprehension, study strategies and English Language Learners (ELL). Email [email protected],or use Tutortrac to schedule your appointment or for more information. On the Westminster campus, Academic Support Services is located in Taylor Hall Room B-12.

"Realize you aren't the only person going through this transition.  You are not alone, you are one member of an entire class of new students.  You are going through this experience together. There are many opportunities at Rider and it can easily be overwhelming, but try to ease into activities and events. If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed it is okay to ease off and ask for help." 

- Christopher Botti, assistant dean of Students at Westminster Choir College

Rider University also provides counseling services that are free, and confidential. Counseling Services, housed in counseling centers on each campus, comprises a broad range of services available to currently enrolled, full-time students and part-time students living on campus, as well as other students at the discretion of the director. The trained professional staff is ready to assist with all personal and/or academic difficulties. The center is located at Zoerner House in Lawrenceville and Williamson Hall Room #6 at Princeton and the hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Doing laundry can be a new experience for some freshmen. Have a laundry bag, detergent and dryer sheets for your first laundry day. Rider washers and dryers are free for students to use. Make sure to separate the colors and the whites as you don't want your whites getting a pink tint to them from a red shirt. And set a timer while doing laundry and be there to take out your clothes when the cycle ends. Not only will this prevent wrinkling but it will also allow other students to do their laundry.

Rider's official student handbook is known as “The Source,” a user-friendly publication that will serve as a resource guide for students. The purpose of this book is to provide each student with general responses to frequently asked questions as well as a listing of policies, procedures, people and places that you might need during your stay at Rider. Keep in mind that all students are expected to know and follow Rider’s policies, so review them carefully. 

Rider’s alma mater, “Cranberry and White,” written by Robert D. Helvering, Westminster Choir College adjunct assistant professor, is sung at Commencement ceremonies.

Westminster freshmen should also review the music for the Lutkin Benediction, which you received with your letter of acceptance.  You will sing it for the first time with the entire Westminster campus community at the Fall Convocation ceremony on Tuesday, September 6.

At any given time, one out of every 10 Rider students is studying somewhere in the world outside of the U.S., and those experiences are often the most powerful they have as an undergraduate. To succeed in a changing world, you must first understand it through the eyes of others. 

The Center for International Education will host its semi-annual Study Abroad Fair in September, giving students the chance to learn about studying, interning or volunteering abroad. Over 15 study abroad providers and more than 20 study abroad ambassadors will be on hand to explain what their programs offer and to share one-on-one information.

"If you have a question, ask it. This is your college experience, so take ownership of it. You will be making many decisions both in the classroom and out of it, so make sure you have as much information as you can before making a decision. That all starts with asking a question."  

- Christopher Botti, assistant dean of students at Westminster Choir College

Cope with being homesick by staying busy. Attend events, meet new people and get involved. Technology has made it easier than ever to keep in touch with family while away at school. Set up a phone call or video chat time at the end of the first week to keep your homesickness at bay while giving your family ease-of-mind.

Plan for your family to visit. On Nov. 4, Rider will host Family Weekend, where students and their families take part in an array of activities planned for this special weekend including a luncheon, choir performances and a basketball game.

When Karly Munoz ’17 came to Rider from her home in California, she was homesick and unsure of whether or not she could stay. But then something changed. Read more about Karly's experience of finding a second home at Rider.

Go to the Richard A. Coppola Pool Open Swim hours to get in a few laps or the Student Recreation Center and use its services to make the Freshmen 15 a myth. Students are required to have their Bronc ID for admission. The indoor track is located upstairs, above the courts and 10.5 laps equal one mile. The SRC also provides locker rooms, and personal locks are available at the front desk. There are also group exercise classes to participate in such as barre toning, hatha yoga, Insanity, kickboxing, Pilates, Rider ride, and Zumba. Reservations for group exercise classes begin half an hour before the scheduled class start time and class schedules are expected to be posted the last week in August. At Westminster, group exercise classes are held in Seabrook Lounge.

There will also be a Fall Group Exercise Launch Party on Wednesday, Sept. 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the SRC. The GX Launch party will give the students a chance to sample workouts from the Fall class schedule as well as join the SRC in introducing our newest class coming this Fall, STRONG by Zumba.

Like the SRC on Facebook and follow them on Twitter to remain informed of the group exercise classes and fitness programming.

New Student Move In takes place Sept. 4 on the Lawrenceville campus. Many events are planned for students to welcome them to Rider. On the day you arrive, plan for a food fest, welcome ceremony and even a student dinner with President Dell’Omo.

Westminster New Student Move-In is Aug. 31. New student orientation runs from Aug. 31 to Sept. 6. Fall convocation is on Sept. 6 and is all-campus gathering is held in Bristol Chapel to open the academic year. The faculty process in their academic regalia, new faculty members are introduced, promotions are announced, and the entire community sings together. The SGA President's Ball will take place on Sept. 9 at 8 p.m.

"My most important advice would be to hit the ground running. Everything will be new and exciting, and in between getting used to a new environment and making new friends, one can lose sight of the reason you are at Rider. Focus hard on doing well your first semester.

Since the work will progress at a much quicker pace than in high school, it is critical that students don't procrastinate and that they take advantage of all of the academic resources that Rider has to offer. If this wasn't you in high school, you now have a chance to reinvent yourself. College is about more than classes, but first get the academics in order, and then find one or two things outside of the classroom that will nourish your fun and social side (but only after you're sure the academics are under control)." 

- Ira Mayo, associate dean of freshmen