Rider's international admission counselors are happy to answer your questions and guide you through the application process. Please click on the link below to schedule a virtual appointment.
Rider University is located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, on the east coast of the United States. Rider is about 90 kilometers from New York City, one of the world's most dynamic and diverse metropolitan cities, and 65 kilometers from Philadelphia, one of America's most historically and culturally rich cities. Our central location makes it easy to visit other major cities in the United States, such as Boston and Washington, DC.
Our Lawrenceville, NJ campus offers 280 acres to wander, discover and learn by heart (including a 2.7-acre lake)! The University has a total of 41 buildings including athletic fields, tennis courts, and an indoor swimming pool. There are a total of 12 residence halls and five Greek houses for members of fraternities and sororities on campus. See our vibrant campus from anywhere by taking a 360° immersive tour or exploring our interactive map.
Students should come prepared for variable weather: very cold winters, hot summers, and pleasant days in between. The temperature frequently drops to between -10 to 0 degrees Celsius in the winter, with high temperatures of 32 to 35 degrees Celsius and humidity in the summer. Students should plan to have warm clothing for the cold months (November through April), including sweaters, a heavy overcoat (preferably a lined storm coat or jacket), hat, gloves, scarf, and good shoes; a raincoat also is recommended.
Most students do not dress formally for class. On campus, informal wear such as slacks, zippered jackets, blouses, blue jeans, and shirts are acceptable for women as well as for men.
Rider offers many student-friendly transportation options that allow you to make the most of our great location! These programs include a free campus shuttle system, on-campus car rental service, and easy access to public transportation. Please visit Transportation for more information.
Rider is on a semester system. The Fall semester runs from early September through mid-December. The Spring semester runs from late January to early May. Rider also offers two summer sessions.
All students are assigned an academic advisor within their field of study.
No, all courses at Rider are taught by faculty members, ninety-six percent of whom have a doctoral degree or the terminal degree in their field.
Rider no longer offers an English language program. However, students can take one of Rider's specified English language proficiency tests to be considered for admission, in addition to completing other requirements.
Approximately 70% of Rider's students live on campus.
Rider international students represent over 50 countries across 6 continents.
Housing at Rider's Lawrenceville campus is guaranteed for the first two years of undergraduate study, provided students deposit by the housing deadline. International undergraduate and graduate and students are encouraged but not required to live on campus; exchange and visiting students are required to live on campus. For new undergraduate students, the housing and tuition deposits must be received by May 1. All international undergraduate students will automatically receive a $3,000 housing grant if they live on campus. Returning juniors and seniors may apply for housing using the housing lottery.
Residence buildings are safe, comfortable, well-equipped and convenient. No matter where you live on campus, you are always just a short walk away from your classrooms, the dining hall, the fitness center, the library and all of the services and resources Rider provides.
Visit Rider's Housing and Dining Webpage.
At Rider, the safety and security of our students is always a top concern. Our Office of Public Safety provides 365 days, 24-hour campus patrol, student escort services, life and safety checks, emergency medical services, crime and prevention programs and building security.
Rider uses an emergency notification system. More information will be provided during your orientation.
Most of Rider's on-campus students eat in Daly's Dining Hall on the Lawrenceville campus. Food is also available on campus for all students at Starbucks, Saxbys, and Cranberry's, which features Pan Asian, Latin, Italian, and American cuisine. We have a variety of meal plans that fit into your schedule and provide an assortment of high-quality choices, with something for everyone!
Students who live off-campus can buy a meal plan or Bronc Bucks, or pay cash at any dining venue. Learn more about meal plans here.
Rider is committed to making international students feel at home. Our international advisors and international student services staff work closely together to make your transition to Rider – both academically and personally – a smooth and enjoyable one. Visit the Office of International Education webpage for more information.
Rider has a number of student-run multicultural organizations that consist of both international and domestic students who all have an interest in interacting with students from other cultures. These clubs include the Asian American Student Association, Indian Students Association, Latin American Student Organization, Muslim Students Association, Global Outlooks Club, and many others. Members organize a variety of social and cultural functions, sports, and other activities.
Rider offers more than 150 clubs and organizations - ranging from student government, to religious and cultural organizations, to academic organizations, to social and interest organizations. Visit the Student Life webpage.
Rider University's Student Health Center supports the health care needs of all full-time residency and commuter students. The clinic is staffed with nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants and administrative staff with a special interest in college health.
Rider University offers a wide range of merit scholarships to all international undergraduate, transfer, and graduate students. In addition, all international undergraduate students receive a $3,000 Campus Connection grant towards the cost of on-campus housing and all international graduate students receive a $2,000 travel grant discount.
Need-based assistance is not available to international students. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and qualified non-citizens (e.g. documented refugees and asylees) may apply for aid using the FAFSA form.
On-campus jobs are available to all students holding an F-1 or J-1 visa. Rider's Office of Career Services helps qualified international students find an internship or cooperative education position. These experiences may be paid or unpaid, depending upon the policy of the employer.
Students should NOT plan to pay for their education with wages earned while working on-campus. Students may work no more than 20 hours per week during the semester.