HOUSING
There is generally no temporary housing for new faculty or visitors, unless it was arranged with the sponsoring
academic department before your arrival. It is therefore likely that you will need to stay in a local hotel for
several days until you find a place to live.
Apartment costs vary greatly. A studio apartment could cost anywhere from $500-$900 per month, depending on
location and level of luxury; a 3-bedroom apartment could range from $900-$1250. Some rentals do not include
utility costs (gas, heat and electricity). This can run an additional $30-$110 per month, depending on apartment
size and your usage of energy. Unless otherwise specified, most apartments are also unfurnished.
The best resources to use in finding local apartment rentals are:
The Off-Campus Housing office, 542 George Street (College Avenue campus), which provides information and
guidance on looking for apartments in the community. The office maintains lists and computer search programs of
available apartments, houses, sublets, and rooms;
The daily student newspaper, The Targum, distributed to sites throughout the campus;
The Home News and Tribune, the local daily newspaper (the largest apartment rental listings appear in the
Sunday edition);
Posted notices in your department and elsewhere on campus;
On bulletin boards in supermarkets and other high-volume stores.
When using these resources, do not assume that any apartment you see listed will be conveniently located. Many
Rutgers faculty and scholars prefer to live in close commuting distance to the campus on which they spend most of
their time. For the College Avenue and Busch campuses, living in Highland Park, Somerset, Edison or certain
sections of Piscataway or New Brunswick is most convenient. For the Cook and Douglass campuses, living in
North Brunswick or certain sections of New Brunswick or East Brunswick would be most convenient. For the
Livingston campus, Piscataway, Edison and Highland Park are the nearest towns.
There are a number of apartment "complexes" locally in which many Rutgers students, faculty and staff live. A
full listing is available in the Off-Campus Housing Office, but information on a few of the largest is listed on the
following page:
Cedar Arms and Cedar Lane Apartments
100 Cedar Lane, Highland Park
868-0806
Easton North Apartments
1118 Easton Ave., Somerset
828-0707
Forest Glen Apartments
1 Forest Glen, Highland Park
846-8100
Park Lane Apartments
10 Landing Lane, New Brunswick
249-6222
Parktown House Apartments
11 Raritan Ave., Highland Park
846-4260
When you rent an apartment, you must arrange for your own telephone (call New Jersey Bell, 828-9950) and may
have to order electric or gas service (call Public Service Electric and Gas Company, 247-7000). Most landlords
require that you pay a deposit and sign a lease, a contract between renter and tenant which defines the rights and
responsibilities of each party. If you cause no damage to the apartment and pay your rent, the deposit is returned
to you with interest when you move out. Before signing a lease make sure you read and understand all of the
terms; based on this contract, you will be held responsible for certain problems and repairs. If conflicts arise
between you and your landlord, you should consult the international faculty adviser or the Off Campus Housing
office before taking any action.
When determining the best place for your needs, keep in mind the following:
What are the conditions of the lease?
If there is no lease, what are the conditions of tenancy?
How much is the security deposit? How and when is it returned?
How do you arrange for repairs?
How is the building secured? Are the locks and doors secure?
Is the apartment insured?
Are interior alterations permitted?
Are the kitchen and bathroom facilities complete and in acceptable condition?
Are the electrical outlets safely installed?
Where is the fuse box or circuit breaker?
What provisions are made for fire safety?
What kind of heat is provided? Is the heat cost included in the rent? If not, how much will the monthly cost be?
What utilities are included in the rent?
Where are the nearest laundry facilities? stores? restaurants?
Is it located near the school(s) you want your children to attend?
Is it located on a public bus line?
PUBLIC AND CAMPUS TRANSPORTATION
The university provides free transportation throughout the New Brunswick campuses (red buses). There is a fee
for municipal service (blue buses), available during the day until 6:00 P.M.
A special bus runs between Princeton and New Brunswick; it stops in front of the university bookstore across
from the railroad station. Tickets and information are available at TR Bagel, next to the university bookstore (and
at the railroad station across from the bookstore during hours when TR Bagel is closed). The bus is operated by
Suburban Transit (249-1100).
Trains and buses from New Brunswick and neighboring towns run very regularly to New York City, where you can
connect to another train or bus to almost any point in the U.S. or Canada.
SHOPPING
Many international visitors have remarked on the temptation to buy in the United States. Advertising pressure
may seem irresistible at first, but you will soon find that the cost of living in this country is high, especially when
you convert the value of the U.S. dollars into your own country's currency. It is important to manage your budget
carefully in deciding what, why, and where to buy.
Americans do not generally haggle over prices; rather, they shop around to compare prices at different stores
until they find the item and quality they want at the lowest price. Prices vary according to manufacturer, retail
store, time of the year, and even state and local taxes.
Discount stores sell clothing, drugs, cosmetics, photographic equipment, housewares, bedding, appliances,
carpets, luggage, books, records, and furniture at lower prices than quality department stores or small shops.
Factory outlets and wholesale houses, which sell merchandise directly from the manufacturer, offer lower prices
than retail merchants.
Most places of business run periodic sales. Large chain stores have weekly specials; smaller establishments have
less frequent, seasonal sales. You can achieve savings of as much as 50 percent on everything from winter coats
to frozen foods by watching for advertisements in local newspapers, particularly the Sunday edition. Americans
enjoy shopping for "bargains" and often boast of how little they paid for quality items.
With the exception of certain articles of clothing, most unused and all defective items may be returned for a cash
refund or exchange if you have a sales receipt as proof of purchase. Stores post their refund policies; check for
time limits on returns and notices which read "All Sales Final."
Buying Used Goods
Americans frequently buy second-hand goods. Thrift shops, "flea" markets, rummage and garage sales are
common sources of used furniture, clothing, appliances, and household utensils. Some of these sales are run by
charities trying to raise money by selling donated items; others are held by individuals who are moving out of the
area or who are simply disposing of things they no longer use. Many young people furnish apartments by buying
second-hand furniture, and many well-to-do people look to second-hand sales as source of antiques and novelty
items.
Second-hand goods may be top quality and only slightly used; children's clothing, which is outgrown before it is
worn out, is an excellent second-hand buy. On the other hand, buying used appliances can be very risky; if an
appliance is not in good working order, you may pay more for repairs than you would have paid for the same item
brand new. Always check prices on new items before buying second-hand; you should be saving a considerable
amount of money to make the purchase worthwhile. Second-hand stores are listed in the Yellow Pages of the
telephone book under "Thrift Shops," "Furniture-Used," and "Clothing Bought & Sold"; garage sales and flea
markets are advertised in the classified section of newspapers.
Buying Clothes
Because of the variation in sizes around the world, buying clothing in a foreign country can be very confusing.
Although the conversion chart in the appendix of this book will give you a means to translate sizes, you should
always try on an article of clothing before purchasing it. The quality and the cost of clothing vary tremendously
from store to store. A good guide to potential durability is fabric content, which by law must be listed on the label
inside the garment. Cleaning instructions are also printed on the label.
Buying Food
"Supermarkets" are the least expensive stores in which to buy food. Usually part of a chain of stores owned by
one company, they offer fresh, frozen, and processed foods and a wide variety of household items. Customers
serve themselves then pay for their purchases at a checkout register. Some supermarkets accept personal
checks; others require cash payment. A "deli" is a small shop which carries specialty foods. Small, independently
owned groceries often have superior cuts of meats, but generally charge more than supermarkets for standard
food and household items.
Each week, most stores advertise specials, food items reduced in price for that week. Unlike people in many other
countries who are in the habit of going to the market every day, Americans tend to shop infrequently and "stock
up," especially on sale items. Newspapers also publish coupons which may be used to reduce the cost of food and
consumer items.
During the summer, farmers sell their own fruits and vegetables along the roadside or at large farmers' markets.
Prices are low on the freshly harvested produce.
Shopping without a car can be difficult. There is an "Edwards" supermarket and a few specialty shops in Highland
Park and there is another "Edwards" supermarket on Easton Avenue in Somerset. Neither supermarket is within
walking distance of university bus stops, however. Both the George Street co-op and C-Town supermarket are
within walking distance of the Livingston Avenue stop on the E bus route. The co-op is located at 89 Morris
Street, opposite New Street. To get there walk one block up Livingston Avenue from George Street. Morris
Street will be on your left. The co-op offers "organically grown" fruits and vegetables, as well as a variety of
other natural foods and products. Prices at this store can be expensive, especially for nonmembers. The C-Town
supermarket is located on George Street, approximately two blocks from Livingston Avenue toward Douglass
Campus.
Meat is cut differently in different parts of the world. In the U.S., it is "unboned," i.e., sliced across the muscle,
bone, and fat. Because many cuts have more than one muscle in them, a single piece of meat may have varying
degrees of tenderness.
Meats, poultry, eggs, butter, fruits, and vegetables may be graded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
to certify a standard of quality. Although the USDA seal is not required, and its absence on these items does not
signify diminished quality, it is used so frequently that familiarity with the grading system helps shoppers tell what
they are buying. Beef, veal, and lamb are graded U.S. prime, choice, good or standard. Poultry carries U.S.
Grades A and B. Eggs and butter carry U.S. Grades AA, A, and B. Apples are graded extra fancy, fancy, U.S.
No.1 (which is actually the third level!), or utility, good for applesauce but not for eating raw. The grading system
applies to appearance, or occasionally flavor, but not nutritional value. Most people cannot taste the difference
between Grades A and AA butter, but Grade A is cheaper and its food value identical to that of Grade AA. When
buying poultry it is more important to look for the words young or broiler or fryer, all of which tell you the bird is
tender; the meat of mature birds is likely to be tougher and therefore will need boiling or steaming to tenderize it.
Eggs are sold according to size: jumbo (the largest), extra large, large, medium, and small.
To get the best nutritional value for your money when buying processed or prepackaged food items, read the list
of ingredients on the label. They are listed in order of amount contained; be wary of food products whose first
ingredient is water or sugar. Remember, too, that you do not always "get what you pay for." Higher prices do not
necessarily mean higher quality. "Brand names" are more expensive than "store brands" or "generics," but
often you are paying for advertising and slick packaging rather than for greater nutritional value or better taste.
For help with dietary planning, call the Department of Health Education, 932-7710.
International Groceries
Many large supermarkets carry spices and ingredients for international dishes. In addition, there are small
grocery stores locally which specialize in foods and spices of specific national cuisines, especially Indian, Chinese,
Greek and Latin American. You can find just about any spice or foodstuff in the world in the specialty shops of
New York City. Consult the Yellow Pages of the phone book for information on local international groceries.
RENTING OR PURCHASING A CAR
AND OBTAINING A DRIVER'S LICENSE
Car rental companies can be found in the Yellow Pages under "Automobile Rentals." You may find it convenient
to rent a car for a few days or weeks after you arrive, in order to apartment-hunt and shop for household
essentials. Cars can be rented by the day or week, and prices vary greatly depending on the type of car you rent.
Call at least three rental companies and get their prices before you make a decision. The lowest car rental costs
can usually be found at "Rent-a-Wreck." They have older cars which, although not beautiful, are perfectly
functional and have passed all required state safety inspections.
You may find it necessary or useful to purchase or lease a car, either new or used. Before purchasing a used car,
it is best to have a reliable and independent mechanic check it for any major problems. Local newspapers have
advertisements for new and used cars, and it is advisable to see, test-drive and know basic information about a
few different cars--new and used--before you buy.
You will need to obtain a New Jersey driver's license in order to purchase your car insurance and to get the car
inspected. In order to get the license, you must first take a written test and, if you do not possess a currently valid
driver's license from another state or country, you will need to take a road test as well. You will also be required
to present your form I-94 (white card in passport) and a social security card when you apply for a driver's license.
For most, this can be applied for at the Social Security office at 52 Charles Street in New Brunswick. Bring your
passport and all your immigration papers; if your passport is not at least one year old, bring some sort of photo
I.D. which is at least one year old. It will take 2-3 weeks from the date of application until you receive the actual
social security card. (Please note: individuals who are not authorized for employment, including those J-2s who
have not received work authorization, cannot get a social security card. Instead, they should ask for a letter from
the Social Security office stating that they cannot have a social security card, and that they do not need one for a
New Jersey's driver's license.)
The Center for International Faculty and Student Services has New Jersey driver's manuals which give complete
instructions on how to obtain a license and get a car registered in the state. The manual also prepares you for the
written test. For further information on driver's licenses and automobile registration, contact the New Jersey
Division of Motor Vehicles at 745-7766.
ESTABLISHING CREDIT
If you will be in the United States for a year or more, you will probably find it necessary to have a major credit
card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discovery). Many visitors have said that it is both difficult and
frustrating to get a credit card in this country as most companies require you to possess an established (and good)
credit history in the U.S. before they will issue you a card. While there is no one easy solution to this problem,
some have found that several months of prompt payment to utilities companies (gas, electric and phone
companies) will help establish a good credit history. Others have, in effect, "purchased credit" by responding to
advertisements which guarantee approval for a credit card. The way this usually works is that you pay the
company a certain amount of money and you are then given "credit" for the amount you have paid. Some visitors
have said that they have managed to get a credit card with the assistance of a private accountant. You might also
establish a credit history by buying items such as furniture on an installment plan and using your timely payment
of installment fees as evidence of credit reliability.
NEWSPAPERS AND PUBLICATIONS
Note: The Alexander Library on College Avenue carries several foreign newspapers and magazines.
The Daily Targum is the university's student newspaper. It contains information on cultural activities, events and
issues of interest to the entire Rutgers community, as well as a substantial classified advertisement section.
The Home News and Tribune is the local newspaper of New Brunswick and nearby towns. Its classified
advertisements are a fine source of information on apartments and houses.
The Star Ledger is Newark's daily and New Jersey's largest newspaper.
The New York Times, available in all local newsstands, is considered to be one of the best--if not the best--daily
newspapers in the country. Its Sunday edition is particularly large, and covers news, business, the arts, real
estate, and many other topics; it also contains a special section on New Jersey, including upcoming activities and
events in the state.
TELEPHONES AND TELEGRAMS
Installation
Most people purchase their own telephones; inexpensive models are available in drug and department stores and
even supermarkets. To arrange for telephone service, call New Jersey Bell at 828-9950. During the first year of a
new account, you are required to pay a deposit of approximately $90 plus installation fees; if there are no billing
problems, the deposit is returned with interest after 12 months. Once you obtain telephone service you will receive
a directory, which includes local listings, special services of the telephone company, instructions for making
long-distance calls and a list of overseas code numbers. In the back of the directory are the Yellow pages, where
businesses and professional services are listed.
Public Telephones
Pay telephones are located in or near public buildings. Local calls cost 20 cents. To call long distance, deposit 20
cents and dial the number; a taped voice will instruct you on how much money you must deposit to complete the
call.
Campus telephones, located in public areas of many campus buildings, enable you to call university offices at no
charge (for numbers beginning with 932, dial 2 plus the last four digits of the number; for numbers beginning with
445, dial 5 plus the last four digits of the number). Telephone numbers of campus offices are listed in the Rutgers
Faculty/Staff Directory and are available from campus information (dial 2-9090 from on-campus telephones,
932-9090 from off campus).
Telegrams
Telegrams and cables are sent by Western Union. If telephoned, the cost of the telegram or cable is added to the
monthly charge for your telephone. The rate is based on the number of words in the message. Inquire about
special night rates and other cost-saving measures when you call to send your message. The toll-free number for
Western Union is 1-800/325-6000. To send an international cablegram call 1-212/363-5858.
Electronic Mail
Speak with your department about establishing an electronic mail ("e-mail") account at the university. All
Rutgers employees may obtain an e-mail account and take advantage of the speediest means of telephone line
communication of all. MAIL
The U.S. Postal Service has local branches in every town, and there is a branch on the College Ave. campus as
well. Large packages can be mailed from there. Letters mailed within the U.S. require a stamp (32 cents for a
regular-weight letter) and can be mailed from the post office or any mail box. Special low mailing rates for books
exist; inquire at a local post office.
SHIPPING OVERSEAS
There are several companies in the central New Jersey area which ship large items overseas. Look in the Yellow
Pages under "Shipping." Additional information on special rates for companies operating out of large U.S. cities is
posted occasionally at the Center for International Faculty and Student Services.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Every city and town in the U.S. is required by law to provide free public education through grade 12 to its resident
children. As an apartment renter or homeowner, you pay taxes indirectly or directly and thus earn the right of
access to your town or city public school system. Look in the white pages of your phone book under the name of
your town, and then find the phone number for the Board of Education or Schools Superintendent. Inquire which
school your children should attend and what procedures must be followed to officially enroll them.
The quality of public schools varies from town to town. Ask your colleagues and friends which school systems
have the best reputations.
CHILD CARE CENTERS
Daycare centers and private nursery schools (for pre-school children) can be expensive and, in some cases,
limited in the number of children they will take. Plan ahead as much as possible and be certain to compare costs
by calling several places; it is also advisable to consult with colleagues and neighbors to gain general knowledge
about pre-school programs in your area. There are basically six different kinds of child care:
Day care centers offer full- and part-time care suitable for parents who work. Day care centers are licensed by
the State and, while unlicensed day care centers may not necessarily be of poor quality, you should check to see if
the center is licensed.
Nursery schools are also licensed, but may meet different needs. Some may offer flexible schedules or some may
offer child care on a limited hour basis only.
Family day care is child care provided in a home other than the child's own home. Usually there is one adult caring
for up to six children.
Playgroups are informal arrangements made by a group of families. They usually operate in the families' homes,
with the parents taking turns caring for the children, or hiring a teacher and sharing the costs.
Babysitting offers the advantage of taking place in the child's own home, but can be costly. Legal minimum wage
requirements stipulate that if you plan to employ a sitter for more than 20 hours per week, you must pay at least
$5.25 an hour, as well as FICA (Social Security).
After-school (or extended day) programs are provided by some public schools and day care centers. These are
offered to provide child care during late afternoons when parents are still at work.
Following is a limited list of child care referral agency telephone numbers throughout the state.
If you live or work in the county of: Call:
Middlesex (908) 353-1621
or 896-8160
Hunterdon, Monmouth, Ocean, (908) 353-1621
Union or the city of Newark
Monmouth, Somerset or (201) 896-8160
Bucks County, PA or 896-2171
Camden (609) 757-6869
In addition to the referral sources listed above, you might want to contact the following programs for
information: The Livingston Day Care Center (932-3645) offers full day-care services for children aged 2 to 6
years. Reduced rates are available for qualifying single parents. This center often has a waiting list of up to one
year.
Douglass Day Care (932-8881), run by the Department of Psychology, has flexible day care for children aged 2 ½
to 6 years.
The Department of Nutritional Sciences (932-8895) runs a nursery school for 3 and 4 year olds.
Kindercare (463-4554) is for children 6 weeks to 12 years old and is located conveniently at the University of
Medicine and Dentistry, 659 Hoes Lane, Piscataway.
Future Generation (937-8827) offers half-day and hourly rates for children of toddler to pre-school age. The
program operates out of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, conveniently located to the College Avenue
campus.
The Children's Center (246-4696) provides individualized programs of child care and development.
The CAC Day and Evening Childcare Center (932-8093/8074) is open from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and enrolls children
ages 2 ½ - 10 years old on a full day, half-day or evening basis.
ACTIVITIES FOR SPOUSES
Individuals in the visa-dependent statuses of H-4 and F-2 are not eligible for employment in the U.S. Under some
circumstances, visa dependents of J-1s (J-2) may be eligible to apply for employment authorization. See the
section on Immigration-Related Regulations for further information on J-2 employment.
For those visa dependents ineligible to work in this country, there is no shortage of activities or meaningful ways
to fill time. In addition to the programs for spouses mentioned in the first chapter of this handbook, there exist
several options for wives or husbands. Many volunteer organizations in your community will gladly welcome your
spouse to do volunteer work. This work must be designated as volunteer, i.e., it cannot be a position which would
normally be paid if filled by an individual with work authorization. Most hospitals, for example, welcome volunteer
workers. Information on other volunteer opportunities can be obtained through the Volunteer Action Center of
Middlesex County (100 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick; 249-8910). Volunteer work can be extremely
fulfilling and can provide spouses with valuable exposure to, and experience with, U.S. life.
Please refer to the Guidebook for International Families for further information about volunteering and for a
discussion of numerous other activities and opportunities for spouses.
HOUSES OF RELIGION
The local community has churches, synagogues and mosques for many religions and religious denominations.
Rutgers University also has religious services for some religions. You can obtain information on religious services
and activities by looking in the yellow pages of the phone book under "Religious Organizations," "Churches" or
"Synagogues" or by speaking with friends and colleagues.
RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT
With New York City within an hour's travel time, Rutgers is ideally located for access to this country's best and
most diverse cultural and entertainment activities. This does not mean, however, that one must travel to New
York to be part of a vital cultural life. Campus and local community theaters, museums, restaurants, parks and
cultural centers also offer a wide and exciting selection of activities. The Daily Targum, The New York Times,
The Home News and Tribune and other local newspapers have special sections describing upcoming events.
New Jersey also offers fine parks, woodlands and other nature-lovers' locales, as well as some beautiful beaches.
Consult the New Jersey Department of Tourism for information on the many state resources available to you.
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last updated August 19, 1997