Published Nov 18, 2014
Laila26
22 Posts
Hi everyone! I just received my acceptance to the Rutgers Camden accelerated nursing program. However, I am unsure about housing there. I feel that dorming wouldn't be feasible with how strict they are about hours over breaks and such - but at the same time, I feel that it is a safe option. I know I can try some closer towns, but I thought I should start a thread here and gather some recommendations or insight from anyone who is from the area or in the program?
Thanks!
flyersfan88
449 Posts
I'd recommend living in a surrounding town. Find a roommate or two and look into Collingswood, Westmont, Cherry Hill, Blackwood, or even Center City Philadelphia,
etc. There are lots of places to rent within short distance of PATCO, which could put you on campus in minutes without the dreaded experience of living in a dorm and in Camden.
nsul1990
31 Posts
Laila26! where are you from? I am also in the same boat as you I have no idea where to look for places to live and the cost of living would be higher I feel like at school.. so I have been looking at apartments that have low crime rates around Camden. Have you heard anything about tuition and housing?
Hi nsul1990! Congrats on getting in! I can't believe it !!!! I currently live in central jersey, but the commute would be too much every day so I'm definitely looking for a place to live around camden. I just recently got an email to sign up for housing, but the rates are pretty high. I've dormed in undergrad, and I feel like I'm past that and don't want to deal with when the dorms close like after finals and stuff. I am looking into Collingswood to live. Its a cute and safe town.. and I keep hearing great things about it!! :)
you too! oh I see for me I would have to take public transportation because I am from California.. so I need places that are within walking distance. Yes it is high.. and I know how sucky it is at the dorm one year was enough for me lol. Have you heard about the program itself and how difficult it is?
My cousins actually in the current program she said its difficult but manageable. I would look along the PATCO line for transportation or the dorms so that you have easy access to a lot of places. Maybe even for just a semester so that you can familiarize yourself with the area. I know they have single dorms as well.
I did the program when it was down the road in nearby Stratford. It is difficult but manageable. I had lots of great clinical experiences. There are great hospitals in the area, such as Cooper Trauma Center right in Camden so you'll learn a lot. Just be proactive in seeking out experiences at the hospital.
I didn't find the program too bad, but I'm pretty laid back. The people who you can tell are neurotic and too type A for their own good are the ones that struggled.
P.s.-don't live in Camden....at least don't live off campus. Just don't.
Laila26, That's so helpful! since i have not heard anything about the program other than it being disorganized so i guess manageable is good! You'r right I have considered living on campus for just 1 semester since i don't know the area at all...do you know how much is the single dorm in average? How's your cousins doing in all classes?
Thanks so much Flyersfan88!! you must be one of those students who don't need to try hard but get good grades lol thats good! what would you recommend us to prepare for the classes or etc? were you able to pick the clinical sites or they assign one for you? Did you feel prepared for the NCLEX coming from ABSN? Sorry i have lots of Q's
Yea seems living on campus is about 60% for me it's just costly but at least it's only for 6 months.. I am kind of scared to live in Camden by myself for the first time...
Laila26, That's so helpful! since i have not heard anything about the program other than it being disorganized so i guess manageable is good! You'r right I have considered living on campus for just 1 semester since i don't know the area at all...do you know how much is the single dorm in average? How's your cousins doing in all classes?Thanks so much Flyersfan88!! you must be one of those students who don't need to try hard but get good grades lol thats good! what would you recommend us to prepare for the classes or etc? were you able to pick the clinical sites or they assign one for you? Did you feel prepared for the NCLEX coming from ABSN? Sorry i have lots of Q's Yea seems living on campus is about 60% for me it's just costly but at least it's only for 6 months.. I am kind of scared to live in Camden by myself for the first time...
My cousins doing well in the program. It's a bachelors degree in 4 semesters, you can't go into it thinking it's easy. She has to sacrifice a lot so she can study. But being that your new to the area, you won't have many distractions so you can concentrate on school which is good. The dorming rates are online. I forgot how I got there but try to google rutgers camden Dorming. And I'm pretty sure all the clinicals are at cooper medical.
Clinical sites are pretty much picked for you. For your capstone preceptorship you get to pick your top 3 units/sites, but it is generally merit based. And no, not all clinicals are at Cooper. There is also Kennedy Health System and Inspira, and a few varying places for peds. The regular BSN program gets to do Peds at CHOP which is amazing....however I don't believe the absn students go there yet or if they ever will.
In terms of preparation. ..i just spent a lot of time on this site learning a lot about what to expect about both nursing and nursing school. Most things on here tend to be true. Relax beforehand. ..don't go crazy studying before school even starts. The program is fast paced and flies by. I loved it, however many people that are still in the program find it to be disorganized since the program is still in transition from merging UMDNJ/Rutgers (but I also find that people are very petty in what they complain about).
Biggest advice: be a grown up. Things are not going to be spoon fed and just because it isn't on the slide doesn't mean you're not responsible for it. Don't complain when things don't always go your way.
nsul1990, you should try to look at collingswood heights. I just signed a lease there! and I agree 100% with flyersfan88, its going to be a difficult and strenuous program but instead of complaining, you should just think positive and get through it. Im more excited than nervous. A positive attitude will get you anywhere!
lolaade07
6 Posts
hey guys! i got accepted into the program also , did anyone have issues with their prereqs? i have to take two extra classes (yikes) as far as housing, i am looking more into the cooper 330 dorms preferably the one bedroom one! the program will probably be stressful as is and i dont want to have to worry about transportation, or roommates. and i'd feel safer on campus