Life at 330 Cooper: Q&A with Rutgers-Camden Graduate Students

Rutgers–Camden graduate students are carving out their own comfortable living community at 330 Cooper, the new apartment-style residence hall that opened before the Fall 2012 semester. Here is what they think about campus life:

Nicole Ojo-Ohikuare | Law

Q: How has living at 330 Cooper allowed you to carve out your own community at Rutgers–Camden while working towards your degree? A: It has made living on campus so much more convenient. I have great views of the city, lots of space, and I enjoy being able to cook when and what I want. The environment really embodies scholarship. It fosters the desire to learn. I just enjoy being part of Rutgers–Camden. I appreciate that the building has created an atmosphere where I can be part of campus while retaining my individuality and maintaining my own interests. I’m so close to the River LINE and PATCO high speed line that if I don’t feel like being on campus, a trip is a quick train ride away and at the end of the day I can return home to 330 Cooper.

Q: How has Rutgers–Camden fostered your educational growth and how is it allowing you to realize your career goals?

A: Rutgers–Camden has played a tremendous role in advancing my education. Getting a law degree has been my goal for a few years now and it was important for me to be able to volunteer. Camden has been an area that provides a lot of opportunities to give back.

 

Neeta Goel | Childhood Studies

Q: What do you like about living at 330 Cooper?

A: To me, the sense of community is best reflected in the programs organized by the Housing and Residence Life Office. These programs include fun, educational and sports activities. I find that at the beginning of an event most residents don’t know each other, but by the end of the event, they’re all communicating with each other. So, the programs are a great way to get to know a number of other residents, creating a sense of community even among a diverse group of students.

Q: How has Rutgers–Camden allowed you to work towards your career goals?

A: Prior to coming to Rutgers, I used to work with nonprofits that served disadvantaged children. I really enjoyed my work, but after a few years, felt the need to return to school to update my knowledge and skills. I was also interested in doing research with children, but wanted to enroll in a program that would be relevant to my future work in children. Rutgers–Camden offers the only doctoral degree program in Childhood Studies in all of North America, and seems to be an ideal fit for me.

 

Andre Araujo | Law

Q: What do you find advantageous about living at 330 Cooper?

A: I currently live with three classmates I befriended last year. Because we're all in the same year, we end up taking a lot of classes together. That means I'm surrounded at all times by my study and support group. I can't imagine getting through law school any other way. In addition, many of my friends, colleagues, and even my girlfriend live in the building, so during the semester there's always someone to talk to or something to do.

Q: Describe the living community at 330 Cooper. What’s it like?

A: Being at 330 Cooper feels less like living in a dorm and more like having an apartment. Being an older-than-average student, I appreciate the greater autonomy and independence. It lessens the culture shock of being back in school. My younger roommates appreciate being treated with more deference than they would be at a typical dorm, while still getting the proximity to the campus that a dorm usually affords.