The Open Arms Community is a thematic living community that focuses on neurodiversity and disability. Open Arms is a place where students can “unmask” as a person with a disability without fear of judgement or discrimination, and make connections with other students with disabilities to both learn from one another and to bond through common experiences.
Students do not have to identify as neurodivergent or a person with a disability to join Open Arms. The community is also open to allies who would like to gain a better understanding of the experiences of individuals with disabilities and the neurodiverse community.
The Open Arms Community is located in Livingston Apartments A on Livingston Campus. Members of the community can enjoy events and programs related to neurodiversity and disability in the Livi-Well Room, a sensory-friendly space located in the Livingston Apartments. Members also benefit from connections to campus resources, and the opportunity to engage in advocacy projects on campus.
Open Arms Community applications for 2025-2026 are now open! Applications are due no later than Friday, February 7th, 2025.
Please note: All students must participate in Continuing Student Housing Selection. You must obtain a housing selection number to be eligible for the Open Arms Community. Please visit here for more information.
Should you be accepted to the Open Arms Community, you will be assigned housing within the community. Please participate in Continuing Student Housing Selection until you have been notified of your acceptance into the Open Arms Community.
To complete the supplemental application for the Open Arms Community, please click here.
To learn more about the Open Arms Community, please contact Residence Life-Student Support at rlstudentsupport@rutgers.edu or 848-932-4371 (press 3).
