Princeton UniversityLocal Atmosphere Summary

Written by Kristen McCarthy

Kristen McCarthy

Hometown

Mahwah, N.J.

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Princeton is a small town with a rich history. Originally the College of New Jersey, Princeton started as a small colonial town centered around a university whose primary focus was to produce well-trained young men, mostly as Presbyterian ministers. Nassau Hall, which now serves as an administrative building, originally housed all of the students, professors, and academic space. With the coming of the American Revolution, it became home to the First Continental Congress. Many legends exist regarding how Nassau Hall received its cannonball blow, a scar that exists even today, reminding students of their importance of their institution in the development of the nation. A walk through the Trustees' Room, which brags a famous Peale portrait of George Washington, also serves as a reminder of Princeton's strong ties with the past, as portraits of every University president hang on the wall. Many students complain that Princeton is trapped in time because of its older buildings and small town atmosphere. Students looking for an urban campus are sorely mistaken when they arrive on campus by way of the "Dinky," the two-car train that connects Princeton to the main New Jersey Transit rail connection. Princeton undergraduates are generally well received by "townies;" each year, to help mend any bruised relations, town and gown come together for "Communiversity," a day-long street fair that invites both students and townies to enjoy the closed-off Nassau Street and participate in activities such as a 5K run and sidewalk drawing. Despite its rich history, the University leaves much to be desired by way of a varied social life, so students are forced to look elsewhere to other places, such as New York and Atlantic City, for a little excitement.