Princeton University - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

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.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

The town and University are fairly... The town and University are fairly separate entities, but the town is small enough that most errands can be done conveniently on foot. The towpath that runs by Lake Carnegie is beautiful. There are some great (but pricey) restaurants. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Princeton’s a quaint little town.... Princeton’s a quaint little town. The only other nearby university is Westminster Choir College. The good thing is that Penn Station is only an hour and a half away by train, and a round-trip train ticket is only $14. Plus, there’s even a train station on campus. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Rutgers University and the College... Rutgers University and the College of New Jersey are the closest other schools, but we really don’t have anything to do with them. The town, itself, is very quaint and community-oriented. There are lots of little stores and restaurants, and the campus is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to. The architecture and greenery is really breathtaking, especially in the spring and fall. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

No student should pass through... No student should pass through Princeton without a cappuccino from Small World Coffee, the heart and soul of the town. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

It’s a nice atmosphere. There’s a... It’s a nice atmosphere. There’s a big main street with shops and stores right on campus, but it’s still a small- town setting. The people here are extremely friendly. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

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