Princeton University
- Local Atmosphere

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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.

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Local Atmosphere at Princeton University

vhsiao

Computer Science '15

4.6

A

Quiant Town

Very quaint town with nice shops and attractions nearby. The school has buses and other methods to get around, but there is really no need to get off campus. There are numerous on-campus activities every day.

Apr 17, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Princeton University

jwbrown

Political Science and Government '13

4.6

A

Orange Bubble

The town of Princeton is focused entirely on the university which is very nice, and Nassau street has lots of nice (albeit fairly expensive) places to get a meal or ice cream. The town is extremely safe and very friendly towards university students. Another fantastic aspect about Princeton's location is the proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, where you can take a train in for a concert or a night out and still be back to campus late that night.

Jan 02, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Princeton University

Princeton2014

Mechanical Engineering '14

3.1

B-

TON to Do...If You're Willing to Make the Trek

What I love about Princeton is that it is a very small town, but has access to New York and Philadelphia, both an hour away. The town itself is very safe, but there are very little activities to do, even heading to a Target or a grocery store requires a car. Furthermore, the local residents, called "townies," do not have the best of relationships with the students.

Aug 23, 2011

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