Princeton UniversityStudent Guide

Academic dates, campus language, housing, and student-life references for Princeton University. Core organization is free for students.

Private Non-Profit Liberal Arts College in Princeton, NJ. Operating on a semester system.

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Liberal Arts College

Institution Type

43

Housing Buildings

Student guide · Fall Term 2026

The semester, explained for Princeton University

Dates from the active academic calendar, plus the campus language and local details students actually need. Every entry comes from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Relevant term
Fall Term 2026
Campus terms
28
Local details
13

Academic calendar

Fall Term 2026 runs Aug 20, 2026 – Jan 5, 2027. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.

3 entries
  1. Fall Term 2026Relevant now
  2. Spring Term 2027
  3. Fall Term 2027

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Campus language

Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.

28 terms

B

Bicker
The multi-day selection process used by selective eating clubs to choose new members.
Butler
Butler College, a residential college known for its mix of mid-century and modern architecture.

C

C-Store
The convenience store located in the Frist Campus Center.
CA
Community Action, a pre-orientation program focused on service and community engagement.

F

First
First College, the residential college formerly known as Wilson College.
Forbes
Forbes College, a residential college located further from the main campus center, known for its tight-knit community.
Forbes Dining
The dining hall located within Forbes College, famous for its Sunday brunch.

H

Hosed
To be rejected from an eating club during the Bicker process, or more generally, to be overwhelmed with work.

L

Late Meal
A credit-based dining option at Frist Campus Center for students on a meal plan during specific afternoon and late-night hours.
Lawnparties
A large-scale concert event held twice a year on the lawns of the eating clubs.

M

Mathey
Mathey College, a residential college known for its Gothic architecture and proximity to Rocky.

N

NCW
New College West, one of the newest residential colleges on the southern edge of campus.

O

OA
Outdoor Action, a popular pre-orientation program involving backpacking and outdoor activities.
ODUS
Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students, which oversees student life and organizations.
Orange Key
The student organization that provides official campus tours.

P

P-Rade
The traditional parade of alumni through campus during Reunions.
P-Safe
The Department of Public Safety, responsible for campus security and emergency services.
PUP
Princeton University Players, the student-run musical theater group.

R

Rocky
Rockefeller College, one of the six residential colleges located in the northern part of campus.
RoMa
The combined dining hall serving Rockefeller and Mathey Colleges.

S

Sign-in
The non-selective process for joining certain eating clubs on a first-come, first-served basis.

T

The Bubble
The perceived isolation of the Princeton campus from the events and realities of the outside world.
The Prince
The Daily Princetonian, the university's independent student newspaper.
The Street
Prospect Avenue, the location of the university's eleven historic eating clubs where most upperclassmen dine.

U

USG
Undergraduate Student Government, the primary representative body for students.

W

Whitman
Whitman College, a residential college built in the traditional collegiate gothic style.
WuCox
The combined dining hall serving Wu (Butler College) and Wilcox (First College).

Y

Yeh
Yeh College, a newly constructed residential college adjacent to New College West.

Places and practicalities

Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.

13 details
choi_dining_hall_yeh_huo_colleges
Choi Dining Hall (Yeh/Huo Colleges)
Dinky
The two-car train connecting the Princeton campus to the Princeton Junction station for NJ Transit access.
Fine
Fine Hall, the building housing the Mathematics Department, known for its distinct tower.
Firestone
Firestone Library, the university's main research library.
Frist
Frist Campus Center, the central hub for student life, dining, and mail services.
Lewis
Refers to either the Lewis Science Library or the Lewis Center for the Arts.
McCosh
McCosh Hall (classrooms) or McCosh Health Center (medical services), depending on context.
Nassau
Nassau Hall, the oldest building on campus and the primary administrative center.
PawPoints
A currency included in meal plans that can be used at various retail dining locations on campus.
The Dinky
The two-car shuttle train that connects the Princeton campus to the Princeton Junction station.
TigerCard
The official student ID card used for building access, meal plans, and library privileges.
TigerHub
The online portal where students register for classes, check grades, and manage academic records.
TigerTransit
The university's free shuttle bus system that circulates through campus and local areas.

Quick answers

Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.

What academic term is relevant now?
Fall Term 2026 runs Aug 20, 2026 – Jan 5, 2027.
How much campus context is included?
28 approved campus terms and 13 local details are included in full.
Are all approved campus terms included?
Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
Where does this guide come from?
Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Class of 2030 · Princeton University

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    Fall semester tuition payment due

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    First-Year Move-in Day

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Find a few communities to try at Princeton University

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27 mapped items from 6 public sources

Interest filters
  • Major-aligned clubs, pre-professional groups, and research communities.
  • Performing arts, visual arts, student publications, film, and music.
  • Cultural orgs, identity communities, and faith-based groups.
  • Volunteer groups, civic engagement, mutual aid, and student government.
  • Outdoor clubs, intramural sports, club sports, and rec center programs.
  • Entrepreneurship, hackathon teams, makerspaces, and engineering project teams.
  • Casual hangouts, interest groups, and open events without applications.

Worth a look

Eating Clubs

A system of eleven private clubs, central to upperclass social life, that function as dining halls and social houses. They are distinct from traditional Greek life but serve a similar social function. Five are non-selective ('sign-in') and six are selective ('bicker').

Regular commitment

Source: princetoneatingclubs.org · Verified 3 months ago

Learn More

Pace Center for Civic Engagement Student Organizations

The Pace Center advises and supports over 40 student-led service groups focused on various social issues.

Open to all

Princeton Triangle Club

The oldest collegiate musical-comedy troupe in the nation, known for its annual original musical that tours the country.

Tryout required

Source: triangleclub.org · Verified 3 months ago

The Daily Princetonian

The independent, student-run daily newspaper of Princeton University, covering campus news, sports, and opinions since 1876.

Regular commitment

Source: dailyprincetonian.com · Verified 3 months ago

WPRB 103.3 FM

A commercial, non-profit, student-run, freeform radio station broadcasting from the Princeton campus.

Source: wprb.com · Verified 3 months ago

Archery Club

Welcomes archers of all skill levels to learn and practice the sport of archery.

Open to all

Source: campusrec.princeton.edu · Verified 3 months ago

BodyHype Dance Company

A multi-style dance company that performs a diverse range of pieces choreographed by students.

Tryout required

Source: bodyhype.org · Verified 3 months ago

Campus rituals

Pre-rade

During orientation, the entire first-year class processes through FitzRandolph Gate onto campus, welcomed by cheering upperclass students, faculty, and alumni. Legend holds that students who walk back out the main gate before graduation won't graduate.

Drop in any time

Source: public campus page · Verified 3 months ago

Resources & spaces

Center for Career Development

Offers career counseling, workshops, recruiting events, and resources to help students explore career paths, find internships, and secure jobs.

Open to all

Source: careerdevelopment.princeton.edu · Verified 3 months ago

Visit Website

Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS)

Provides confidential mental health services, including counseling, therapy, psychiatric consultation, and outreach programs for all students.

Open to all

McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning

Offers academic support services including individual tutoring, group study halls, learning strategy consultations, and academic workshops to help students succeed.

Open to all

Source: mcgraw.princeton.edu · Verified 3 months ago

Visit Website

Princeton University Library

A world-class library system with extensive collections, specialized subject librarians, study spaces, and research support for students and faculty.

Open to all

Source: library.princeton.edu · Verified 3 months ago

Visit Website

Using DormWay at Princeton University

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Princeton University on DormWay

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Active Students

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Syllabi Analyzed

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Courses on DormWay

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Life in Princeton for Princeton University Students

Everything you need to know about living and studying in Princeton.

Timezone

Eastern Time (ET)

Median Rent

$2,200

Cost of Living Index

177

Student Population

12,000

City Transportation

Walkability

62

Bikeability

72

Public Transit

NJ Transit 605 bus, Princeton Loop municipal bus, NJ Transit Northeast Corridor via Princeton Junction

Nearest Airports

Trenton-Mercer Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport

Climate Averages

Climate

Humid subtropical

Avg Annual Temp

53°F

Avg Snowfall

23 in

Campus Operations Snapshot

Parking and Transit

Stadium Drive Garage

garage • High (Primary visitor lot)

Main visitor parking area; registration required.

Meadows Drive Garage

garage • Moderate

Located off Washington Road in the Meadows neighborhood.

Theater Drive Garage

garage • Moderate

Open for visitors after 4 PM and on weekends.

Campus News

Latest updates from Princeton University

Small-group programs to remain key part of first-year experience

Vice President W. Rochelle Calhoun clarified that programs like Community Action and Outdoor Action will continue as optional fall break activities rather than being eliminated.

Oct 29, 2026

Read More

Celebrate Princeton Innovation showcases research discoveries

Over 400 attendees convened for the annual showcase of research discoveries at the Frick Chemistry Lab, highlighting 12 exhibitors from diverse departments.

Oct 30, 2026

Read More

Overhaul Will Shorten Orientation by Four Days

Princeton University announced significant changes to New Student Orientation starting next fall, including shortening it to eight days and moving small-group programs to fall break.

Oct 27, 2026

Read More

Campus-wide test of emergency notification systems conducted on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.

Campus-wide test of emergency notification systems conducted on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.

Read More

Upcoming Events

What's happening at Princeton University

Memory Jug Workshop

November 1, 2026

Art Museum, 137 Creativity Lab

An arts workshop held at the Art Museum's Creativity Lab at 2:00 p.m.

Pianist Mishka Rushdie Momen: In Conversation & Performance

November 1, 2026

Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall

Princeton University Concerts performance by pianist Mishka Rushdie Momen at 3:00 p.m.

Worship Service in the University Chapel

November 1, 2026

University Chapel

Weekly worship service starting at 11:00 a.m.

Wrestling - Princeton Open

November 1, 2026

Jadwin Gymnasium

Athletic event: Princeton Open wrestling matches starting at 8:00 a.m.

Ruth Wilson Gilmore Lecture

November 5, 2026

McCosh Hall, Room 50

Professor Ruth Wilson Gilmore presents a lecture at 5:00 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Dorms & On-Campus Housing at Princeton University

Various dorm and housing options are available for students.

41 known dorm and housing options. The first 24 are shown below; the rest are available in the expandable list.

1901 Hall

Room types: single, double, triple

1901-Laughlin Hall

Room types: single, double, triple, quad, quint

1903 Hall

Room types: single, double, triple, quad

1981 Hall

99 Alexander Street

Room types: not specified

Addy Hall

Baker Hall

Butler College

Capacity: 500

Room types: varies

Campbell Hall

Room types: single, double, quad

Clapp/1927 Hall

Room types: six-person suites

Edwards Hall

Room types: single

Feinberg Hall

Room types: quad, six-person

First College

Capacity: 510

Room types: single, double, suite, large suite (5-11 residents)

Fisher Hall

Forbes College

Capacity: 450

Room types: varies

Forbes Main Inn

Room types: single, double

Graduate College

Room types: varies

Hargadon Hall

Henry Hall

Room types: single, double, triple, quad

Holder Hall

Room types: single, double, quad

Huo College

Lakeside Apartments and Townhouses

Room types: multiple unit sizes

Laughlin Hall

Capacity: 300

Room types: single, double, triple, quad, quint

Lauritzen Hall

Room types: single

Show the remaining 17 housing options

Lawrence Apartments

Room types: multiple unit sizes

Mathey College

Capacity: 400

Room types: varies

Meadows Apartments

Room types: multiple unit sizes

Murley-Pivirotto Family Tower

New College West

Capacity: 510

Room types: varies

Patton Hall

Room types: six-person suite

Princeton undergraduate residential colleges

Room types: single, double, triple

Pyne Hall

Room types: single

Rockefeller College

Capacity: 480

Room types: varies

Scully Hall

Room types: single, double, quad

Spelman Hall

Room types: four-bedroom apartments

Upperclass Apartments

Room types: single

Upperclass dormitories

Room types: varies

Walker Hall

Room types: single, double, triple, quad, six-person

Wendell Hall

Whitman College residence halls

Capacity: 500

Room types: single, double, triple

Yeh College

Capacity: 510

Room types: varies

Campus Details

Academic System

Semester

Control

Private Non-Profit

Email Domain

@princeton.edu

Official Website

Visit Website →

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