PrincetonUniversityA Guide for International Students, 2000-2002
Arrival at Princeton and the University
Local Taxi and Shuttle Train ("Dinky") Service
Local/Intown Taxi Service: Students arriving in Princeton Borough by bus or shuttle van service should exit at Palmer Square just off Nassau Street. Palmer Square is in the center of town and opposite the main entrance to Princeton University. Graduate students who anticipate living at the Graduate College or in town may take a taxi from the stand in front of the University gate on Nassau Street. The average in-town fare or fare to the Graduate College is between $6 and $8, depending on the amount of luggage the student has and how late it is. The trip to the Graduate College takes approximately 10 minutes. If there is not a taxi waiting, students can use the taxi call telephone box, or a public telephone to call Triple A Taxi (telephone: 800-481-8294 or 609-921-1177) or the Princeton Taxi Stand (telephone: 609-924-1222). Note: It is advisable to verify the fare before entering the taxi.
Reaching Princeton Borough from the Princeton Junction train station: Students arriving by train at the Princeton Junction train station have the option of taking the "Dinky"-a shuttle train that goes into Princeton Borough-or they may take a taxi as described by the following:
The "Dinky" -- NJ Transit Shuttle Service between Princeton Junction train station and the Princeton Borough train station: Students should purchase a "Dinky" ticket in the Princeton Junction Station or from a ticket machine on the platform. A one-way ticket costs $1.50. Please note that a one-way ticket purchased on the Dinky costs $4.50. For train schedules, students should call (973)762-5100, (800)626-7433, or (800)772-2222. Students should be aware that the last "Dinky" departs Princeton Junction train station at 12:47 a.m. It is a 5- to 10-minute ride on the Dinky to the Princeton Borough train station, which borders the University. Although it is a relatively short walk from the Princeton Borough train station to the Housing Office and the Graduate College, those with considerable luggage may wish to take a taxi. If there is not a taxi waiting at the Dinky station, students should call one of the taxi telephone numbers listed above.
Taxi from Princeton Junction train station to the Princeton Borough train station and/or the Graduate College: Other than the Dinky mentioned above, there is no public transportation between Princeton Junction train station and downtown Princeton Borough, where the University is located. Travelers who miss the 12:47 a.m. Dinky can use a pay telephone at the train station to call Triple A Taxi (telephone: 800-481-8294 or 609-921-1177) or the Princeton Taxi Stand (telephone: 609-924-1222) to reach the Graduate College or the University's Housing Office. The fare is between $10 and $12, plus tip. Note: It is advisable to verify the fare before entering the taxi.
Arrival on Campus
Arrangements for Undergraduates. During the latter part of the summer, the housing department informs undergraduates about their housing allocation. Students should plan to arrive, if possible, between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Those who arrive for the international preorientation should follow instructions in Dean Waterbury's letter. Others should follow instructions in the letter from the housing department; students arriving before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. or during the weekend should go directly to the public safety office in the basement of Stanhope Hall. In case of an unforeseeable delay or emergency, students should call Joseph Plaksa, Director for Undergraduate Housing at (609) 258-3461 before 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. At all other times, students should call the public safety office at (609) 258-3134.
Arrangements for Graduate Students. Students who will be living at the Graduate College should go there directly upon arrival in Princeton. It is a 15-minute walk from Palmer Square, and a 5- to 10-minute walk from the Princeton train station. Students having baggage should consider taking a taxi. Students who will be living in the Butler or Lawrence apartments should go to the housing department to pick up their key if they arrive between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. All graduate students, especially those living in Butler or Lawrence, should plan to arrive in Princeton before 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students should notify Patricia McArdle of the housing department if they cannot arrive during that time. Students delayed in transit should call her at (609)258-3721 before 4:00 p.m., and she will arrange to have their key at the public safety office, located in the basement of Stanhope Hall.
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