Miscellaneous Information

Baggage and Mail

When mailing clothes and other items, mark the package “used personal effects”; this will facilitate customs clearance. Any items that must be shipped should be timed for delivery after a student has arrived in Princeton. Please contact a U.S. consulate for information regarding customs regulations and restrictions on property brought into the country.

Climate, Clothing, and Shopping

Students should come prepared for variable weather: very cold winters, hot summers, and pleasant days in between. The temperature frequently drops to between 5 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 to -15 degrees Celsius) in the winter, with high temperatures 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (32 to 35 degrees Celsius) and humidity in the summer. Students should plan to have warm clothing for the cold months (November through April), including sweaters, a heavy overcoat (preferably a lined storm coat or jacket), hat, gloves, scarf, and good shoes; a raincoat also is recommended.

Most students do not dress formally for class. On campus, informal wear such as slacks, zippered jackets, blouses, blue jeans, and shirts are acceptable for women as well as for men.

Cross-Cultural Adjustment

Coming to a new country to live and study can be an exciting and challenging experience. Learning to function in a new culture is not easy, and it is natural to feel anxious and frustrated at times. These feelings are a normal part of the experience. However, the more you put into the experience, the more you’ll learn from it. Make an effort to meet people, form friendships, and get involved. Remember, the resources and people mentioned in this booklet are in place to assist you with the acculturation process. We hope that your time at Princeton will provide you with a wealth of intellectual, social, and educational experiences.

Orange Key Tours

It is a good idea to take a free, student-led tour of the campus. Tours depart from the Welcome Desk in the Frist Campus Center (100 level) at 10 and 11 a.m. and 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday tours depart at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. If you would like more information, please call the Frist Campus Center Welcome Desk at (609) 258-1766.

Telecommunications

It is relevant for students intending to purchase a cellular phone upon arrival to know that the University has partnered with MobileSphere to provide service for placing international long-distance calls. Call worldwide from your existing cell phone, using your current plan, at significantly reduced rates. MobileSphere offers direct-dial calling, no pin numbers, no phone cards, no connection fees or monthly charges, and online account management. For additional information, please visit www.princeton.edu/telecom/cellularld.

Motor Vehicle Commission of New Jersey

If you have a valid drivers license from your home country and you plan to drive in New Jersey, bring your license with you, along with an English translation, as necessary. Since you are only able to use your home country drivers license for up to 60 days from your date of arrival, you will need to go to the Motor Vehicle Commission Office in Trenton, NJ, if you wish to obtain a state drivers license. For more information on how to apply and MV regulations and procedures, please visit www.state.nj.us/mvc/announce/non_us.htm.

Hotel Accommodations in or near Princeton

$ (less than $100)

$$ ($100–175)

$$$ ($175–250)

$$$$ ($250+)

In Princeton

Nassau Inn, Palmer Square (walking distance to campus) $$$–$$$$ (609) 921-7500, www.nassauinn.com

Peacock Inn, 20 Bayard Lane (walking distance) $$–$$$ (609) 924-1707, www.peacockinn.com

Northeast of Princeton on Route 1

Courtyard by Marriott (1 mile) $$–$$$ (609) 716-9100, www.marriott.com/courtyard

Days Inn (5 miles) $–$$ (732) 985-2666, www.daysinn.com

Doral Forrestal Hotel/Spa (5 miles) $$–$$$ (609) 452-7800, www.doralforrestal.com

Holiday Inn (6 miles) $–$$ (609) 520-1200, www.holiday-inn.com

Radisson (6 miles) $$ (609)452-2400, www.radisson.com

Westin Princeton at Forrestal (5 mi.) $$$–$$$$, (609) 452-7900 www.starwoodhotels.com/westin

Southwest of Princeton on Route 1

Amerisuites (3 miles) $$-$$$ (609) 720-0200, www.amerisuites.com

Clarion Hotel Palmer Inn (3 miles) $–$$ (609)452-2500, www.choicehotels.com

Hyatt Regency (1.5 miles) $$$–$$$$ (609)987-1234, www.hyatt.com

For More Information

Please feel free to contact Dean Baldwin, the international student adviser, with questions that are not answered in this booklet or in the other University publications and Web pages you consult. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you personally to Princeton this fall. Do not forget to register for Pre-orientation 2005!