Residential Life

Princeton has always believed that students learn as much from their residential experiences as from their formal academic work. Life outside the classroom provides many opportunities for undergraduates to apply their talents, broaden their perspectives, deepen their values, and reexamine their goals.

Residential Colleges

Princeton’s residential colleges provide academic advising, opportunities to meet faculty members, a comfortable social structure, a strong sense of identity, and a variety of intellectual, cultural, social, and recreational activities. Because the residential colleges encompass both living and learning experiences, they contribute in many ways to a student’s education at Princeton.

The five colleges—Butler, Forbes, Mathey, Rockefeller, and Wilson—each house between 440 and 490 freshmen and sophomores and approximately 30 juniors and seniors, many of whom serve as residential college advisers. Starting in 2007–08, the residential college system will be enhanced and expanded with the addition of Whitman College. This development will coincide with the gradual increase of the undergraduate student body by 500 students by 2012. Each college consists of a cluster of dormitories with a dining hall, lounges, and seminar and study rooms.

College Masters and Assistant Masters. A senior faculty member serves as master of each residential college and is responsible for the college’s programs and staff. Two advanced graduate students serve as assistant masters of each college.

Deans and Directors of Studies. Each college has a dean and a director of studies who oversee the courses of study of the freshmen and sophomores in the college as well as the juniors who previously lived in the college. The dean and the director of studies coordinate a group of faculty advisers, arrange tutoring, handle disciplinary matters, and counsel students with academic or personal difficulties.

College Office Staff. Each college office includes an administrator and a secretary who work with students, plan events, and schedule use of space within the colleges.

Faculty Fellows. Each master appoints a group of faculty fellows who participate in college events and may often dine with students. On average, 16 of the fellows in each college serve as academic advisers for freshmen and sophomores in the A.B. program; five serve freshmen in the B.S.E. program. Colleges also have a senior fellow, a faculty member who participates actively in the life of the college and is available as a resource for students.

Residential College Advisers (RCA). Residential college advisers are juniors and seniors who live in the colleges. Each RCA advises groups of up to 20 freshmen and provides guidance to new students in developing thoughtful and responsible decision making in social, personal, and academic spheres. Through one-on-one advising RCAs help students create important connections with University officers and appropriate student organizations. The advisers work in partnership to provide information and support for all students and to offer programs on community issues as well as small-scale social activities. They work together to foster a sense of community and appreciation for diversity and develop a sense of community responsibility among first- and second-year students. They also make students aware of the resources available to them, including University Health Services; the programming centers (International, Fields, LGBT, and Women’s centers); student organizations; the Office of Religious Life; the Center for Jewish Life; and University administrators.

The Residential Education Program. The Residential Education Program, a joint initiative of the residential colleges and the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students, coordinates and presents programs for incoming students on complex subjects and community values that affect all undergraduates, such as respect, civility, and diversity. RCAs can “order in” special programs to address issues and concerns of their particular advisee groups, or they can create their own programs, according to the needs of their groups and their own interests and creativity. Typical programs might address concerns such as academic stress, dating, body image, eating concerns, sexuality, alcohol, and getting along with roommates.

Student Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities

The booklet Rights, Rules, Responsibilities, which all freshmen receive before they enter Princeton, includes regulations concerning general conduct, campus associations, off-campus activities, University security, the honor system, academic work, disciplinary action, and grievance procedures. Students are expected to be familiar with regulations and to respect each other’s rights, privileges, and sensitivities.

Alcohol Policy. Alcoholic beverages are not, in general, provided at events sponsored by the University, the residential colleges, University centers, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG), and the classes where persons under the legal drinking age are present. When alcoholic beverages are served, all applicable state and municipal laws must be observed. The legal drinking age in New Jersey is 21. Violations of University policy include serving alcoholic beverages to persons under 21 years of age on campus or in the local vicinity, purchasing alcohol for a minor, presenting false identification for the purpose of purchasing alcoholic beverages, transporting an open container of alcohol by any student across common spaces of the University (for example in lounges, game rooms, courtyards, dining areas, or hallways), possessing any container of alcohol by students under the age of 21 in common spaces of the University, and serving alcohol in a manner that endangers health and safety. University trustees have funded a special initiative to provide numerous non-alcohol social events throughout the year.

Drug Policy. The University does not permit the possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of illegal substances or drug paraphernalia of any kind or in any amount, and it administers its own penalties for such acts. Offenses considered to be serious violations include the manufacture, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs; any involvement in illegal drug use or traffic with minors, particularly from the local area; and possession or use of the more dangerous or highly addictive drugs.

Housing

The Residential Living Policies and Dining Services Guide, a source of information about room and board at the University, can be found on the Web at facilities.princeton.edu/housing/a_undergraduate.

Freshmen and Sophomores. Freshmen are assigned randomly to a residential college (where they live until the end of the sophomore year) and to a room and roommates by the residential college staff and the Housing Office, who try to match roommates’ lifestyles and habits as much as possible. Many rooming arrangements require a period of adjustment, but in time friendships usually evolve. If it becomes clear that a particular set of roommates is mismatched, members of the college staff work with the students to try to resolve differences. When necessary, room changes are arranged through the college master.

For sophomore year, students select their own rooming groups and choose rooms in their residential college through a lottery known as “Room Draw,” which takes place in the spring.

Juniors and Seniors. Dormitory accommodations for upperclass students include various configurations for group and individual living. Seniors generally have the option of selecting single rooms, while only a limited number of singles are available to juniors. Each year a number of rising juniors are placed on a waiting list and are assigned space in late July.

Some of the eating clubs on Prospect Avenue also have living quarters for their officers and extra space that they offer other students.

Juniors and seniors may live off campus if they wish, although houses and apartments in town are in short supply and rents are high.

Furnishings. The University provides a desk, a chair, a dresser, and a bed for each resident; furniture may not be removed from any dormitory room. Students must provide their own linens and pillows. Bed linens should fit a 36-by-80-inch twin mattress. Many students add mirrors, bookshelves, rugs, plants, end tables, and lamps. Halogen lamps are not permitted in student dormitories because of the serious fire hazard they present. Students should only purchase lamps that use incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. Students are permitted to have under-the-counter refrigerators (not exceeding 5.2 cubic feet) in their rooms, as long as the units do not impede the flow of traffic to the exits. Regulations concerning lofts, room decoration, and painting are outlined in the Residential Living Policies and Dining Services Guide.

Personal computers, stereos, and televisions are permitted in student rooms. If the student brings a computer from home, he or she will subscribe to Dormnet, a data service that allows access to campus and global network computing and information resources directly from a student’s room. Students can also purchase computers from the Student Computing Initiative that have been subscribed to Dormnet. Students who own television sets may subscribe through OIT to dorm cable video service. Students should keep all electronic equipment secure by locking their rooms, marking items with identification numbers, and storing equipment in designated high-security storage rooms over semester breaks. Adequate insurance coverage for personal items should be reviewed prior to the start of the school year. A separate mailing this summer informs students of a new insurance offering.

Spring Term Checkout. Students must check out of their rooms by noon on Saturday, May 26, 2007. If a student is scheduled for a Saturday morning exam on this date, checkout must be completed no later than 5 p.m. that day. Specific questions regarding checkout procedures and dates should be directed to the Undergraduate Housing Office.

Telephones. The University Telecommunications system provides local and long-distance service and voice mail for all undergraduate dormitories. Students are responsible for supplying their own telephone. Telephones can be brought from home, or purchased locally or through the telecommunications office. Touch-tone phones are required in order to use the University telephone system and to take advantage of the Caller ID feature, available at no extra charge.

A Personal Authorization Code (PAC) is assigned to all incoming students at no cost, and is used to place long-distance calls on dormitory and campus courtesy telephones. The PAC code is also used to bill each student individually for long-distance calls. Student PAC codes are activated upon arrival on campus and can be retrieved through the Telecom Web site. There is no charge for local or campus calls; long-distance charges accrue only when the PAC code is used. The University domestic long-distance rates are $0.07 per minute. International rates can be viewed online at www.princeton.edu/~telecom/rates.html.

Telephone bills are sent out monthly. Students have the option of having bills sent to their campus address or an alternate address (for example, parent, guardian, etc.). Monthly call detail can be viewed online using the Princeton University Student DataMall. Student past-due amounts over 45 days and over $10 are subject to PAC disconnection and a $25 reactivation fee.

Visit the Telecom Web site for answers to your Princeton University telecommunications questions at www.princeton.edu/telecom/students.

Mail. Mail is delivered to student mailboxes once each day. Students are required to notify senders whenever their campus address changes. Students who reside in residential colleges should use this address format: name, Princeton University, residential college, room number, dormitory, Princeton, NJ 08544. Students who have mailboxes located in the Frist Campus Center should use this address format: name, mailbox number, Princeton, NJ 08544. A zip-code-plus-four-digits system has been established for student addresses; these numbers, address change forms, and other information can be found on the Mail Services Web page at www.princeton.edu/mailservices. Overnight carriers (for example, FedEx, DHL, UPS, USPS) are required to deliver directly to the recipient’s campus residence if the mail piece is addressed to the student at his/her room and dormitory. Mail pieces addressed to a student’s address in Frist Campus Center are handled as a parcel post delivery, that is, notification of receipt is sent via e-mail while the package is held for pickup. Mail Services does not guarantee delivery consistent with the carrier’s responsibility.

Shipping. There are several ways to send large items to and from school. Packages sent to students through U.S. mail are held for pickup in the Frist Campus Center package room. When a package arrives, the student is notified via e-mail.

Students may also ship items directly to their rooms on campus through United Parcel Service (UPS). Because UPS is a private business, arrangements for shipment (such as size and weight restrictions as well as the method of delivery) should be made directly with them. The UPS local office number is (800) 742-5877. Please time shipments to arrive after students arrive on campus. UPS does not deliver on Saturday.

For outbound shipments to any national or international destination, the Shipping and Packing Agency operates throughout the academic year from the Frist Campus Center. For details, students should call (609) 258-1026.

Fire Regulations. Princeton’s fire regulations are designed to prevent injuries to members of the University community and damage to facilities. Regulations are listed in the Residential Living Policies and Dining Services Guide; see Fire Safety.

No heat-producing electrical appliances are permitted in University dormitories, except for the following: irons, electric blankets, electric curlers, hair dryers, and approved kettles, hot-air popcorn poppers, and coffee makers. Details on the latter three items can be found in the Residential Living Policies and Dining Services Guide. Only the exact models listed by number are permitted in dormitories. Others will be confiscated, and fines will be assessed. University policy and the New Jersey Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Act prohibit cooking in dormitory rooms. Students are not permitted to have individual microwave ovens in their rooms. In addition, they are not permitted to have candles, alcohol and oil lamps, incense, or anything similar. These items will be confiscated, disposed of, and fines will be assessed.

Maintenance and Inspections. Inspections are conducted prior to occupancy and immediately following checkout to determine the condition of every room or suite. Charges for damage to the room or missing furniture are applied to students’ accounts after checkout.

A room condition report is left in each room or suite at the beginning of the school year. It is the responsibility of students to check their rooms for any damage or missing items of furniture not noted on the report. If damage or deficiencies are found, students should contact the Inspection Office immediately to request a reinspection; otherwise charges are made to the occupants’ accounts.

Unannounced fire-safety inspections are conducted for each room several times a year; violations result in warnings or fines. Students should refer to the Residential Living Policies and Dining Services Guide for details.

Laundries. There are 30 laundry rooms in the dormitories. The washers and dryers operate without need of money. The cost of operation is included in the room rent charge. A year-round laundry service is available through the Student Laundry Agency. For information, students should call (609) 258-4906.

Storage Facilities. A very limited amount of dormitory storage is available during the summer for enrolled students who will be living on campus in the fall. Detailed storage information is contained in the checkout information section posted online during reading period at facilities.princeton.edu/housing/a_undergraduate. On a first-come, first-served basis, each student may store two boxes no larger than two feet in any dimension. Students may also contact the Moving & Storage Agency to store items during the summer months. Information is available starting in April at www.princeton.edu/~studage.

Pets. Only fish may be kept in dormitory rooms, in tanks that are 10 gallons or less. No other animals are permitted in the dormitories. Specific details can be found in the Residential Living Policies and Dining Services Guide.

Parking. Freshmen are prohibited from bringing cars to campus. Upperclass students are permitted to park their cars in assigned student parking lots. The parking and registration charge for the academic year is $150.

Accessibility and Special Services. The Campus Accessibility Guide is available from the vice provost for institutional equity and diversity, the Department of Public Safety, and the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students. The guide outlines Princeton’s equipment, facilities, services, programs, networks, and support systems for people with disabilities; and a map (located online at fac-gis-02.princeton.edu/Gis1/Maps_download/maps_dwn_index.htm) shows accessible buildings, elevators, washrooms, drinking fountains, phones, walkways, and reserved parking.

Dining

Freshmen and sophomores are required to purchase either a 20 meals or 14 meals per week plan or a Block Plan of 235 or 190 meals per semester. Block plans enable students to take meals flexibly throughout the semester. Ten meals of the block plans may be used for guests.

The Center for Jewish Life houses a Kof K certified kosher dining facility open to students in all classes. Freshmen and sophomores living in residential colleges may eat in their designated college or at the center. Students who require kosher meals are encouraged to sign up for the appropriate contract.

None of the basic meal plans include fall recess, intersession, or spring recess. Specific information regarding arrangements for meals during these break periods is posted in each residential college before each break.

Meal Hours. Regular meal hours are 7:30 to 11 a.m. for breakfast, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for Saturday brunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Sunday brunch; 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for lunch; and 5 to 8 p.m. for dinner. Students who miss a particular meal on a specific day may use their meal credit to purchase food at the Frist Campus Center Food Gallery. Late meals are served during the following hours: “Late Show” lunch is Monday through Friday from 2 to 3:30 p.m.; and “Late Show” dinner is Monday through Thursday from 9 to 10:30 p.m.

Juniors and Seniors. The Department of Dining Services offers an upperclass meal program designed to be flexible and economical. Members may purchase any 6-meals, 7-meals, or 11-meals-per-week option in addition to the 20-meals and 14-meals plans or the 235, 190, or the 95 Block Plan. Students may also sign up for a points plan with a minimum enrollment of $250. Meal plans may be used at dining services facilities, including the Center for Jewish Life.

Many upperclass students join one of the 10 eating clubs on Prospect Avenue, which operate independently of the University. Five of the clubs are nonselective and coed; members are selected by lottery. Five are selective and coed.

All students who live in a residential college must have a meal plan. Some upperclass students decide not to join an eating club or sign up for a University dining plan. Instead they become “independents” and prepare their own meals in dormitory kitchens. The University also has co-ops at Two Dickinson Street and in Brown and Lockhart Halls; members shop and cook as a group.

Shopping and Banking

Downtown Princeton has many interesting shops, including an Army/Navy store for discounted items. The Princeton University Store, or U-Store, is one of the oldest co-ops in the country. Although governed by a board of trustees consisting of students, faculty, alumni, and administration, it is independent of the University. Members of the co-op receive a 5 percent discount on most purchases, and 10 percent on general books, whether shopping at the main store, online at www.pustore.com, or at its satellite store at the Frist Campus Center. To enroll as a co-op member, visit www.pustore.com. The U-Store offers textbooks, academic and scholarly trade books, batteries, digital photo needs, stationery and school supplies, dorm-approved appliances and dorm furnishings, bedding and linens, computer software and tech gear, and Princeton apparel and gifts. There is also an ATM, a full-service pharmacy, and a printing and copying shop. The store’s U-2 convenience store, open 24/7 when class is in session, sells toiletries, snacks, drinks, and prepared foods from local eateries

Princeton Shopping Center, located about two miles from campus, is accessible by bus. Among its many tenants are a supermarket, a drug store, a computer supplies store, clothing stores, a bakery, several restaurants, a laundromat, a dry cleaner, and a bank. Several major malls are located within five miles of the campus along Route 1 and are accessible by bus.

Many local stores do not accept checks unless they are written on local bank accounts; consequently, a local checking account is convenient for students to have. Many banks offer low- or no-cost checking if a minimum balance is maintained. Banks within walking distance of campus are:

Bank of America, 90 Nassau Street, 08542. (609) 430-2069

PNC Bank, 76 Nassau Street, 08542. (609) 497-6700

Sovereign Bank, 188 Nassau Street, 08542. (609) 924-4498

Wachovia, 194 Nassau Street, 08540. (609) 921-6000

In addition, the Princeton University Federal Credit Union offers limited services at its new on-campus location in the Frist Campus Center, 100-Level. The main, full-service office is now located at 104 Carnegie Center, Suite 103, Princeton, NJ, 08540; (609) 945-6200 or (800) 456-5038.

top | July 2006