Entertain Yourself
Part of what makes the Princeton experience so unique is the enormous amount of nonacademic things to do on a daily basis. A cappella groups host "arch sings" -- late-night events during which multiple groups perform, enjoying the acoustics in Princeton's gothic arches. On-campus theater troupes regularly put on a wide array of plays, ranging from Shakespeare to student-written pieces. Professional acts come to Princeton frequently for University Student Government and eating club-sponsored events, including recent entertainers Rihanna, Jurassic 5, Ben Folds, and Fountains of Wayne. Comedians Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Jon Stewart and Sarah Silverman made us laugh in recent years, while notable speakers, including Bill Clinton, Ban Ki-moon and Bill Gates, made us think. For the athletically inclined, Princeton has several sport clubs ranging from volleyball to sailing. Other groups get together to share a love of science fiction or to discuss issues in ethics and values. During any given week, there may be political debates, juggling shows, modern dance, art openings and any number of other activities to be enjoyed with friends. There are also many places to hang out with friends. One new location to visit is Campus Club, which is a gathering place for all students. Take advantage of all the opportunities!
Princeton also offers a wealth of more low-key things to do for when you feel like taking a breather from the daily grind (see "Outside the Gates" for more). Some of the colleges sponsor film series, as do the Lewis Center and other programs, departments and student organizations. You should also keep your eyes on the Undergraduate Film Organization (UFO), an outgrowth of the USG's Social Committee. This group offers free screenings of recent mainstream releases regularly at the Princeton Garden Theatre on Nassau Street (with free popcorn and soda), and its indie counterpart, UFO+, offers weekly critically acclaimed flicks in different venues. Two nearby theaters show new releases: the Garden Theatre and the Market Fair 10 multiplex, just a short bus ride away on Route 1.
If you want to stay in, there are relatively few options for rental in town. The Princeton Public Library at the corner of Wiggins and Witherspoon streets rents recent releases and television series on DVD to members (your PUID will get you a library card), and the Humanities Resource Center offers several domestic titles in addition to its large collection of foreign films.
For more visual stimulation, check out the Princeton University Art Museum, located right in the middle of campus. Chinese, African and Classical art can be found in the basement, and European and Modern on the main floor. There's a bustling open house with refreshments the first Friday of each month, but the truly best time to explore is in the mid-afternoon, when you often have the whole museum to yourself -- which is a unique experience, and can be a very soothing study break during busy weeks. Admission is free.
True romantics can head to the Peyton Observatory, where graduate students lead public starwatches when the skies allow. Pretty cool.
