Princeton University

If you decided to opt out of the pre-orientation programs for an extra week of rest and relaxation (and DVDs of 24), not to worry! It may seem like everyone else on campus already knows each other, but most feel as lost as you.

Even if you've only seen Princeton through tattered brochures, you probably know one thing about it: it's wonderfully gothic. That's why it's ironic that your first Princeton experience will probably be at the rather un-gothic Baker Rink, competing with pushy parents for your room key and a pack of poster mounts. Such is life.

After settling into your dorm room and kissing mom and dad goodbye (aww), it’s time to explore your home for the next four years. Luckily, Princeton makes it easy for you with a plethora of orientation activities, affectionately known as Frosh Week.

This is a general “Welcome to Princeton” meeting for new students. It offers a good chance to check out the student bodies, ahem, body at Princeton and to hear President Shirley M. Tilghman and the USG president tell you that you are the best class ever.

After a tradition-rich ceremony at the Princeton University Chapel that features distinguished professors parading in funny costumes right out of Hogwarts, you will receive your class T-shirt and march through the gates of Nassau Hall. Upperclassmen will be on the sidelines, checking you out, and a BBQ dinner will follow on Alexander Beach.

Here's your only chance to see all of Princeton’s performing arts groups strut their stuff in one arena. Tiger’s Roar features all the singing groups and a rousing rendition of “Old Nassau,” the Princeton anthem. Tiger Night showcases the theater troupes, dance groups and a miscellany of other performers. These events are famous, so arrive early or see your seats stolen by the many upperclassmen who sneak in.

Don’t worry, this is not a scheduled event. Rather, it’s a play that cautions incoming freshmen on the dangers of date rape. Very after-school special, but relays a really important message.

You might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of events going on during the day. Try to go to as many as interest you, but don’t fret if you can’t make them all. The Student Activities Fair is an easy way to learn about most of the organizations on campus. Practically every club shows up to recruit, so don’t be shy; browse around and sign up for anything that looks interesting. A campus tour would also be a good idea, as you will be getting lost a lot over the next few weeks.

Many freshmen take full advantage of their newfound freedom to explore the Princeton nightlife during the first week of school. Since the Street (which we’ll get to later) is still closed, Frosh Week partying entails checking out random room parties, exploring the backyards of eating clubs and meeting 500 new people, 90 percent of whom you won’t remember. Going out during the first week of school is a good way to feel out the social scene and decide for yourself if you want to take part in it.

Trust me on this
Although students walk in through the main gate in front of Nassau Hall during the Pre-rade, you’re not supposed to walk out through it. Legend has it that the only students ever to have exited through the main gate have met untimely deaths, or worse, did not complete their senior theses on time (the horror!). Regardless of whether these myths are true or not, just take the long way and exit through the side gates.

Princetonese
The Street -- Refers to Prospect Avenue, and never any other street. All of the eating clubs except Terrace are located on the Street, making it the center of the Princeton social scene.