Princeton University

The quality of the dorms on campus varies greatly, but some things never change. Here's a quick idea of what to expect.

Princeton bathrooms are shared and single-sex, and all women’s bathrooms on campus are locked. If you live in a suite of more than six, though, you will have a private bathroom in the suite. The quality of your bathroom depends on what dorm you're in. Most older dorms have large bathrooms in the basement, which means you will definitely want flip-flops and a toiletry basket (and maybe a bathrobe). Most dorms in Forbes, Wilson and Rocky have smaller bathrooms located down the hall. The general rule with bathrooms is the larger the bathroom, the more people leaving messes. Do your hallmates and the custodian a favor and clean up after yourself.

Nobody has ever managed to make it through an entire year without doing laundry (although several students have tried). Therefore, you will probably encounter the laundry rooms a few weeks into your first year. Be prepared. Any laundry left in a washer for more than 10 minutes after the cycle is finished will probably end up on the floor in a wet pile.

On the positive side, all the washers and dryers on campus are free. However, a number of the machines are possessed, and run "barely warm" or "instashrink toasty." If you find one, just move to the next, and put in a work order. All the machines, though, eat socks. Lots of socks. Bring extra socks. And if you find you just can't keep up, there is a Student Laundry Agency that will do the hard work for you.

There are several kitchens scattered around campus for student use. Most kitchens have full-size refrigerators, electric stoves, sinks and counter space; some have toasters and microwaves. In most cases, you have to bring your own pots, pans and cutlery. Also be sure to carefully label any food you leave in the communal fridges, or else it’s up for grabs.

Sorry, no cats, dogs, sheep or mules. It used to be that anything that could "humanely be kept in a cage" was permissible. People kept rabbits (they smelled) and snakes (they slithered and smelled). Now only fish are permitted (in tanks no larger than 10 gallons). But do ask your roommate(s) before you bring any living thing to campus. Service animals are, of course, exempt.

Recycling and trash
You will be provided with two bins, one for generic waste and one for recycling. You’ll find instructions for recycling paper, plastic, glass, aluminum and batteries in the dorms, and if you care at all about the environment, you’ll follow them. A note about trash: Your custodian checks your hallway almost every day. You should leave your bins outside your door for pickup regularly, and bring them back into the room once they have been emptied. Cockroaches are quick to pick up on organic smells.

Emergencies
For emergencies on campus, dial 911 from any University phone. You don’t need to add a prefix. Just dial 911. If you dial that number by mistake, tell the officer who answers the phone that it was by accident. If it's not an emergency, call Public Safety without calling 911 at extension 8-1000.