“I wish Princeton felt like this.”

A comment from my fellow classmate after my short film (shown above) was screened for my digital animation class.

I think it’s fair to say my animation has quite a calming undertone. I wanted to capture the monotonous yet beautiful moments of my days here at Princeton - the simplicity of studying in Firestone Library during the early mornings, my bike rides across campus, and the much needed coffee breaks at Coffee Club. 

While I love to honor these small moments, I think many students, like my classmate, often experience a very different day in the life of Princeton. What I see at Princeton, which is often a love for these small moments, is not what everyone sees. But what I’ve learned during my time here is that Princeton can be so many things - too much to sum up in a day. 

Incoming freshmen often want a description of what a “day in the life” looks like at Princeton. Of course I could generalize my experience as stressful and overwhelming while simultaneously everything I could ask for in a college experience. It’s hard to describe the beautiful stressors, challenging moments, and new experiences that go on here. Ultimately, Princeton is a very unique college experience inside the “orange bubble” - an almost alternative universe on campus where you're swept up and time passes in odd ways.

But there are so many nuances in an experience. The description above, and further my own animation, fall short of describing so many aspects of Princeton: days where you’re in Firestone from sun up till sun down studying, memory making late night chats with roommates, or even how campus comes alive in spring as students flock to Cannon Green for picnics and frisbee games.

Princeton is too large to sum up in one day or one animation. Further, I think it’s important for incoming students to realize that Princeton is not a “day in the life”. No experience is. Despite being in the same academic and physical environment, everyone experiences college differently - hence the disparity between how I view Princeton through my animation and my classmate’s reaction.
But with this comes an important lesson; the reason we experience things differently is partly due to how we choose to perceive life around us. Our own experiences are ultimately what we make of them. At the end of the day, Princeton is what you make of it. So how do I answer the question: “what is a day in the life like at Princeton University?” It’s up to you to tell that story - my only advice, remember the sky's the limit.

As a break from my regularly-scheduled sad/nostalgic blog posts, I decided to write this month’s post about my favorite beverage, matcha, and where to get it on and around campus. I have tried matcha at most of the places around Princeton, with a staple being Coffee Club, where they also have seasonal variations of the beverage—the current (Spring 2024) variation is the mango matcha lemonade. So here are my favorite places to have matcha! 

• Junbi
  • Admittedly, Junbi is not my favorite place to get plain matcha, in part because I like sweeter drinks and Junbi’s matcha is not the sweetest. However, getting the strawberry matcha latte with boba is an unparalleled experience, where you can indulge in a light dose of strawberry, the sweet chewiness of tapioca pearls, and the freshness of Junbi’s matcha all at once. 
• Wawa
  • This might be an unconventional take, especially since Wawa and matcha does not seem to make that much sense. However, the vanilla matcha at wawa, while certainly with a bit of an artificial flavoring, is the perfect mix of sweetness with a hint of matcha flavor that makes it a perfect afternoon treat. I tried the matcha at Wawa on a complete whim, and honestly, I haven’t been able to stop going. 
• Sakrid
  • Truth be told, I have only had Sakrid matcha once. But the one time that I did, it was SO good. It had the lightness of Coffee Club, the sweetness of Wawa, and the freshness of Junbi, all in one. I would highly recommend it. 
• Coffee Club (our student-run on-campus coffee shops)
  • Coffee Club at both locations, while might not deliver the sweetest matcha you have ever had (sad news for someone with a large sweet tooth such as myself), gives you the flexibility to customize your own drinks (I love getting the strawberry and/or raspberry matcha, or if they have it, the honey matcha). Also, the matcha here is very consistent. I always know what I'm getting into when I am getting Coffee Club matcha, and it is also very light, which is perfect when I don’t want a particularly strong dose of matcha powder in my drink. (And the baristas are always so lovely to chat with!)
• Small World
  • If I am being honest, the oat-y flavor of Small World does not speak to me that much, and I think the matcha is a bit overpriced for what you are getting. I would honestly recommend the coffee at Small World over the matcha there. However, this is also a personal preference, and the matcha does not have the artificial taste that some of the alternatives on this list may have. 

Even if you asked me to, I would not be able to give a definitive ranking of all of the matcha spots around campus, in part because I seek them all out for different reasons. I hope you are able to look at my comments and make a decision for the matcha you want to have for the day!

“Just trust me, you’ll be fine.” 

These are the words I wish someone would have told me after college decisions came out; that period of my life feels like it was ages ago, but it has only been two years since I opened my application portal with a feeling that can only be described as both anticipation and anxiety. 

This anxiety doesn’t go away after the dreaded decision day. It manifests itself days and weeks after too — especially when you start weighing your choices of where to go — or for the early birds — what to pack, what to expect, and what will happen in the next 4 years of your life. 

Understandably, a lot of big changes will come about in the next few weeks and months. Here’s an unofficial guide of what to do (and expect) if you are feeling lost and something that I wish younger me had access to: 

1. Be kind to yourself —Whether or not you got in, or are still waiting for a decision, celebrate yourself and how far you’ve come! It can be a hard day for everyone but remember that these decisions don’t determine your worth. So congratulate your friends, celebrate yourself, and hug your loved ones a little tighter. 
2. Most colleges will send an email with next steps outlining different events or things to anticipate in the coming weeks or months. Make sure to read each and every email thoroughly! You might be asked to send photos for your student ID cards, verify your financial aid information, or undergo a series of educational programs that will help you better acclimate to campus life once you’re there. 
3. Start crafting a list of things you need to purchase, bring, and pack. What’s the weather like in the Summer and Winter? Will you need a bike? It might be a good time to start curtailing a spreadsheet of items to look over and doing some research. 
4. Ask for help — there are a lot of resources online that prepare you for what move in day will look like, different orientation programs, meal plans, etc. Each college is unique in what it has to offer but current students and the school’s official website will be your best friend during this time, so don’t be afraid to consult these resources. 
5. And lastly, take it slow! You’ll have a whole Summer ahead of you to figure things out and figure out the next steps. Be present — cherish your remaining time at school. Spend more time with your loved ones. But most importantly, be excited! 

In the blink of an eye, time will fly by — while this period will usher in many changes, some things will stay the same. 

You’ll always have your home, your family, and your friends to support you, but most importantly, you’ll always have yourself. Be your biggest cheerleader and look forward to the next couple of months! 

Of course Princeton is one of the best places to be, but sometimes you just need a break from the hustle and bustle of the Orange Bubble. My favorite thing to do in this situation is take a trip to New York City. 

Princeton is located roughly halfway between two major cities – Philadelphia and New York. Each city is about a 60-90 minutes away via New Jersey Transit (NJT), helped in part by the ever famous (at least at Princeton) Dinky! The journey to NYC is really easy: go to Wawa and board the Dinky, arrive at Princeton Junction 5 minutes later, cross under the train tracks via a not-so-spooky tunnel, wait a few minutes for the train, hop on and sit for ~1 hr until you arrive in NYC, deboard and head up to the street! Pro tip: the NJT app is very helpful in planning your trip, buying digital tickets, and seeing train schedules. 

Once you are on the streets of NYC, it can be very overwhelming. The smell, the noise, the buildings, and above all, the abundance of people. But this is what I like, especially since my hometown Venice, FL, is not a major city. The experience of your first time in NYC-- and even each time after that--is something special. With a city so large, every visit is unique. 

Of the times that I have been, my favorite memories have been made with my close friends. I’ve been fortunate enough to have met two NYC locals at Princeton who have served as compulsory tour guides on several occasions. This fortune has also led to eating some great food in the city, but to be honest it is hard to go wrong. Walking around Central Park is super fun, especially when the weather is just right. A wintertime must is visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, but be warned, you will see dense crowds of people. The list goes on and on, with the city boasting endless opportunities. 

Now, perhaps the most challenging part of the journey is getting back to the best old place of all! Once you make it back to Penn Station (where you got off the train), you will be met with a growing crowd of people waiting for the boarding announcement of the southbound train to Trenton, NJ. As soon as the boarding platform is announced, a shoving match ensues between the crowd who are all trying to make their way down. I recommend waiting around the middle of the hall that contains the platform numbers so that you are in the best position to make a move. Once you are on the train, repeat the steps from earlier, but in reverse order. And voilà, you made it back! 

Overall, taking a day trip to NYC is a great way to escape the pressures of school. I’ve enjoyed all the times that I have been and it's always a nice treat to explore the city. I fully recommend doing the same when you have a slight reprieve from school work! 
 

In the past two years I have been at Princeton, I have worked at 4 different jobs. Most of these jobs were posted on JobX — our website for student employment opportunities — and ranged from working at Firestone library to writing for this very student blog. Each opportunity has given me the privilege of acquiring very diverse experiences and I am always amazed at how many incredible people I’ve met along the way. Here are a few of the jobs I’ve worked at since coming to Princeton:

Marquand Library: I’ve worked at Marquand since I was a Freshman. Nestled in Floor C of Firestone, a typical day at Marquand looks like sitting at our front desk, welcoming patrons, and occasionally doing a scan of different manuscripts and books that students, faculty, and staff request. Working here has always felt special to me — not only because it was my first job at Princeton, but because it is the perfect job to get my day started or to end a long day. I can always know what to expect and I enjoy working with the staff, who are all so knowledgeable yet welcoming. Coming in for a shift here never feels exhausting. If anything, this library serves as a home away from home. 

ELA Conversation Partner: I’ve worked for McGraw as an ELA conversation partner for the past year and I’ve been able to meet incredible people through this program. Each week, I meet with two graduate students for an hour and we work on their conversational English speaking skills; sometimes we will grab coffee and other times we will go grocery shopping. There really is no set agenda — I coordinate and plan our activities and each week will vary dramatically. This job has given me the honor of getting to connect and build relationships with the graduate students here at Princeton; learning how radically different yet similar our lives are from one another has truly been a fun experience.

Communications Intern: As a communications intern for the Princeton Entrepreneurship Council, I’ve been able to do some amazing work with some truly accomplished people. The council consists of 5-6 other individuals who each play an important role in their respective ways. My job is to liaison and interview Princeton alumni, students, faculty, and staff so that I can write a story on the entrepreneurial work they’ve done and the impact they hope to achieve. This has truly broadened my perspective on what entrepreneurship entails and the expansive resources Princeton has to offer. At this job, I get to enjoy learning new things and meeting new people.

Admissions Blogger: The blog you are reading right now is a product of my work as an admissions blogger here at Princeton! When I was applying, this job appealed to me because it provided me a creative outlet to express myself. Moreover, this role enables me to share my Princeton experience while also giving back to our community in a small way. As a blogger, I usually attend monthly meetings and brainstorm on potential topics I’d like to talk about. Then, I write the stories you get to read! This job has really deepened my understanding of student life here at Princeton, not just by reading the other student blogs but also by reflecting on my own experience.

As an entering Sophomore at Princeton University, I cannot help but reflect back on my freshman year and the absolute awe that followed my arrival on campus. It felt like a dream come true. However as I reread my journal today, two particular entries reminded me of how my dream to of Princeton has evolved into my reality as a student. Like many high schoolers, Princeton initially was a dream come true. But I soon realized that Princeton placed me in an exhilarating environment with beyond talented individuals, challenging academics, and inspiring opportunities. Princeton turned out to be much more than I had dreamed of. 

October 12th, 2022: 

“Every time I walk past Blair Arch, I remember that I’m literally living out my dream of going to an Ivy League [school]. This wasn’t supposed to happen. The odds were not in my favor. The acceptance rates are so small. Yet here I am. I never thought much of that, but now I realize how momentous it is! “

A month into school, and I am very clearly enamored with the “idea” of Princeton. 

March 22nd, 2023:

“I got an iced coffee at Campus Club today. The weather is still cold outside, and the crisp air kindly reminds me every morning that I live on the East Coast rather than Texas. The old wooden doors of Campus Club welcomed me in as I ordered an iced coffee. As I sat down, I found it odd that I’m currently sitting inside an old mansion: the only way I can truly describe eating clubs to my friends back home. Dark wood frames the diamond patterned windows, and I feel cozy inside here. The room is quietly bustling with student activity, and I eavesdrop on other students discussing math and physics. I observe the room around me, wondering what's happened in this room, a room with 100+ years of history. It’s odd that this room used to only occupy men, and now here I am, occupying this space. Drinking my coffee, a young woman, bright and curious, diving into my electrical engineering homework. “

By my second semester, I found a more accurate dream of Princeton. I recognized the privilege of this education on a deeper level. Princeton is not just a name or the face of our iconic Blair Arch, is a school with complex history. I take pride in being a woman in STEM, continually contributing to Princeton’s history--while drinking coffee in Campus Club. Since my first year here, I’ve realized that my dream of going to an Ivy League school has not really come true. As a woman in STEM, in an amazing academic environment, rich with history, I've been given a spot. I believe my dream has just started. 
 

As my plane touched down in New York City after a blissful winter break back home in Barcelona, where snow is very rare, the anticipation of experiencing my first snowfall at Princeton was palpable. The air was chilly, and the landscape was blanketed in a pristine layer of snow, transforming the campus into a winter wonderland.

Reconnecting with friends became an exhilarating adventure as we navigated the snowy paths, sharing stories of our travels and catching up on the latest happenings. Whitman College became our playground as we seized the opportunity to sled down its slopes, the laughter echoing through the frosty air. I also got to do my first ever snow angel; a spontaneous creation on the glistening canvas of white. The pristine snow became a symbol of the fresh start that awaited me in the upcoming semester.

However, my early comeback was to experience and participate in Princeton’s Wintersession, which is an oasis of possibilities and trove of experiences. Leading a group to Broadway to witness the amazing performance of "The Lion King" was a highlight, immersing us in the magic of live theater. Indoor skydiving and go-karting injected doses of adrenaline, pushing us beyond our comfort zones and forging unforgettable bonds. Watching “Carmen” at The Metropolitan Opera was a captivating experience that broadened my artistic horizons. Finally, Wintersession's diverse workshops, from drawing and crocheting to sketchbooking, offered a canvas for self-discovery and creativity.

What sets Wintersession apart is its unique ability to kindle passions, both old and new. The sessions are not merely a collection of activities, but a communal journey of exploration. Meeting fellow students with similar interests and diverse backgrounds added a dynamic layer to the experience, turning each event into a shared adventure.

Princeton's commitment to fostering this community spirit is evident in its generosity. The funding support provided by the university allows students to propose and lead their own sessions. This inclusivity ensures that everyone, like myself, can contribute ideas and actively participate in shaping the Wintersession landscape.

Wintersession at Princeton is a celebration of curiosity; a tapestry woven with the threads of exploration and camaraderie. It's not just an interlude between semesters; it's a transformative experience that beckons you to embrace the unexpected, reconnect with your passions, and forge connections that will last a lifetime.

A chilly morning in late January, with gray but otherwise clear skies, marked the first day of classes of the spring semester. For the class of 2024, this first day was particularly special, as it was our LFDOC (last first day of classes). There is always a photographer on McCosh walk at the beginning of each semester to take FDOC photos, but our class government organized a special session with a unique poster to celebrate the particularly significant LFDOC.

This is indeed my last first day of undergraduate classes, but it's not quite the end, since I will continue to have first days of classes as a graduate student. Even when I'm no longer a student, though, there will continue to be first days: a first day at a new job, followed by a first day in a new position, and then a first day at a new institution or company. There are first days outside of career as well, like your first day in a new apartment or first day in a new city. While the LFDOC marks the end of the student era of your life, there will continue to be first days, in one form or another, throughout life.

To me, it is reassuring to know that there will continually be opportunities for fresh starts throughout my professional and personal lives. A new beginning signals a chance to break out of a particular rhythm, shake up your routine, and learn new habits. It's a chance to meet new people, learn new strategies and information, and expand your horizons of what you're capable of. Some aspects of a new role will be improvements from before, maybe a better schedule or more independence, while others will be less welcome, like a longer commute or a difficult boss. The novelty of the new challenges, though, is exciting in and of itself, and you may surprise yourself in your ability to handle the elements that are more difficult than those in your previous position. There is always hope for the future when you know that things can change over time, and that there can always be another first day.

Huzzah for the LFDOC, and here's to an auspicious start to the last semester!

Princeton is a magical place. Yes, it is academically challenging and a break is nice, but there is something special about being back on campus after a long time away.

Princeton’s winter break is long--about a whole month off. Many of my friends from back home only have a few weeks to relax, and they return to school much sooner than I do. This is partially due to our academic calendars not aligning, but regardless by the end of break I feel like I’ve been away from Princeton forever. Now don’t get me wrong, this break is well deserved, but you truly start to miss the best old place of all.

Coming back to campus after winter break is a wonderful experience. In college, campus becomes your home – or rather, home away from home. The longer you are away, the more you miss it. Seeing your Princeton friends again and catching up is super exciting and fun! Hearing about their adventures like traveling to Iceland, interning for a senator, or just catching up on sleep, you never know what you are going to hear.

Another exciting aspect about coming back to campus is preparing for the new semester’s classes. By the time I get back, I have almost forgotten what classes I’ve signed up to take in the spring semester. Looking over what I chose again strangely brings me joy. Princeton has such a diverse and wide variety of classes, so there is something exciting for everyone. 

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment with how busy you may be at school, so the new year and new semester after a nice break allows for a period of reflection. Looking back at the fall semester and evaluating what went well and what didn’t go so well is super important. Setting up a game plan for the spring is both fun and rewarding. I personally look forward to trying to write out my notes instead of typing them – we’ll see which works best!

In all, coming back to Princeton after the winter break is a wonderful experience. The longer you are out of the Orange Bubble, the more you miss it (no wonder Reunions are such a hit). From catching up with friends, enjoying the architecture/ campus, to planning for the semester and picking out that first day outfit, it feels good to be back home – Princeton that is!

Civic service and engagement are a large part of what Princeton stands for. The Pace Center for Civic Engagement provides a very wide range of possible volunteer opportunities for Princeton students. Organizations range across a wide variety of interests and social issues. To highlight just a few, the list includes opportunities to tutor local K-12 students or incarcerated individuals in the NJ-NY area, involvement in a summer camp that supports children affected by a caregiver’s cancer diagnosis, and volunteering at blood drives with the Red Cross.

In addition to the opportunities listed explicitly on the Pace Center’s website, many students become embedded in the surrounding community and engage with organizations that are not necessarily affiliated with the University. For example, many students that I know volunteer with an organization called Solidaridad Central Jersey, which operates a pro se asylum clinic. A variety of individual clubs and organizations on campus also execute their own volunteering efforts. The options feel limitless.

From September through December, I spent my Tuesday evenings teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in the basement of Green Hall. Students for Prison Education, Abolition and Reform (SPEAR) works with the local non-profit, Familias en Resistencia y Acción (previously known as Unidad Latina en Acción NJ), to host around a dozen immigrants in the Mercer County area who are interested in reinforcing or building their English proficiency.

Every week, students are responsible for teaching one two-hour class, either on campus during the week, or in Trenton on Saturday mornings. During the days leading up to each class, co-teachers meet to create their lesson plans. Many times, however, teachers are required to adapt on the spot—we aim to be very flexible and responsive to ESL students’ needs during the classes themselves. There are three English levels taught each day.

SPEAR’s first semester offering ESL classes was in the spring of 2023, but my first time volunteering was not until that summer. Being fully transparent, I had initially been worried about my ability to manage my time well enough to undertake this additional responsibility. However, it was something I really wanted to do, so I joined the team of teachers over the summer to assist with the virtual classes being offered. Every Saturday, my co-teacher and I taught Level 1 English from 6 to 8 PM. It was a great experience, and I am so happy that I continued to teach ESL in the fall.

With the same co-teacher, we taught Level 2 English during the fall semester. It was extremely rewarding not only to see familiar faces from the summer, but also to build relationships with new students. Every class, students became increasingly confident and participated more and more. By the end of the fall semester, our small class felt like a small community and Tuesday evenings were the highlight of my week. As the spring semester kicks off, I look forward to continuing my involvement teaching ESL.

Volunteer opportunities are more than abundant on and around campus. Although it may feel intimidating to devote time to other extracurriculars, it is beyond worth it. Volunteering and engaging with people living in the surrounding community has enhanced my time at Princeton—it feels good to be a part of something bigger.