One of my favorite pastimes is going for a walk around campus. Regardless of whatever is going on, I have found that a stroll through campus is always nice, never failing to present me with an opportunity to notice features I never had before and to take some time to reflect. 

As I go on each walk, I get to appreciate all of my surroundings. Outside Henry Hall, which sits along Blair Walk, there is a stone engraving of George Washington crossing the Delaware — it may seem kind of random but is very cool and intricate! I discovered this engraving pretty early on in the school year, so anytime I made my Blair Walk trek to my Writing Seminar in New South last semester, I tried to remember to give Washington a shout-out :). You may have also noticed there are two tigers forming the frame of Washington’s Crossing, so I cannot forget to mention all the engraved tigers across campus. Certain entrance doors to McCosh Hall and 1879 Hall have engravings of tigers that are engaging in a variety of activities, from roaring and prowling around to sleeping, and there are 100+-year-old tigers that welcome those who walk under the archway of Campbell Hall. However, tigers continue to dominate their architectural presence apart from engravings, as there is also a tiger weathervane at the top of each corner of Holder Tower. These are only a few of many small details I have observed from my walks, but I will leave it to you to find other little hidden gems! 

The buildings of Princeton have not just challenged my observational skills but also enabled me to appreciate the different seasons I have had here so far. When my family and I first set foot on campus — around the time of Preview — one of the first parts we saw was the area of New South, which neighbors Whitman College and is, as mentioned earlier, where my Writing Seminar was. If you have not been near New South before, there is a circle of animal-head sculptures right outside of the building. This art piece is really impressive and fascinating, but it definitely caught me off guard when I first saw it. I remember thinking to myself, “Where am I? Why are there just random statues of animal heads on a college campus?” So, when I walk by this art piece now, I cannot help but think back to this funny yet skeptical first impression of Princeton’s campus I had. Additionally, as I pass by the buildings I had my fall-semester classes in, I often reflect on the emotions I felt at the time and some of the lessons each class taught me: somewhat anxiously walking into New South for Writing-Seminar conferences, learning Spanish vocabulary in a classroom of McCosh Hall, getting to know other freshmen and more about literature in my freshman seminar in Blair Arch, to name a few. I laugh at how frequently I find myself falling into nostalgic episodes as I go on my walks — I am only a freshman, so there is really no tellin’ how much nostalgia I will be feelin’ when I am a senior!

With final college decisions being released, I am sure many of you are going to be walking around different college campuses, trying to see which one feels most like home. Whether you are here for Preview or not, I know that the campus of whatever school you go to is going to be even more beautiful because you are a part of it. The buildings and surroundings we walk by on a college campus may strike our attention and leave impressions on us, but what truly makes a campus great is its people. So, as you tour different schools, try to appreciate their architectural surroundings, but also remember that the people are what make the places special — and that you will end up where you are meant to be!

My dorm is exactly 102 years old. First occupied in 1923, Henry Hall has been standing on campus since just after WWI. I can’t lie. I’ve always wanted to live in the old dorms. Contrary to popular opinion, I prefer the old rooms with wood floors, paned windows, no AC and the cast iron radiators that make noise at night. It’s quaint, but it’s filled with history. 

My dorm is nothing short of the quintessential old college dorm one would imagine. This image is Henry Hall from the 1920's. The outside of my dorm hasn't changed much. When you enter my dorm, it's small with a slanted ceiling, giving the space a cozy attic feel. The slanted roof opens up to three beautifully panned windows that face Henry courtyard. My favorite part of the day is in the early morning when the sun shines through these windows, leaving a beautiful pattern on my walls. I remember in the beginning of the year, I would often sit in bed while drinking my coffee - just looking through my windows as I slowly woke up. I’d look out to see the giant tree which fills Henry Courtyard. I’ve lived here long enough to notice a neighbor; a squirrel who always sits on a branch near my window, eating acorns.

In the evenings, my room is just as beautiful - glowing with warm light from various lamps. I’m usually sitting at my desk, nestled into the corner with the slanted roof, where I study. At night, the rooms across the courtyard light up, and if looking close enough, I can see movement in the rooms across from me. 

While I love my room because of its old charm, I also love it because of its history. It's safe to assume that around 100 Princeton students have lived in this exact room - which is pretty crazy to think about. There’s also a mysterious engraving on my window. Carved into the glass is the name “Mayersky”. Lots of Princeton’s older dorms have engraving in window sills or fireplaces, and so I was excited to find this hidden gem. After a quick search on Tigerbook and Tigernet (Princeton’s undergraduate and alumni directory), I found no matching results. . . leading me to believe a student from abroad or from one of Princeton’s summer camps made this engraving. I have no idea how old the carving is, but I will likely follow suit in some small way when I eventually leave this room. 

I absolutely adore my dorm. While it will be painful to move out, I’m grateful to still have my senior year to live in these beautifully-old dorms. And leaving Princeton, I know without a doubt these 100 year old rooms will be remembered for many more than over 100 years.

Princeton’s architecture is extraordinary. After moving in and getting settled here, I had a hard time fully grasping that I was going to be surrounded by breathtaking collegiate gothic architecture 24/7, especially as a member of Rockefeller College, or Rocky. I had to get used to walking under the arches by Holder Hall anytime I went to the dining hall, giving a shout-out to Blair Arch as I made my way to my Writing Seminar, and greeting Benjamin Franklin and Joseph Henry when entering Frist Campus Center. These are some of the most iconic and picturesque parts of campus, and now they are just a hop, skip, and a jump away from me — and I am extremely grateful to get to see them all the time!

However, one architectural feature that really took some getting used to was having stained-glass windows in my dorm room. Before coming to Princeton, if I ever heard someone say, “Stained-glass windows,” a college dorm room was never the first thing that came to mind. Nonetheless, for the amount of surprise I felt toward having such gorgeous windows in my new little home, there was just as much thrill.

Every now and then, in the early morning and late afternoon, right when there is just enough sunlight to seep through the small glass panels, I find myself just sitting and admiring the windows. Blending with colors of other things behind them, like clouds and nearby buildings, the panels transform into an array of hues, with some of the aquamarine squares projecting shades of yellow and green and the blue circle in the middle reflecting an ombré of violets and pinks. Anytime I see the windows in this state of beautiful transition, I feel like I have to pause and remind myself I am in a college dorm room.

Because I admire these windows so much, for a project in my drawing class this past semester, I decided to draw one. Getting the lines and proportions correct was definitely tough, but the part I enjoyed the most was filling in all the panels with their complex aspects. As I made each mark and sketch, I became more aware of how truly detailed the windows are, as beams of sunlight and outside objects enable them to present a unique variation of colors. I hope my drawing was able to do the windows some justice! 

All this talk about windows is to encourage you to never overlook the little things in life — and to show you how BEAUTIFUL Princeton is ;). The “out-of-the-ordinary” are oftentimes sources of genuine beauty, like holding the door open for a stranger, reaching out to a friend you have not spoken to in a while, or appreciating a stained-glass window in a college dorm room. Never take for granted the power of random demonstrations of beauty and goodness — they are more powerful than we know! 

When I was a Freshman, everything at Princeton was exciting. There were always activities to do, places to go, and events being held. But by the time Sophomore year rolled around, the novelty wore off and I found myself constantly escaping to New York City. 

Despite my love for the school, I quickly found that there wasn’t much to do in the immediate area. I would frequent the same three coffee shops, cycle through the same six study spots, and end up back where I started: bored. Three coffee shops expanded to four, and six study spots expanded to eight, but still, there was nothing new, exciting, or anything to look forward to for the weekend.

Spoiler alert: there still isn’t much to do, but in my attempt to combat boredom, I found some not-so-hidden gems that I try to take advantage of whenever I feel that inkling to flee. Here are some of those gems:

1. The Graduate Hotel: Nested next to Sakrid Coffee Roasters, the Graduate Hotel has been a relatively new study spot that I enjoy spending time at whenever I want to feel the quintessential - dare I say - Princeton experience. 
2. Belle Journée: Located across from the Graduate Hotel is a new bakery offering iconic twists on classic pastries. From cookie croissants to coffee buns, the bakery presents exciting options when I’m craving a classic study-break but don’t want to frequent my usual croissant and coffee suppliers.
3. Jazams: Though Jazams has been around for quite some time, I’ve recently found myself obsessed with board games. Every now and then, I’ll host a game night with friends, which not only is a nice reprieve from studying, but also is a relatively easy way to try new activities. We’ll have beverages, snacks, and occasionally play some music in the background and it’s always a fun time.
4. New College West’s ceramics studio: Though only open to students, the ceramics studio is a great way to pass some time. Despite lacking skill in pottery, trying to create new dishes and trinkets in the ceramics studio is a good way to teach myself how to be more creative. Plus, I get to leave with a keepsake. 
5. Hoagie Mail: Though not a place, Hoagie Mail is a gem that has helped me combat the depths of my boredom when I’ve exhausted all else. There are always sales of some kind and it is interesting to see what I can find on rare occasions. From printers to lamps, to sweaters to shoes, you’ll never know what people are selling, and it offers a nice opportunity to find something new. 

Though sometimes it may feel like there might not be much to do, there is always something happening – even if you have to dig for that gem. These are the few that I’ve managed to find, but if you have any others, please feel free to send me an email so I can add them to my list. (Seriously, please).

Perhaps at some point or another you might have stumbled across Princeton’s beloved nickname of the “Orange Bubble.” For those unfamiliar with the term, the phrase refers to the relative isolation of Princeton’s campus. It is not by any means in the middle of nowhere—there is a small though lively town surrounding campus, and cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. are easily accessible by train. However, because anything and everything students might need is either on campus or a short walk away on Nassau Street, the student body tends to exist in this phenomenon of seclusion. In the middle of a busy semester, it is easy to forget there is life beyond campus.

And yet, the “Orange Bubble” is not the end of the story.

I try to make a conscious effort to get off campus or interact with the local community as often as feasibly possible. Whether it’s engaging in service activities, doing schoolwork in the Public Library, or taking day trips off campus, doing so always helps me feel more grounded as a student. That’s why when one of my friends sent a picture of a flyer for a nearby cow parade to our group chat, it did not take long for us to make plans to attend.

I know what you’re probably asking yourself: what is a cow parade? To be honest, I’m still not entirely sure. On a community calendar, Cherry Grove Farms advertised the event as follows: “At our annual Cow Parade, we celebrate and honor our cows who provide us with fresh milk daily, from which we make all our farmstead cheeses.”

I had no idea what to expect when we arrived, but I enjoyed every second of it. The farm itself was about a twenty-minute drive from campus in nearby Lawrence. After parking, we made our way to a large field where people seemed to be lining up along a fence. Eventually, a long line of cows wearing strings of flowers around their necks and heads emerged from the barn. Slowly but surely, the cows made their way to the other end of the field, at times stopping to eat some grass and eventually dispersing. Trailing closely behind them, a small group of people played some instruments while they walked. I would have never anticipated attending an event where the main attraction consisted of standing along a fence and observing cows in the distance, but it was one of the highlights of my fall semester.

After the cow parade, we stopped by the various booths set up closer to the farm’s small store. There were vendors selling soaps, raw honey, earrings, wood carvings, bread, cheese, and many more items—all made locally in central New Jersey. After taking some pictures with the cows, we made our way back to campus and finished the day with jazz night at Small World.

Maybe we aren’t located in the middle of a bustling city, but we are by no means isolated from fun opportunities and events. (I mean, how many people do you know that can say they’ve been to a cow parade?) My only wish is that I’d found out sooner about this local annual tradition.

With the holidays approaching, I've been thinking a lot about home. As a first-year student immensely new to campus, the holidays and the breaks that came with them were a refuge from the Princeton chaos and unfamiliarity — I could go home and escape campus-related stress. Now, as a sophomore, much more acclimated to campus, I approach the holidays with much gratitude for all the ways in which Princeton has become my home. And leaving it during breaks can even be a bit difficult.

Thus, in honor of the holidays, I devoted this blog to expressing my gratitude toward everything at Princeton that makes my life feel warm even as the weather becomes frosty with the holiday air.

1. Friends!

I'm grateful to finally balance academic life, extracurricular activities, and socializing this semester. When I get stressed, I tend to retreat into my own bubble. However, recently, I've found that I make better, more thoughtful contributions to my classes and activities after spending time with friends. Taking time to decompress from the chaos of campus life — laughing, going out, and even just chatting — has become as important to me as writing essays and attending meetings. This time with friends is often the thing that powers me through my busy weeks, and it's the place I come back to when academic stress gets too much. As excited as I am to leave campus and see my family this holiday season, I'm a little sad about the weeks I'll spend away from my friends here. It's a bittersweet feeling, but more than anything, I'm grateful to have something that makes saying goodbye hard. 

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   2. Art!

As a creative writer and theater maker, I'm grateful to live on a campus with many artistic opportunities. And the last few weeks on campus have exemplified this fount of creativity. I write and read gorgeous poems for my Advanced Poetry class every week. I even represented my poetry class at the Creative Writing department's Fall semester reading. I've spent the last couple of months assistant-directing a musical for the Lewis Center of the Arts (the home of Theater, Creative Writing, Dance, and Visual Arts at Princeton), which opened and closed in the previous couple of weekends. Saying goodbye to that production was hard, but the creative opportunities that came with it brought a lifetime's worth of fulfillment. I've attended friends' art exhibition openings, dance expositions, and play performances when I'm not in class. The artist in me feels so full of gratitude for all the creative engagement that the past weeks and months have fostered.

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  3. Supportive Professors

This portion of the semester can feel dizzying. In the coming weeks, before I can return home for the holidays, I'll have to navigate the chaos of writing several term papers and completing final exams. Fortunately, I have kind professors who make this process more comforting. I enjoy using Office Hours to talk to my African American history preceptor about which class readings can best inform my final paper. My French cinema professor always leaves thoughtful comments on my grammar assignments and encourages me to explore my West African heritage throughout my creative projects in class. My poetry professor always creates time to discuss and workshop my poems and recommend poems that speak to my lived experience — a nice break from my other academic work! My art history professor is always willing to help me look through dense scholarly sources so that I can craft a well-argued and engaging term paper. Even as the stress of the final weeks on campus set in, I'm grateful to know that these resources are available to me.

  4. A Warm Place to Come Back to at the End of the Day

At the end of long days, I'm grateful that my warm dorm awaits me. I've made my dorm a place where I can decompress from academics. So, when I come back to my dorm, I can rest, call home, hang out with friends, watch movies, eat, and watch the seasons change right outside my window.

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The holidays always bring bittersweet feelings, especially when you're far from home. This holiday season, however, I'm enjoying taking time to reflect and express gratitude for life and all its simple wonders.

SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, hit me my first semester at Princeton. Now it is a frequent friend I embrace once a year. 

Coming from California, where the sun never stops shining, the dark cold days of winter overwhelmed me with a profound wave of sadness that I wasn’t entirely sure how to describe; seasonal depression was a concept I was always vaguely aware of, but never fully believed I would experience. 

As the temperature continued to fall, I watched as the days grew shorter and the nights came sooner. The warm crisp days of the summer gave way to the harsh winds of the winter and I found myself desperately wanting to go home. Homesickness, coupled with intense work loads, worked in conjunction to render me absolutely miserable. The persistence of this feeling led me to eventually conclude that I had gotten SAD (no pun intended). 

However, I found ways to co-exist with this feeling. Rather than let this gloom consume me, I decided to embrace the melancholy of winter and took it as a time to recharge and to be present. Below are some techniques I learned to challenge SAD:

1. Romanticizing the seasonal change by getting into the spirit of the holidays – To me, this meant watching my favorite Christmas movies, baking cookies, and dressing warmly for the weather outside. 
2. Spending time with my friends – Rather than mull about not being able to see my family til break, I try to schedule activities with my friends and be present. Company is the best medicine.
3. Exercising – A healthy body = healthy mind. Being active and interacting with the environment gives me clarity and a sense of calm that grounds me amidst the chaotic season of finals.
4. Getting out and about – Taking day trips to New York or Philly always helps stimulate my mind as I take in the seasonal sights and decorations. 
5. Being kind to others and myself – I try to acknowledge that I might not always be in the best mood but that I should try to exhibit kindness to everyone around me and myself during this difficult season. By giving grace to myself and others, it helps me feel a little bit better on days when I might not have the energy to do anything, to interact with my friends, or to go to class. 

For someone coming from Barcelona, fall at Princeton is like stepping into a postcard. The campus is surrounded by red and golden leaves, cozy corners for studying appear everywhere, and there’s an almost magnetic pull toward the pumpkin-flavored everything on Nassau Street. But while the season brings all the classic fall vibes, it’s also when midterms, projects, and extracurriculars pick up pace. Finding balance is key—and I’ve learned that the best way to navigate a busy semester is by making space for both the cozy, seasonal distractions and the academic responsibilities that define college life.

Balancing the Cozy with the Coursework
The start of fall always tempts me to slow down. The idea of sipping a hot drink while sitting by a window and drawing or reading a book sounds perfect, especially when Princeton’s fall foliage seems like it’s straight out of a movie. But with a full schedule of classes and assignments, giving in to the seasonal appeal can be tricky. I try to blend the two: setting aside time in the mornings for a coffee run or a quick study session with friends. These small breaks make the workload feel lighter, keeping me recharged and motivated. Sometimes, even just a 15-minute walk outside between classes is enough to reset.

Finding Time for People  
Spending time with friends and classmates is one of the best ways to break up the week, especially as the weather cools and cozy indoor hangouts become more appealing. Whether we’re grabbing dinner after a long day of classes or simply studying together, I’ve realized that these connections are essential. With the heavy workload, I make it a priority to keep these moments part of my routine. Scheduling doesn’t have to be formal, but a quick “Want to grab a coffee?” text can lead to some of the best conversations—and it’s often these unplanned moments that make the semester feel more balanced and enjoyable.

Extracurriculars as Both Commitment and Escape
I’m involved in extracurriculars that give me a break from academics in a way that feels productive and energizing. Whether it’s rehearsing with Sinfonia or Triangle or working on designs for Princeton Racing Electric, these activities give me a chance to apply my skills in a hands-on way. They’re a break from the study grind while still keeping me engaged and focused. I make it a point to carve out specific times for these commitments, so they become a natural part of my week rather than a source of added stress. Extracurriculars give me a change of pace, which can make all the difference during an intense semester.

Setting Aside Time for Myself
Amid the classes, social time, and extracurriculars, I’ve also learned the importance of carving out solo time. Fall invites a sense of reflection, and I find myself leaning into it by journaling or taking short walks through campus. It’s my way of grounding myself, especially when things feel fast-paced. I’ve found that these solo moments help me process what’s happening around me and stay focused on my goals, even as the semester gets busy.

Fall at Princeton may be a season of pumpkin spice and problem sets, but it’s also about making the most of each moment—both academically and personally. With the demands of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, balancing all these elements can be particularly challenging. The MAE workload often involves intense problem sets, lab reports, and late-night study sessions, all of which require focus and persistence. But finding time to enjoy the season, connect with friends, and engage in activities I’m passionate about has taught me the importance of balance. It’s this mix of hard work and meaningful breaks that brings a sense of rhythm and purpose to my college life.

Embracing both the rigor of my studies and the joy of seasonal experiences has helped me approach each semester with a renewed perspective. I’ve found that this balance not only makes the workload more manageable but also makes each success feel even more rewarding. It’s a reminder that while academics are a huge part of my journey, so too are the moments of connection, discovery, and enjoyment that make Princeton feel like home.

In my time at Princeton, I have come to love and appreciate a lot of things orange and black. This has no limits, as it is hard to find something about this school that I do not like. From the countless support resources to the wonderful and smart people, Princeton truly is a place of dreams. However, one of the most impactful experiences in my time here, among the support and the people, is the season—fall. 

The experience coming from Florida—where the seasons are wet and wetter, to Princeton where there are four seasons—has been transformative. I suppose those who have grown up experiencing seasons may not relate to this, but for those that come from a place like me, the first fall is spectacular. There is something about the changing colors on the trees, the enjoyable weather, and the apple cider donuts that make this time of the year my favorite. Autumn has an aura, especially at Princeton where it perfectly compliments the collegiate gothic architecture. 

One of my favorite things in the fall at Princeton are the weekly farmers markets stationed in between East Pyne and Firestone Library. At these markets, local vendors come and sell their products to university students. Just to name a few, some of the products offered are: local produce, flowers, honey, empanadas, pickles, apple cider, and matcha. One of my favorite booths/stands is the vendor who sells flowers because they come in a little flower truck which also displays their assortment. An added bonus, each week one of the class years (ie. ‘26) receive a voucher/coupon from the school! 

Another truly magical part of the fall at Princeton is Halloween. Being that the official color of Halloween is orange, Princeton fits right into the holiday. The weekend of Halloween at Princeton is filled with fall festivities—whether that be school sponsored events like ‘spooky’ study breaks, special dinners at the dining halls, or other Halloween themed events at the eating clubs—there truly is something for everyone! It is always super cool seeing groups of friends dress up in matching group costumes, or others who are so dedicated that they paint themselves as a part of their costume. Although it's not the same as trick or treating, Halloween at Princeton has the same vibes. 

In my time here at Princeton, I have enjoyed a lot of things, but nothing else has come close to how much fall has made me FALL in love with this school. As the leaves continue to change colors and leave their trees, I’m reminded of how I did the same when coming to college. As I find my true colors and grow as a person, I reflect on the journey that has taken me to this point. I might not have everything figured out, but I’m sure it will fall into place! 

As a fifteen year old browsing college options, perhaps the one mistake I did not make was deciding I wanted to move to New Jersey. Growing up in the Midwest (Michigan represent!), most big cities were little more than concepts and movie settings to me. New York seemed important, Boston was a historical college town, DC had politics. Since moving into Princeton last year, access to these places has been one of the most transformative aspects of my decision.

New York’s crowded streets and monumental buildings never fail to impress as a weekend or longer trip. Twice now, I have attended New York Climate Week, an annual September event acting as a convergence of the climate politics world. Beyond professional pursuits, there’s queer history, art museums, cozy local cafes, dazzling fashion, absurd wealth, monumental buildings, and the perennial, deafening roar of the city.

Boston is another wonderful place and I am currently on the train back from a weekend excursion. In high school, I watched “Love Story” set in Cambridge and became enamored with the look and pace of New England. Notable are its dark wood churches, vibrant college life, brick architecture, historical charm, vast Charles River, and of course, the neighboring Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Finally, my one and only true love, Washington DC. Only a three hour train away from campus, DC’s concentration of political and economic capital merge with its vibrant nightlife to create the ideal work hard play hard destination. With endless free museums, governmental conferences, the White House and Capitol Hill, and a robust metro for getting around, DC never disappoints whether you’re attending to hang with friends or join a protest.

Some see Princeton’s suburban New Jersey location as a negative trait, but I’ve learned to view it differently. Living here has kept me close enough to tasting urban life while far enough not to disturb the thoughtful tranquility of our picturesque, gothic campus.