I’m almost halfway through my Princeton journey, and that reality has forced me to take a lot of time to reflect. As enchanting, fun, and maturing as college can be, it can be difficult. Living in a new city, away from your family and hometown friends for 9+ months of the year, balancing academics with social life, extracurriculars, and rest, your time at college is often quite dizzying. However, I’ve found that the thing that has grounded me the most over the last couple of years is the warm and supportive friendships I’ve built. 

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When I first arrived at Princeton, making genuine friends seemed unfathomable. Everyone seemed to be in their own world, and amidst orientation events, the only way to socialize was to ask a revolving door of the same three questions. Where are you from? What are you studying? What residential college are you in? Surely, that could not be the most authentic way to make friends. Unbeknownst to me then, some of these conversations would lead to my strongest friendships on campus. The girl I met spontaneously at a first-year orientation brunch is now one of my closest friends. Despite our busy Princeton lives, we ensure we get weekly meals to catch up and share about one another’s weeks. We talk about classes, what’s stressing us out, what’s exciting us. We study together and have even made a tradition of taking First Day of Classes photos together so that we can see how far we’ve come at the end of each semester. I always look back with gratitude on the chaos of orientation because it brought some of my most fulfilling friendships.

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I’ve also made friends with those who are physically closest to me. Living in Mathey College, I often see the same faces present in the dining hall or at our Residential College events. Sitting with people I saw all the time but hardly ever spoke to has led to fulfilling friendships. These are the people I go to after a long day or long week. We can talk about anything, listen to music, make art, and be safe spaces for each other. This makes the section of campus that I live in feel a little more like home.

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I’ve also learned that some friends come much later than others. There’s a weird assumption people have when they first arrive on campus that if you don’t make good friends during your first couple weeks at college, you won’t make any at all. This assumption can be quite anxiety-inducing for introverts like me or people who just take longer to bond into friendships than others. I’m here to say that that assumption is not true. In fact, some of my closest friendships on campus did not come until my sophomore year. Although we came into each others’ lives later, my core friends and I have formed a tight-knit group for celebrating birthdays, attending each others’ extracurricular events, being shoulders to lean on, and even planning group vacations together. These friendships really affirm to me the importance of patience and the reality that, no matter how long it takes, you will find your people on this campus.

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The Brown Co-Op kitchen has become one of my favorite spaces on campus, and one of the places I feel most at home. Making breakfast for myself in the mornings and going to dinner every evening are the best parts of my daily routine, and I’m always excited to see what new things—or what delicious staple—other co-op members will cook.

When I first joined the co-op in my fall semester of junior year, I remember feeling extremely intimidated by the prospect of having to cook for so many people. At that point in time, I did not have much experience cooking beyond baking the occasional dessert at home. I’d never cooked a meal for more than four people, let alone twenty to thirty. However, cooking with two or three other people every cook shift has made this experience not only extremely manageable, but really fun too.

Cook shifts normally last between 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm. I know this sounds like a long time, but those three hours really do fly by. At 4:30, members start cooking the menu of the day. One member takes charge over the protein being made for the meal, another is responsible for the sides (typically rice or some kind of pasta and a vegetable dish), and the third member makes dessert and a plant protein for our vegetarian members. In cook shifts with four people, the tasks are split up accordingly. If some members are less confident in cooking, they take over more supportive tasks like chopping vegetables and cleaning as the cook shift goes. There is always something for each person to do.

Dinner is usually ready by 6:30, at which point those on cook shift send out a message that dinner is ready. (By 6, members have already received a message with the menu for the evening.) A typical dinner has ten to fifteen people in the room at any given moment, and music is normally playing from our Bluetooth speaker. In two years of meals at the co-op, it is hard for me to pinpoint any meal that has not been delicious. Below are some of our more recent creations.

As members finish eating and washing their own plates, those on shift begin putting leftovers away and cleaning up the kitchen: running loads in the dishwasher of dishes used while cooking, sweeping and mopping the floors, cleaning the countertops, and taking out the trash. Everything is normally clean and put away by 7 or 7:30 at the latest. 

It is not uncommon for some of us to stay behind chatting or doing work (or both) for hours after dinner. These are some of my favorite memories from the last two years because it reminds me of home, when I do the same with my parents and my sister after dinner. More than anything, it is a reminder that the co-op has become a second family for me on campus. I’ve met some of my closest friends through the co-op and have spent some of my best and hardest days sitting in our dining area. Every semester, I look forward to our co-op version of "formals," when we order takeout and put away our tables in the pantry to create a dance floor. I think that when I graduate in a few months, I’ll miss this place most of all.

I will not be the first, nor the last to say this: Welcome to Princeton, congratulations! You should be incredibly proud of yourself, your hard work and dedication to school, and your journey up until this point. The Tiger community can’t wait to see you at “the best old place of all.”

As a bit of a side note for those reading this that did not get in or are hoping to in the future: just know that everyone’s journey is different and ‘success’ isn’t bound to getting into somewhere or not. Make the most of whatever situation you find yourself in and the world will be your oyster!

For those of you who will be coming to Princeton next year as the great class of 2029, you have a lot to look forward to! This includes so many things—lookout for future blogs or check out ones written by my peers—including but not limited to: Academics - famous professors, research opportunities, and cool classes; Social - student organizations/events/shows, school sports, or Eating Clubs; Professional - access to alumni, networking/info sessions, and unique opportunities.

Before then, however, you may be wondering: “I got in, but now what?” I definitely went through this when I opened my decision in December 2021. From what I can recall, the process of matriculating was very smooth so long as you read the emails the university sends. Basically, just make sure all of your paperwork, forms and eventually AP/IB exam results are sent in.

Some time after the regular decision results come out, you will be invited to meet other admitted students and alumni near your geographical area. I am from Sarasota, Florida and there were five students admitted from Southwest Florida so we met via Zoom (it was also 2022). Some of my friends from NYC and LA have told me that they went to much larger in-person gatherings, so it really depends. Regardless, it is a great opportunity to connect with future peers or alumni who may be open to mentoring you!

Speaking of meeting other students, Princeton Preview is a great place to meet other kids who got into Princeton. This happens in the spring after regular decision results come back, so one advantage to getting in early is that you can plan travel a little better (I enjoyed this perk haha). Take full advantage of meeting prospective students, or meeting up with others you’ve met online beforehand. I’m sure they have unofficial Instagram pages where you can send a profile for someone to post (I didn’t do this and definitely don’t pay money—that a scam). The official class of 2029 Instagram made by Princeton is a good place to start following other kids. I also joined Facebook and Discord groups since there was some good information about rooming. That said, it doesn’t really matter if you meet peers online beforehand since the orientation events once you get here are amazing.

While this has been a really brief overview of what happens after you get into Princeton, I hope it was somewhat helpful. I would say the most important thing right now to do is: enjoy the time you have left in high school and don’t slack off (for the most part). If you have any questions about this transition or want some advice from my experience, feel free to send me an email, thomas.danz@princeton.edu! 

I can’t wait to see you on campus. Welcome to Princeton!

Being a Community Learning Advisor (CLA) for Yeh College this year has been a unique experience. It’s given me a chance to connect with students across different years, support my peers, and get a better understanding of Princeton’s residential community.

Connecting Across Class Years

Before becoming a CLA, most of my interactions were with people in my year or major. This role has been a great way to meet students from all over campus— sophomores diving into new opportunities, juniors making the most out of the remaining years of college, and senior students who’ve been through it all. Hearing their stories and perspectives has been a reminder of how diverse and vibrant the Princeton community really is. It’s been especially rewarding to meet new students and learn about their backgrounds, interests, and goals. A lot of the students I work with are also in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, which has made our interactions even more relatable and meaningful. Being able to share advice about navigating tough problem sets, picking classes, or handling the challenges of the major feels like paying it forward.

Getting to know these students—not just as peers, but as people with their own stories and ambitions—has been wholesome and fulfilling in a way I didn’t expect. Whether we’re talking about academics, campus life, or just figuring out where to grab the best late-night snacks, these connections have reminded me why building a supportive community matters so much.

Being a Resource and a Listener

A big part of the job is being there when people need support. Sometimes it’s helping someone navigate a tough course or answering questions about campus resources. Other times, it’s just about listening—because college can get overwhelming, and knowing someone has your back can make a big difference. It’s not always about having the perfect solution; just being available can go a long way.

What I didn’t expect was how much I’d learn in the process. Helping others with their challenges has pushed me to think more creatively and be more patient, even in my own life. Whether it’s figuring out a tricky situation or just staying calm when things don’t go as planned, this role has made me better at problem-solving and more aware of how to support others effectively.

Study Breaks and Small Moments

One of the fun parts of being a CLA is organizing study breaks. Whether it’s snacks, games, or just a chance to hang out, these little events are a nice way to pause and recharge. It’s not about doing anything fancy—it’s about creating space for people to breathe, relax, and connect.

Sometimes, the best moments are the unexpected ones: a late-night conversation in the common room or seeing people bond over a shared love for food at a study break. These small, everyday interactions are what make the role feel meaningful. They remind me that, even in a busy place like Princeton, taking time to relax and connect with others can make all the difference.

Princeton’s residential colleges are designed to make campus feel a little less overwhelming, and being a CLA has shown me how much thought goes into building that sense of community. From the people I work with to the students I’ve met, it’s clear that this network of support isn’t just a nice idea—it really works.

Looking back on this semester, I’m glad I took on the CLA role. It’s helped me feel more connected to the campus and given me a new appreciation for the small, everyday ways we support each other.

Each recruitment season I have the privilege of traveling internationally to visit students, parents, and counselors to talk about the Princeton experience and try to demystify the application process. I’m fortunate to read applications from all over the world and with each application comes new insight into their special corner of the world. Still, there’s something to be said for the chance to see the communities where our applicants are coming from in-person. 

This fall I had the opportunity to visit India as I crisscrossed the country for ten days. As this was my fourth trip to India, I’ve come to learn that there’s no amount of time to see or understand everything in this interesting and complex country so I’m grateful for the students and colleagues I met along the way. For most meals I ate with people who live in India full-time – counselors, alumni, and even a close family friend! Sharing meals with colleagues who live in the country I’m visiting is one of the best ways to explore the culture through cuisine.

We’re asking students to move around the world to spend four years with us in Princeton and I think it’s important not only to be in the communities our students are applying from but also to learn about the culture and history of the countries we visit during our recruitment trips. I’ve been able to visit some of India’s impressive landmarks like the Red Fort, Qutb Minar, and Taj Mahal on previous trips, but this time around I spent a lot of time in the car to visit schools further outside the city center so I listened to several podcasts about Indian history and religion as scenes of country and village life rolled by. 

When I’m “on the road” I get a lot of questions about the application process, but conversations tend to end up shifting toward the international student experience at Princeton. Moving thousands of mile from home for four years is a big deal but with students from more than 50 countries (56 in the latest class) trust me when I say that you won’t be alone in transitioning to life in the US! I’m always sure to emphasize the sense of community and intentional support network Princeton offers international students and a few things come to mind on that front:

• The Davis Center’s International Orientation program supports students in their first days in the US when the logistics of getting set up for life in a new country can feel like a lot of pressure. 
• Our residential college system gives students a strong social support network in those first few months when international students are adjusting to a new culture, and perhaps feeling a little home sick. 
• The university’s intentional approach to advising allows international students to feel guided navigating a US university for the first time. 

I’ve been recruiting internationally for twelve years now and from this experience there are a few things I know to be true. That just about every other country has a better train system than we do in the US. That no matter where we’re from we share much more in common than not. That students from every part of the world have similar hopes and worries as they approach their college years, and that those who are supporting them through the admission process want the very best for them. We hope you’ll consider the Princeton admission team among those who are happy to support you so please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions!

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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! 

October in New Jersey is signaled by the changing of the leaves to vibrant hues of red and yellow, and the cool air that brings in the fall season. It means leaving your dorm room in the morning freezing, but regretting having worn so many layers by midday. I have always loved fall, but there is something special about the season here on campus.

There are a million ways to enjoy the fall in Princeton. Often, residential colleges host trips to nearby apple orchards where students can pick their own apples. The Student Events Committee (PSEC) hosts its annual fall fest with crafts and fall foods. Last week, our student government held a screening of Twilight in one of our lecture halls (the quintessential movie of the season), and for Halloween, the Garden Theatre across the street from campus will be playing Nosferatu. Additionally, Coffee Club—our student-run coffee shop—never disappoints with its fall drinks, and it's not hard to come by donuts and apple cider from Terhune Orchards.

Of course, National Hispanic Heritage Month also takes place in late September and early October. The Princeton Latin American Student Association (PLASA) hosts a variety of events throughout the month, including its annual "Festival Sabrosura" and flag photoshoot. In early November, PLASA always returns with more events for Day of the Dead. Although I did not attend any of PLASA’s events this semester, I took advantage of the many other events taking place on campus.

McCarter Theatre is not directly affiliated with the University, but students can receive free admission to several performances per year. As part of its Hispanic Heritage Month programming, McCarter hosted an intimate performance and conversation with Mexican singer and songwriter Natalia Lafourcade. Growing up listening to her music with my mom made this an extremely exciting opportunity, and it was a heartwarming night of music.

The day after the concert I attended an art workshop hosted by a local community member and artist where I learned the basics of the repujado art form—a traditional Mexican technique in which designs are created on soft metals, like aluminum. We received materials and instructions while enjoying tamales, flautas, and aguas frescas from a nearby Mexican restaurant.

As the semester continues crawling towards finals, I am looking forward to continuing to enjoy the fall, even if it also means inching closer towards the winter. I’m looking forward to more strolls around campus while the leaves fall around me, celebrating my 22nd birthday, drinking more cappuccinos, and finally getting to pull out my warmer sweaters from the depths of my closet.

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One of my favorite parts about Princeton is how tradition-laden we are as a campus community. Whether it’s our traditions during reading period, or the bonfire held when we beat both Harvard and Yale during a single football season, tradition keeps our school spirit alive year-round and long after graduation. For incoming students—who move in around ten days before the start of classes and a week before returning students—orientation contains some of our most beloved traditions.

Move-In Day: Welcome Dinner and Ice Cream Social

The first tradition that first-year and transfer students will experience is the welcome dinner, which takes place in every corresponding residential college dining hall the evening of move-in day. Students are joined by their Residential College Advisers (RCAs), Peer Academic Advisers (PAAs), Resident Graduate Students (RGSs), deans, and other college staff. Dining staff works hard to put together a delicious meal with various courses so that students can begin building community amongst their zee groups in an informal setting.

Later on, after students have had a chance to settle into their new dorms, there is an ice cream social for all students in the incoming class. There is ice cream (obviously), music, and usually a large ice sculpture depicting the class year number.

Clash of the Colleges

Every year, clash of the colleges takes place in the football stadium. During this event, each residential college competes against the other residential colleges in a series of games, including karaoke and relay races. Every college dresses up in their colors, brings along their mascot, and comes ready to yell out their college chant. The winner represents the res college with the most school spirit. My freshman year, Mathey College won the clash of the colleges and I remember the Mathey dining hall served a large cake the second week of classes commemorating the victory.

The Annual Pre-Read Assembly

Every incoming class is assigned a pre-read. That is, President Eisgruber chooses a book that is sent out to each incoming student over the summer. During orientation, the author of this book comes to campus and, during a large assembly, engages in a discussion with President Eisgruber. At the end, students are encouraged to ask questions directly to the author. After the assembly, each zee group discusses the pre-read in an informal space with their respective PAAs. This is meant to give students an insight into how classroom discussions function at Princeton.

Opening Exercises, the Pre-Rade, and the Step Sing

Perhaps you’ve heard the rumor that Princeton students cannot walk through FitzRandolph Gate at the entrance of the university. As incoming freshmen, however, students ceremoniously walk through the gate for the first time. The pre-rade is a processional of the entire incoming class, ordered by residential college and joined by select faculty and alumni. On this same afternoon, students hear the president’s opening address and watch the presentation of academic awards to several returning students. Members of the community are welcomed to watch and cheer on the marching students.

Immediately after, students enjoy a welcome barbecue (weather permitting) and participate in the “Step Sing,” which takes place at Blair Arch. Here, students learn the words to Princeton’s alma mater, sing their chosen class song, and sing the song chosen by their grandparent class (for the Class of 2028, that would be the Class of 1978).

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These are just a few of Princeton's orientation traditions. Other events include small-group experiences, outdoor movie nights, and a variety of open houses. Orientation is an exciting time for incoming students. As a graduating senior, watching the pre-rade this year was especially bittersweet, but like many others, I was beyond excited to welcome the Class of 2028 to campus.

One thing that I was perhaps not so prepared for coming to Princeton was the amount of celebrities I would encounter on campus! Whether it be for performances, guest speaker panels, or movie shoots, the University often attracts famed figures—some of whom are even Princeton alumni. Here are a few that I’ve gotten to see firsthand:

1. SZA

I’ll never forget when Solána Imani Rowe, known professionally as SZA, came to campus. Students everywhere were lined up to attend her keynote presentation at the event titled “SOS: Race, Art, and Activism,” sponsored by Princeton’s Effron Center for the Study of America. The presentation, followed by a roundtable discussion, centered around Black activism and SZA’s experience as a Black female artist in the music industry. After the event, SZA was even kind enough to take a selfie from the stage with several of the attendees. Not only that, but she also gave free—yes, free!—tickets to her upcoming “SOS” tour to a few random lucky students! You can read more about that here.

2. David Zabel ‘88

This name may not be familiar to everyone, but it certainly was for me! David Zabel, alumni from the great class of 1988, visited the University in September 2023 to participate in the Tigers on Strike! Panel, which was about the SAG-AFTRA strike happening at the time. Zabel is currently the showrunner of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. As a huge fan of the whole The Walking Dead franchise and as a student hoping to work in the media and entertainment industry post-grad, it was insanely cool to get to see him in-person and hear his perspective on the strike and the current state of Hollywood. I even got to speak with him one-on-one after the panel, and he gave me some great advice about working in the industry.

3. Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon, Jack Quaid, and Christopher Nolan

In perhaps one of my all-time favorite memories from Princeton, I recall walking around campus one day in April 2022 only to find that there was a HUGE gathering of people around the East Pyne Building area. I’m talking about hundreds of students, professors, and Princeton townspeople alike surrounding both the inside and outside of the entire building. As it turned out, actors Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon, Jack Quaid, and director Christopher Nolan were all inside the East Pyne courtyard filming what would eventually become the award-winning blockbuster movie of Summer 2023: Oppenheimer. Though the scene that they filmed only ended up being about one second of the actual movie, it was nonetheless awesome to witness, especially for a film buff like me. Some students even got pictures with Matt Damon once they were done shooting!

These celebrities are just the tip of the iceberg. Rainn Wilson from The Office, Nick Offerman from Parks and Rec, Larry Owens from Abbott Elementary, and most recently famous singer and musician Laufey—the list goes on and on! Not to mention the many amazing musical artists that perform for us every semester at Lawnparties (which I talked about in another article that can be found here!).

I think this really speaks to the far reach of Princeton’s network, but also the diversity and creativity of the topics they’re willing to explore and the events that they’re organizing. That is to say, many of these celebrities don’t necessarily come to promote their major works but rather to participate in educational discussions. For example, we probably all know Rainn Wilson for his beloved character Dwight Schrute, but his visit to Princeton was actually so that he could share his recent book Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution in a discussion with Professor Ruha Benjamin through the Office of Religious Life.

Finally, besides getting to just see and hear them speak about topics they’re passionate about, these celebrity appearances also offer Princeton students the unique chance to network with industry professionals and, for some students, their idols. There’s much we can learn from their success and experience, and, again as someone hoping to work in entertainment after I graduate, I for one am definitely grateful for those opportunities to connect with such prominent figures!
 

As a Nigerian-American from Prince George’s County, Maryland — home to a large community of Nigerians — I spent most of my childhood in spaces where I could embrace and celebrate my cultural identity. Thus, coming to Princeton — an area with a demographic quite different from my hometown — I initially worried that I’d be unable to find spaces where I could be myself and celebrate my heritage. Fortunately, upon arriving at Princeton, I discovered that this campus is home to many affinity groups, all of which take pride in hosting events with the primary purpose of cultural celebration. Moreover, the first few weeks on campus have been filled with many of these kinds of events — a perfect way to get back into the bustle of things!

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During our first week on campus, the Black Student Union hosted its annual B[l]ack Together event — an outdoor gathering filled with food, post-summer reunions, guest speakers, and affirmations. Yearly, B[l]ack Together serves as a space where Black students can make new friends, network with Black professors and like-minded peers, learn about what it looks like to be Black on campus, and receive words of affirmation as the semester starts. I know so many friend groups that have formed following this event. This year, it was so beautiful to see the first-year students explore this space of solidarity during their first week on campus.

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The next weekend was filled with many different events. As Ethiopians worldwide celebrated the Ethiopian New Year, Princeton’s Ethiopian and Eritrean Student Association hosted a New Year celebration. This event was a beautiful melange of food, Ethiopian music, dancing, and displays of identity. Seeing my Ethiopian friends don their traditional clothing and celebrate their heritage — even so far from home — was wonderful. 

Simultaneously, Princeton’s Society for African Internationals welcomed diasporic students to campus with a welcome dinner. My Nigerian friends and I enthusiastically attended, given the presence of Jollof rice, puff puff, and more of our cultural cuisine — cuisine we often do not have access to during the school year. This event also proved to be a perfect opportunity to meet and network with African international students who were curious about the experience of being African at Princeton.

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Last but certainly not least, Princeton’s Carribean Connection hosted their annual and long-anticipated Rep Yuh Flag event — a night of dancing and music where students from all over the diaspora don flags from their mother countries and celebrate their identities. Last year, I met some of my best friends on campus through this event, and I was beyond excited to participate in it again. Wearing my Nigerian flag on my waist, I spent the night dancing to Caribbean and African music with my friends, feeling immensely proud and rooted in where I come from.

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From language tables where students can speak and practice their native languages to spaces devoted wholly to celebrating our diverse identities, Princeton constantly proves itself as a space where I can not only celebrate my own identity but also learn more about the identities of my peers. With Nigerian Independence Day around the corner, I look forward to celebrating my culture with my Nigerian friends and introducing my beautiful culture to my non-Nigerian peers!