One unique aspect of Princeton’s undergraduate curriculum is the certificate program. It is an opportunity for students to venture out of their primary field of study and take courses in a myriad of interdisciplinary subjects. Although the certificate program might sound confusing at first, you can think about it as similar to minors offered at other universities. 

Most certificates entail taking around four to five classes in the subject in addition to completing some type of independent work. From African American Studies to Sustainable Energy, there will be at least one certificate that will fit your interests and supplement your undergraduate education. While I recommend looking into certificate programs, do know that they are not compulsory. Nonetheless, many students benefit from them, myself included.

As a history concentrator, I discovered an interest in Latin America so the first certificate I enrolled in was Latin American Studies. To fulfill the certificate requirements, I have to take four classes on Latin America, demonstrate language proficiency in either Spanish or Portuguese, and write a senior thesis with a focus on the region. My second certificate is in Entrepreneurship, for which I am taking five classes and completing a practicum during my senior year. The entrepreneurship classes are incredibly enriching because of the guest lectures from famous alumni and leaders in the industry, in addition to the hands-on assignments. 

Image

The certificate program is flexible and allows you to tailor your undergraduate education at Princeton. I know of friends that have supplemented their STEM concentration with humanities-oriented certificates and vice-versa. In my case, the two certificates I am pursuing have immensely expanded my critical thinking skills and have also influenced my career aspirations. When choosing your primary field of study, be assured that you can still acquire knowledge in other fields through the certificate program! 

When you arrive at Princeton, one of the first bits of information you will receive is a crazy statistic about the percentage of students who will change their concentration from what they had initially planned to study. I remember feeling relieved to know it was okay if I didn’t have a detailed academic plan all settled the first month of my first semester.

I came into Princeton with a diverse array of academic interests. I liked journalism, entrepreneurship, history, religion, politics and public policy. The only thing I had decided on for certain was that I was not interested in science or engineering. Still, as a first-year student, I felt the pressure to know what I was doing, to take classes in “productive” fields and to fill as many requirements as I could my first semester.

One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received that first semester was to take risks -- to take upper level courses with small class sizes and to sign up for classes in subjects I knew little about in departments I had never considered. I was initially dubious. Why would I want to put myself at a disadvantage versus more experienced juniors and seniors? Wouldn’t it make more sense just to take Econ 101?

Yet, as my first semester began to take shape, I saw that taking risks was the right choice. I loved my small seminars – one with six students, another with three. I loved the chance to connect with professors and engage with new topics. I gained new confidence in my ability to approach difficult material in creative ways. 

If I had not been pushed in this way academically, I would never have discovered my ultimate academic passion or been able to take the diversity of classes I have experienced at Princeton. It is for that reason that I chose to become a “Peer Academic Adviser” (PAA) for my residential college — First College. PAAs are upperclass students who are trained to provide academic advice to their peers. We work with specific “Zee” groups (short for “advisee”) within our assigned residential colleges and also serve as important sounding boards for the residential college community as a whole. 

As a PAA, I have the chance to advise first years and sophomores still in the early stages of their Princeton academic journeys. While their academic backgrounds and ultimate goals may differ from mine, and they almost always have different academic interests (I’m a Near Eastern Studies concentrator.), I still feel as if I can help them make informed choices. My experiences, positive and negative, can be leveraged to help students find their passion and take their own risks when setting out on their path.

I look forward to advising sessions during informal study breaks or in more focused settings. Whether it is advising first-years registering for courses for the first time or working with sophomores making final choices about a concentration, there is something very satisfying about acting as a sounding board and giving the kind of advice that has made my Princeton experience so meaningful.

Image

Sophomore year has been one of personal and intellectual growth. With the help of the Office of Disability Services, I learned that I have generalized anxiety and it became a goal of mine, this year, to truly get to know myself.

Looking back to high school, my only goal was getting good grades, regardless of what mental strife I went through to get there. Through my time at Princeton, I learned that if you come to campus expecting perfection, you will be humbled very quickly. You’ll learn that grades are important but they aren’t the only thing of value here. At a school like Princeton, learning more about yourself and allowing yourself the space to do so is important, not only for your academic growth, but for  your mental health. 

Princeton is a rigorous academic institution, that’s a given, but something that is unique to the college experience is that by getting to know yourself on a personal level it can also contribute to greater academic success. In learning about yourself, you’ll discover your most effective study habits, what ways you best learn, are you a morning or night person, do you prefer to study in silence or with music, can you study in groups or do you need isolation, are you easily tired when reading large texts, etc.? You get to know which professors and students you work best with, which values you hold that are non-negotiable when working with others, how to approach large volumes of work, how to best study for different types of exams, when to rest and take a break, and whether you prefer to work in sections or work to completion.

At Princeton, you’ll also learn the importance of connecting with others and maintaining your own mental health. . It is necessary to go beyond just memorizing information in college; you will learn how to understand, analyze, and apply knowledge to contribute to a scholarly conversation or to progress thought as it relates to you and your unique perspective.  In your junior and senior year, the department you choose to concentrate in, the professors you work with, and the topics you want to research, relate heavily upon what YOU are interested in!

Ultimately, this year, I learned that in seeking academic success, it is important to get to know myself and put myself first. 

Image

Before and upon arrival at Princeton there is much discussion of the residential college system into which every first-year student is randomly placed. With this discussion come the rumors about which colleges are “better” or more desirable. For me, this was definitely a cause of stress before arriving at Princeton. I was placed into First College, and when I went to research it online, many of the things I saw were mixed opinions. As someone generally unfamiliar with the residential college system at Princeton, this stuck with me. It was only upon my arrival at Princeton in the fall that my perspective began to change. 

It is true that not all residential colleges (or “res colleges” as Princeton students call them) are the same. Given their different locations on campus, sizes, amenities and ages, res colleges and the experiences you have in them do differ. Some colleges are older, some are farther away, some are prettier on the outside and some don’t have air conditioning. Still, in the end, they all have positive attributes, regardless of online chatter or overall reputation. 

When I first moved into First College, I quickly fell in love. I found that it was a short walk away from all of my classes and Frist Campus Center given its central location on campus. More important than the aesthetics, the layout of the college and its large number of multi-person suites proved ideal for bonding. I soon became friends with the majority of the people on my floor, and I met my oldest, closest friends at Princeton through my ‘zee’ (advisory) group. The layout of First College helped make that possible.  

Image

After two years at Princeton, I moved from First (it only has housing for first-years and sophomores), but I still feel connected and loyal to the community I built there. I am a First Peer Academic Advisor (PAA) and take pride in hosting study breaks and helping the next generation of students in First College navigate their Princeton experience. So, when you think about or are assigned a res college, there is no need for concern about its reputation and benefits. Each college has something unique and beneficial to offer, and I am personally happy to know that I will be graduating as a member of First College this spring.

You did the work, you got the acceptance, and now you’re ready for the hardest part: packing. How can you possibly decide what to bring and what to leave behind? I remember being in your shoes. I thought, No one will use these things at home, so I may as well bring them with me. I’ll admit I severely overpacked. I must have brought every single article of clothing I owned, and then some. I brought photos, tapestries, lights, desk organizers, and more pens and pencils I had ever seen in one room. It was like I had packed for a family of four.

Thankfully, I’ve learned a lot about packing for college over the last four years, and I’m hoping I can impart some valuable wisdom to you in this post. First and foremost: if you haven’t worn something in the last year, you won’t wear it at school. Only bring clothing you actually use. This was definitely my biggest weakness when I packed for college for the first time, and the result was an overstuffed closet full of clothing I hadn’t touched in years. Do yourself a favor and pack the essentials. Packing is a great time for a spring cleaning of sorts; maybe make a donation pile while you’re at it!

My next tip is to be introspective. Figure out the type of person you are and the type of environment you thrive in. Personally, I’m a very visual person, so I purchased a small whiteboard calendar from Target. Honestly, this is the best purchase I’ve ever made in my life. Every month, I visually map out all of the events I’ve signed up for, the meetings I’ve scheduled, and the important dates I want to keep in mind. As the days go by, I cross them off on the calendar so it’s easier to see where I am in the month. Even now, after returining home due to COVID-19, I’m still using my whiteboard calendar so I can see all my Zoom meetings in one place. If you’re a visual person like me, do yourself a favor and get a whiteboard calendar!

Image

Storage is also extremely important. Because college dorm rooms are usually small, they generally don’t have a lot of storage space. My recommendation is this: underbed storage. Head out to the nearest Walmart or The Container Store and get some storage bins for underneath your bed. I got two plastic sets of drawers on wheels and filled them with sweaters and other clothing that didn’t need to be hung up. That way, I freed up space in my closet. This underbed storage was essential for me, since the space under your bed is pretty much wasted if you don’t use it for storage!

Another tip is to invest in a mattress topper, if you can. University beds are notoriously uncomfortable, and a mattress topper can really make or break your night. I was able to find a memory foam mattress topper on sale at Bed Bath & Beyond, and I slept like a baby from night one. The mattress topper was thick enough that it even doubled as a guest bed of sorts; when I had visitors, I’d take the mattress topper off my bed and use it as a second mattress for my guest so they wouldn’t have to sleep on the floor.

These are just a few packing tips for when you’re getting ready to move. Of course, every person is different, and what worked for me may not necessarily work for everyone. My final tip is to not stress out. You will learn more about what to pack as the years go by, and by the time you’re a senior, you’ll be a pro. Good luck, don’t overpack and have fun! Welcome to the best damn place of all.

Firestone Library underwent a transformation the summer before my sophomore year. As a first-year, I remember seeing entire swathes of the first floor under construction. When I came back last September, I was stunned. Immediately upon entering, on my left there was an entire new wing of the library: the Trustees Reading Room, a wide open space lit up by floor-to-ceiling windows and staircases along one wall of the room with bookshelves on the other wall.

Past the circulation desk, was another huge open space that I had known only as a taped-off construction area a few months before. Much like the Trustees Reading Room, this space is vast and seems to always have the perfect lighting, rain or shine. And beyond this lies the Tiger Team Room, a vibrant, clattery café encased in marble, with smooth stone tables in the sun where you can study with friends or just enjoy a cup of coffee. The tea room is probably the loudest and happiest place in Firestone, and it has become my new place to study.

Firestone’s new additions were a major improvement, but there was plenty to this library already. Although it’s a popular place to study, it’s also worthy of exploration in its own right. Whether you’re looking for small, comfy spaces or large sunlit rooms, there are dozens of cozy places that beg you to lounge and relax. Rumors of hundred-dollar bills discovered in random books. Hidden quirks and surprises waiting to be found. A mazelike lower level with a central atrium.

During one break when I was on campus, I wandered around Firestone for hours, looking for a way into its tower and finding other really wonderful places. These places aren’t quite as secret as I’d hoped, but they won’t reveal themselves to you on their own, you have to go looking for them.   

Image

In an earlier blog, I wrote about joining a new club here on campus called Our Health Matters. Our Health Matters is devoted to making sure mental and physical health is at the forefront of our daily lives during this time of uncertainty, so we have created a handbook to provide support and resources.

The Healthy Hottie Handbook was handcrafted by the women on the team to help provide guidance and love. I am extremely excited about this because it consolidates a lot of information that is helpful for staying healthy at Princeton and may also be resourceful during the COVID-19 pandemic. We know that it can be a tough time, but we are here to help and support!

OHM’s Mission Statement is to create an environment and support system that encourages self-love and self-confidence within all our members in order to support their mental and professional wellness. And they've done just that! 

The Table of Contents include: 

• SECTION 1. PRACTICAL RESOURCES
• SECTION 2. MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES 
• SECTION 3. PHYSICAL HEALTH RESOURCES
• SECTION 4. PROFESSIONAL HEALTH RESOURCES
• SECTION 5. SELF CARE IDEAS

A note from the team, 

“This book was created in order to continue our commitment in prioritizing and supporting black women’s mental, physical, professional and personal health. Over the past few months, COVID-19 has brought immense anxiety, disruption, and hardship. We have created this handbook to help our healthy hotties live their best lives during this unprecedented time. From mental health apps and fitness routines, to internship opportunities and ideas to pass the time, we hope this handbook provides you with a plethora of ways to take care of yourself amidst all this madness. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay beautiful, queens!

We are here for you! We believe in wellness. We believe in taking the time to nourish our minds, bodies, and spirits. We believe in the power of self-love and self-confidence. We believe in growth. Our goal is to be a part of your journey towards wellness. Follow us on Instagram @OHMprinceton!"

Image

Being low-income and first-generation heavily influenced my decision to attend Princeton, but there is so much more about Princeton that makes me stay. 

Finances were the most important to me because I come from a low-income single parent household. My mother works for everything that my family has. Asking her to provide money for me to experience things like an unpaid internship or study abroad would be a lot for my family to handle, even though such experiences could help my academic, personal and professional growth. Princeton, however, provides many financially friendly opportunities such as Princeternships, study abroad programs, Breakout Princeton trips during breaks and PICS internships. Financial aid at Princeton is need-based, meaning the University awards students financial aid based on their individual needs. I chose Princeton because it afforded me and my family the financial freedom to help me further my academic endeavors. I could not in a million years afford to go to college without heavy loans, but with a generous aid package for undergrad, I can now think about attending graduate school.

Moreover, I also liked Princeton’s commitment to undergraduate education, the medium size of the school along with the student-to-faculty ratio. The resources at Princeton are unmatched. From the faculty who are hands-on in helping students cultivate their ideas and offering additional guidance during office hours, to the McGraw Center or The Writing Center; there is so much assistance, community and guidance tailored to each student’s needs. As a first-generation student, there is so much I do not know in terms of access, opportunities, finances, networking and even basic knowledge about jobs and fellowships. Being in a place with guidance and access to resources is important to me because it makes all the difference when you just don’t know what you don’t know. 

Why I came is important, but why I chose to stay is also of value. I chose to stay at Princeton because of the community, academic rigor and growth I've experienced here were unprecedented. I am very big on community and Princeton has provided me with the spaces where I am able to be myself while exploring different facets of my identity, the ways I learn and my academic interests. I feel like the spirit in the Black community here is truly special. We are all supporting each other and want everyone to win. I’ve met some of the most inspirational and motivating professors and students. I’ve also been able to travel to France and Puerto Rico during my time here even as a low-income student. Being at Princeton with financial freedom allows me to enjoy my college experience without worrying about money. I feel like I am where I'm supposed to be.

I officially committed to Princeton before I even finished Princeton Preview. After learning more about the amazing opportunities and people inside the Orange Bubble, everything just felt right. I’m so glad I made the choice to become a tiger, and I hope you will too.

A lot of the reasons that I chose Princeton hold true for plenty of my classmates. When I was looking for the right college, I knew I wanted a small school that had a close-knit community of students and offered personalized instruction. Princeton has an undergraduate focus and a small student-to-faculty ratio that made it easy to form close relationships with professors. I wanted somewhere that would allow me to explore my diverse interests without expecting me to know exactly what I wanted to do. I realized that Princeton would provide unparalleled academic experiences through a liberal arts lens that encouraged exploration and curiosity. Princeton also offered such fantastic need-based financial aid that made it possible for me to afford this amazing school. Princeton checked every box that I was looking for.

Image

There were many other reasons I loved Princeton outside of academics. Everyone I interacted with was so friendly and welcoming. I had a lot of great conversations and got a good feel about campus culture. I was impressed by the large number of student groups; it seemed like there was a club for everything! The campus was also one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. If I couldn’t go to Hogwarts, this seemed like a good substitute! I appreciated the ease of getting around the campus due to its small size. I also loved the town of Princeton and the many cute shops and restaurants right outside Fitz-Randolph Gates. The list of positives about Princeton goes on and on.

I also had certain criteria that I had to consider because of my disability. I needed somewhere within driving distance of my home in Maryland to avoid the inconvenience of plane travel. I was looking for a place with moderate weather, because snow and rain are difficult for my wheelchair to handle. I talked to the disability services offices at every college I considered to make sure my needs could be met appropriately. I was blown away by Princeton’s Office of Disability Services and immediately felt like I was in the right place. 

Although this year Preview will operate in an online form, I encourage you to explore the virtual opportunities and learn more about all the amazing aspects of Princeton. Hope to see you on campus next year!

To the newly admitted Class of 2024, congratulations! 

I remember being in your shoes, quite intimidated by the college selection process. I remember asking myself, will I fit in at Princeton? Will there be people like me? Can I handle the academic rigor? Despite my hesitations, choosing Princeton was one of the best decisions of my life. 

What I found appealing was Princeton’s focus on the liberal arts and world-renowned undergraduate education. The University gives you the flexibility of taking classes in a variety of subjects before officially declaring your concentration at the end of sophomore year. For me, this was crucial because I was undecided. I came in as a prospective math major, but after taking classes in different departments, I discovered an interest in archival research and joined the Department of History.

I also knew I wanted to learn from my peers, travel to different countries, and get access to enriching opportunities. From traveling to India with a geology class to interning in Israel at a high-tech startup, Princeton has provided me with memories and experiences that I will cherish for years to come. Best of all, these opportunities are fully covered financially! 

Another important factor was affordability. The financial aid program here is amazing. My parents were worried they wouldn’t be able to afford Princeton, but the financial aid award I received made it all possible. Throughout my years here, the financial aid office has supported me every step of the way. 

Princeton has truly become my home and I wouldn’t have it any other way!