Princeton University is a private Ivy League university and one of our nation's oldest institutions dating back to 1746. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, a charming small town approximately 50 miles from NYC. Close to 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students call the beautiful, historic campus home. Nassau Street is the main thoroughfare of the town filled with restaurants, bookstores and boutiques.
Visitor Information: Tour Princeton
Stay: Located directly across from the university, check into the Nassau Inn, right in the heart of downtown Princeton. The Peacock Inn is a small B and B within walking distance of the school. Just five miles from town the Westin Princeton is another alternative.
Coffee: Everyone’s unanimous favorite is Small World Coffee; students love the free Wi-Fi, solid coffee drinks and the selection of good prepared foods such as egg sandwiches and baked goods. Rojo’s Roastery is another good option.
Breakfast: P.J.’s Pancake House, a Princeton staple, is known more for the tradition than the food. For the best croissants, yes, some say as good as any in Paris, a must is The Little Chef Pastry Shop. Hidden down Tulane Street, everything is prepared fresh daily from pastry chef Edwige Fils-Aime.
Lunch: Grab a cheese steak or meatball sub at Hoagie Haven, a Princeton institution, especially late night, as it stays open till 2 am. Olive's is the go-to place for lunch. Don't miss their chicken salad! For shrimp tacos, po’boy’s, blackened salmon sandwiches among other options head to Nassau Street Seafood, a sister restaurant of dinner spot Blue Point Grill. Agricola Eatery is good for salads, sandwiches and flat-breads. Back by popular demand: the Tiger Tea Room opened at Firestone Library! Join the students and scholars taking a break from their studies to enjoy tea, coffee and assorted baked goods.
Dinner
Casual: The menu reflects the freshest catch of the day at Blue Point Grill known for excellent fresh seafood and a large selection of oysters served in a buzzy, relaxed atmosphere. Everyone's favorite, Teresa’s Caffe Italiano is a lively Italian restaurant. They don't take reservations so call 45 minutes ahead and put your name on the wait list. The burgers and beer are excellent at Triumph Brewing Company.
A Step Up: The signature dish is Paella at Mediterra, highlighting tastes and flavors of the Mediterranean. Both Elements and Mistral are two of Princeton’s best restaurants under the helm of chef Scott Anderson serving seasonal American fare.
Late Night Snack: The Bent Spoon has legions of fans for their freshly made, organic ice cream. Skip the classic vanilla or chocolate and try one of the more inventive, unusual flavors they are known for.
Local Attractions: The campus is an attraction in itself with architecturally compelling historic buildings. Nassau Hall, built in 1756, survived bombings during the Revolutionary War. Gothic style Prospect House was home to Woodrow Wilson who served as the University’s president before becoming the President of the United States. Modern influences exist as well in the Vinoly designed Lewis-Sigler Institute. Thanks to wealthy alumni the Princeton Art Museum, right in the center of campus, has an impressive collection that includes works such as Warhol’s Blue Marilyn and Monet’s Water Lilies. Visit Grounds for Sculpture, a 42 acre sculpture park and museum.
— Quotes From Campus —
“I feel very lucky to attend Princeton, the student body is incredible and you’d be hard pressed to find a better faculty anywhere in the world.”
“The Princeton alum network is very strong—a big plus in these difficult economic times where connections really do help.”
“There are so many opportunities to immerse yourself in during your four years at Princeton from clubs to publications to research opportunities.”
PRINCETON FAST FACTS
Established
1746
Mascot
Tiger
School Colors
Orange & Black
Acceptance Rate
6.5%
Common Application
Yes
Supplement Essays
Yes
Early Action/Decision
Early Action
SAT
Average - 1530
ACT
Average - 33
Type
Private
Size
Medium - 5,232 Undergraduates
Website
Region
Admissions Office
Box 430
Princeton, NJ 08542-0430
(p) (609) 258-3060
(f) (609) 258-6743
uaoffice@princeton.edu
Sports Divisions
NCAA Division I
Ivy League
Greek Life
Yes
Noteworthy Alumni
Woodrow Wilson
James Stewart
F. Scott Fitzgerald
John F. Kennedy
Michelle Obama
SHOP
PRINCETON
Just toured the Princeton Campus? Are you a Princeton student, parent or Alumni? Fill out this 2 minute survey to supplement our Daytripper University Guide for Princeton!