Janice Lozano
Princeton University students have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations to keep themselves entertained outside of their rigorous academic pursuits. With over 500 student organizations, 38 sports clubs, and numerous campus centers, there is something for everyone. Social life revolves largely around eating clubs, which host a variety of activities and events, while students also enjoy attending student productions, participating in intramural sports, and exploring the surrounding area, including trips to New York City.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Social life | Going to eating clubs, parties, and bars in NYC and Philly |
| Extracurriculars | Choir, bible study, Paideia, a cappella, music outreach, sports, student magazines, tutoring, and organizing the Undergraduate Research Symposium |
| Events | Bingo, fall carnival, painting classes, open ice night, stuffed animal making, Winterfest, dodgeball tournaments, Truckfest, improv shows, 5k runs, fashion shows, dances, and more |
| Student productions | A cappella arch sings, theater performances, and dance recitals |
| Student organizations | More than 500 organizations, including 38 sports clubs, 17 chaplaincies, and several campus centers |
| Student government | Undergraduate Student Government (USG) |
| Student business | Princeton Student Agencies program |
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What You'll Learn
Eating clubs
The eating clubs are open to juniors and seniors, offering them the opportunity to become part of a close-knit community and develop lifelong friendships. They serve as dining halls, providing meals for their members, and also function as social centres, hosting various activities such as field trips, formals, movie nights, and mini-golf. The clubs also organise concerts, parties, and other events that are open to the larger campus community.
There are currently 11 eating clubs at Princeton University, with around 20 clubs having existed since the first one, Ivy Club, opened in 1879. Six of the clubs—Cannon Club, Cap and Gown Club, Princeton Tower Club, The Ivy Club, Tiger Inn, and University Cottage Club—select their members through a process called "bicker", which involves interviews. The other five clubs—Charter Club, Cloister Inn, Colonial Club, Quadrangle Club, and Terrace Club—are non-selective "sign-in" clubs, choosing their members through a lottery.
The eating clubs have a long historical association with the university, with the earliest social clubs on campus dating back to the 1760s. These early clubs were banned but later reemerged as the American Whig Society ("Whig") and the Cliosophic Society ("Clio"). The first eating clubs emerged as small informal dining societies, and their importance grew after a fire damaged the university's refectory in 1856, leading to a rise in student membership. Over time, the eating clubs began to recruit new members and establish permanent facilities, with Ivy Club being the first permanent eating club, followed by University Cottage Club.
While the eating clubs are not officially affiliated with Princeton University and have been criticised for perceived elitism, they are an integral part of the social life on campus, offering students opportunities for dining, socialising, and intellectual engagement.
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Sports
The Princeton Varsity Club provides programming, events, and funding to create enriching experiences for over 1,000 student-athletes. The intramural sports program is another way for students to get involved in sports, meet new people, and take part in friendly competitions. This program includes a wide range of sports, such as basketball, broomball, and ultimate frisbee.
Princeton also has 37 sports clubs (some sources cite 38), including ballroom dancing and ultimate frisbee. The Dillon Gymnasium is a hub for recreational athletics, boasting a pool, dance studio, and the Stephens Fitness Center, which offers individual and group fitness equipment and programs.
Students can also attend sporting events to support their fellow Tigers. Football games are played in the 27,800-seat Princeton Stadium, and the rowing program is based at the Shea Rowing Center on the beautiful Lake Carnegie. Princeton also has an ice hockey rink, an eight-lane Olympic track, and venues for tennis, soccer, softball, baseball, field hockey, lacrosse, swimming and diving, rugby, and more than 50 acres of fields.
In addition to varsity, club, and intramural sports, students can also participate in the annual dodgeball tournament, which is one of the largest events on campus.
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Student groups
For those interested in the creative arts, there are numerous groups to join. Students can perform with one of the many choirs, orchestras, and bands, such as the Princeton University Orchestra, the Princeton University Concert Jazz Band, or the Princeton Glee Club. Students can also express their creativity through dance, with groups like the Princeton University Ballet or the Princeton Dance Group, which offers classes in various dance styles.
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$7.11 $8.99
Socialising through events
Princeton University offers a wide range of social events and activities for students to enjoy and connect with each other. One popular way to socialise is through the events hosted by the Princeton Student Events Committee (PSEC). The PSEC organises frequent events to bring the community together, such as bingo, carnivals, painting classes, ice skating, and stuffed animal making. These events provide a fun and relaxing break from studying and are well-loved by students.
Eating clubs are also a significant part of social life at Princeton. These clubs provide a space for students to socialise, eat, and drink. They often host various activities and events, such as trips to amusement parks, Nerf gun battles, visits to local orchards, and even bringing a ball pit to the club. Joining an eating club is a common way for students to socialise and have fun together.
In addition to the PSEC and eating club events, there are numerous other social events on campus. There are student productions, including a cappella performances, theatre shows, and dance recitals. Class governments also host study breaks with fancy food and giveaways. Annual events like the dodgeball tournament, Truckfest, Broadway trips, improv shows, dances, and fashion shows bring students together for fun and community-building.
Princeton also encourages students to pursue their passions and discover new interests through its many student organisations. With over 500 student groups, including cultural, social, and academic clubs, as well as sports teams and chaplaincies, students have countless opportunities to socialise and connect with others who share their interests.
For those who enjoy performing arts, there are a cappella groups, theatre productions, and dance studios available. Students can also participate in intramural and club sports, with options like basketball, ultimate frisbee, and broomball. Princeton's close proximity to New York City also allows for fun day trips, providing a change of scenery and additional social opportunities.
Overall, Princeton University offers a diverse range of social events and activities that cater to different interests and provide numerous opportunities for students to socialise, connect, and build lasting friendships.
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Trips
Students at Princeton University have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and events to keep them entertained.
Princeton students can take advantage of their proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, with many students taking trips to these cities for a change of scenery and to partake in a variety of activities. A trip to New York could involve anything from clubbing to visiting museums or catching a Yankees game. The closer proximity of New York to Princeton, compared to other universities, makes it a convenient option for a fun day or night out.
The Student Volunteer Council also organizes break-trips, which are week-long volunteering opportunities in various locations, including Alabama and Washington, D.C. These trips provide a chance for students to give back and explore different parts of the country while building community with their peers.
Eating clubs, a unique feature of Princeton's social scene, also organize trips for their members. For example, one eating club organized a trip to Six Flags, providing an opportunity for students to bond and create memories beyond the confines of the campus.
Additionally, class trips to New York City are mentioned as a fun experience, allowing students to explore the city together and participate in extracurricular activities as a group.
With over 500 student organizations, Princeton offers a diverse range of opportunities for students to get involved, travel, and create lasting memories beyond the classroom.
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Frequently asked questions
Students at Princeton have access to a wide range of activities for fun, including:
- Attending events hosted by the Princeton Student Events Committee (PSEC), such as bingo, carnivals, painting classes, ice skating, and more.
- Participating in intramural and club sports, including basketball, broomball, and ultimate frisbee.
- Joining one of the many student groups on campus, including a cappella groups, dance groups, sororities, and more.
- Socializing at eating clubs, which are a popular aspect of social life on campus.
Princeton University has over 500 student organizations that cater to a variety of interests. Some examples include:
- A cappella groups
- Dance groups
- Sororities and fraternities
- Sports clubs
- Theatre groups
- Volunteer groups
Yes, Princeton has many fun events and traditions, including:
- The annual dodgeball tournament
- Truckfest, which involves bringing food trucks to campus
- Broadway trips
- Improv shows
- 5k runs
- Winterfest
Students at Princeton have access to nearby cities like New York and Philadelphia, which offer a variety of activities such as club hopping, visiting museums, and attending sporting events.
