During Orientation, students will dive into an exciting lineup of programs, designed to introduce them to our community’s values, traditions, and opportunities while launching their academic journey at Princeton. Along the way, they will connect with academic advisors, Peer Academic Advisors (PAAs), and Residential College staff who will help guide their transition to campus life. Students will have the chance to explore their academic interests and future goals at the Academic Expo, where they can meet faculty and students from every department, ask questions, and hear about various academic interests. Their Orientation academic experience culminates with Course Registration, with the goal of setting the stage for a successful first semester. The excitement continues with Opening Exercises and the Pre-Read Assembly, two signature traditions that bring the Princeton community together. Classes for all students begin on Tuesday, September 2, marking the official start of the school year.
Traditions
A walk across campus illuminates to even the casual observer that Princeton reverberates with history and tradition. The true beauty of Princeton’s traditions is that many of them were started by students. Whether the tradition is 250 years or 250 hours old, these events strive to create expressions of affiliation and belonging. It’s important to note that while we appreciate our past as a learning community, we are called to think critically about where we have been and where our aspirations will take us. Traditions can be as expansive as an entire class or as intimate as a residential college ‘Zee Group'. There is something quite unifying about engaging in activities that students were similarly participating in over two centuries ago. To learn more about some of our most long-standing traditions, visit the Princetoniana website; some of the traditions found are just minutes old, yet will be as indelible as those carved into the stones of our campus walls. Seem unlikely? We’re fairly certain that the first group of Tigers who gathered on Nassau Hall steps didn’t expect students to be following suit more than 265 years later. This place is yours and we can’t wait to see how you make it your own!
Unity
The incoming class and our new transfer students encompass an impressive range of backgrounds and experiences— it’s the true benefit of attending a university with a global reach. During Orientation, there are numerous ways, both formal and informal, to get to know the fellow Princetonians with whom you will travel through this experience for years and the decades beyond.
The Orientation Welcome Committee hosts many social events during Orientation and during the first few months of the semester. Please take advantage of the opportunities specifically during Orientation to connect with classmates. Class of 2030 officers are elected in mid-October, and until then, the Orientation Welcome Committee will plan events to foster inclusion and class unity. Upcoming social events will be posted on the Orientation calendar and make sure to follow @officialprinceton2030 on Instagram to receive any updates and fun activities when the semester begins!