Like a fish out of water.
That’s how I felt when I came to Princeton. Out of place. I know most people usually feel this way as freshmen, but coming from a super tiny high school (with a class size of 27) where I knew everyone, I started off the year questioning whether or not I would ever feel comfortable here, or belong here. I came in with only one upperclassmen friend, and never before had I walked into a dining hall and not known anyone. All of a sudden, I started scheduling who I would catch meals with in advance.
One month later, there haven’t been major changes. I still plan out all my meals and use Google Maps religiously (that awkward moment when the voice comes on and everyone knows you’re a freshman). I have, however, begun to appreciate some little things, signs that make me feel like I might belong at Princeton.
I finally understand a handful of the million different acronyms that are used for everything. I can now greet a handful of people on the way to class or when I walk into a dining hall. Some of us at Forbes have also developed a mini-tradition of gathering in the dining hall in the wee hours of the morning to finish long-procrastinated work (which can end up with rooftop excursions instead of finished problem sets) and think of creative substitutes for milk to eat cereal with (there is always a milk shortage and the top contenders for milk substitutes are coffee and egg whites.)
I’ve also learned that people who say, “Let’s hang out sometime” really don’t mean it. When I really want to spend time with people, I make a Google calendar event right there and then, so we are both held accountable. I relate with people running with me to Frist at 10:03 p.m., hoping for late meal, at a fundamental level. I love walking home from the Street on Saturday nights, having befriended people who I never thought I’d talk to. Even my tiny shower, which I never thought I would adjust to, is what I most look forward to at the end of each day.
I know that it’s only been a month and that it’s unrealistic to have wanted to feel at home from the second I stepped foot on campus, but the feelings of comfort are slowly creeping in as I become settled because of all these itty bitty little things.
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In preemptive move, U. says encampment protestors will likely be arrested and barred from campus
Miriam WaldvogelStudents participating in an encampment on campus will be arrested and “immediately” barred from University grounds, Vice President for Campus Life W. Rochelle Calhoun wrote in an email to undergraduates on Wednesday morning. The move serves as an unprecedented pre-emptive response to the growing trend of pro-Palestinian encampments that have gripped peer institutions.
Students participating in an encampment on campus will be arrested and “immediately” barred from University grounds, Vice President for Campus Life W. Rochelle Calhoun wrote in an email to undergraduates on Wednesday morning. The move serves as an unprecedented pre-emptive response to the growing trend of pro-Palestinian encampments that have gripped peer institutions.
On encampments, free speech, and ‘time, place, and manner’ rules on university campuses
Christopher L. EisgruberPresident Christopher Eisgruber ’83 comments on encampments, free speech, and “time, place, and manner” rules.
President Christopher Eisgruber ’83 comments on encampments, free speech, and “time, place, and manner” rules.
Dr. Johanna Rossi Wagner named next NCW dean
Julian Hartman-SigallDr. Johanna Rossi Wagner is taking over as dean of New College West after Anne Caswell was promoted in February. The residential college dean assists upperclassmen with their studies.
Dr. Johanna Rossi Wagner is taking over as dean of New College West after Anne Caswell was promoted in February. The residential college dean assists upperclassmen with their studies.
