In the midst of a stressful week of finals, sophomores are studying, writing papers, taking exams and contemplating their meal options for the next two years. To bicker or not to bicker — that is the question for those who will join one of Prospect Avenue's 11 eating clubs.
For many sophomores, the decision is a daunting one. Bicker officially begins the first week of February and first-round sign-in sheets may be turned in starting Jan. 21. Three-quarters of sophomores usually join clubs.
"Everyone tells you that you should go where your friends are, and I think that has validity. But my friends are split different ways, and I have fun in different places. A part of me wants to try something different, meet new people because I'll still have those friends," said Mike Gallagher '06, one of many undecided sophomores.
Some of his classmates expressed ambivalence about the process.
"A lot of politics are involved that makes the process kind of strange. A lot of people go out not to have fun but to make connections," he said.
"My freshman year I said I would never bicker. I thought it was kind of a Princeton elitist thing, but all of my friends are doing it. I want to eat with my friends," said John Jacobson '06, who will be bickering Tiger Inn.
The Bicker process varies among the six eating clubs which use the selective process. At some clubs, Bickerees undergo a series of interviews, and at others, Bicker involves games and parties. By the first Friday of the second term, the clubs select their new members.
Generally, the older and more established clubs are the most competitive and work under the Bicker system. They include Tiger Inn and Cap and Gown, Cottage, Ivy and Tower clubs and, beginning this year, Campus Club.
Bicker at Campus will be "positive," said club president Justin Reed '05 in an email. He added that Bicker will be conducted in groups.
"We have had great turnouts at our sophomore dinners, and we look forward to having a significant turnout for our opening Bicker session," he said.
Some students are looking for alternatives to Bicker.
"I really don't agree with the process of bickering, and I feel like it'd just be added stress. I don't have the 'connections' thing going on," said Caroline McCarthy '06.
"I wanted to go independent and live in Spelman [a popular dormitory for students not in clubs], but my folks weren't too hot on the idea. They're worried that cooking food will cut into my study time and that I'll end up eating pizza for every meal," she said.
McCarthy said she decided to sign in at Cloister, where she knows the most people.
"Cloister definitely has one of the most laid back atmospheres on the Street — combined with amazing food, staff and parties," Cloister president Brian McKenna '04 said.
"We are looking forward to another exciting year of sign-ins, where we can welcome another exciting class of sophomores into the Inn."
Cloister is one of five sign-in clubs, including Colonial, Quadrangle, Terrace and Charter clubs. Sign-in clubs conduct a lottery following Intersession, making it possible for all students to join an eating club.
Students rank their top choice clubs and usually get their first or second choice.
They pick their clubs for a variety of reasons.
"I've decided to do Terrace because it seems like the most hassle-free club. People want to be there to have a good time. It's a simple place," Josh Blaine '06 said.
Last year Colonial was a big hit on the Street, unexpectedly attracting 180 sign-ins from the Class of 2005.
"I don't think Colonial will be as overwhelmingly popular as it was last year because there will be a bit of a backlash," McCarthy said.
Colonial president Mike McFadden '04 said "one of the biggest positives" about his club was that "I could come to a meal, sit down with a group of people that I didn't know and feel completely at ease."
Colonial has planned a semi-formal sophomore dinner for next week.
Quadrangle Club is expected to have a good turnout, students said.
"We strive to make every guest feel welcome during our Thursday and Saturday party nights, giving sophomores, in particular, a glimpse of the types of activities and the kind of chill atmosphere that Quad members regularly enjoy," said J.W. Victor '04, Quad president.
As for the Bicker clubs, "A lot of people are doing Ivy," said Jacobson, "but it seems to me that everyone and their brother is bickering TI."
He explained, "Maybe that's just because all of my friends are doing it."
Some of those who are undecided will choose a club for different reasons.
"I'm looking for the club with the best Robo surface and the most Jackson Five music," Gallagher said.
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