Wonder what Princeton students really recommend as their favorite spaces and activities that the University has to offer? To help the incoming Class of 2029 adjust to the authentic Princeton lifestyle, three Prospect writers provide an insight into their top picks for study spots, dining options, hangout spaces, and art performances on campus.
Lulu Pettit, Senior Writer for The Prospect, Class of 2027
Study: Class of 1936 Garden
Tucked behind the MacLean House, a picturesque garden with benches and small tables sits, often unused and empty. This is one of my favorite places to do my readings — enclosed by trees and bushes with the sounds of birds chirping filling my ears, I’m able to peacefully complete my assignments.
Eat: Alfalfa
As a busy student, a quick and on-the-go lunch is a must sometimes. That’s one of the reasons why I love going to Alfalfa. Located on Nassau Street across from Firestone Library, the location is super accessible and the wraps are amazing. I can’t recommend enough their OG Cardini (their version of a Caesar salad), but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. A picky eater? No problem: there’s also a build-your-own wrap or salad option where you can customize anything. When I do build-your-own, I always add their roasted sweet potatoes and beets; I think they’re the best veggies on the menu!
Hangout: green space by LCA
Many of the green areas like Poe Field and Cannon Green are often filled with students on warm days. If you’re looking for an outdoor area that’s a little quieter, though, I highly recommend the patio outside the Lewis Arts Complex. Looking out to Wawa and the Dinky, there’s always interesting people-watching to complement sunshine and lawn chairs. Sometimes, I pick up a snack or drink with my friends from Wawa and bring it up to the lawn outside the LCA to eat and enjoy the fresh air.
Performance: talks at Richardson Auditorium
It seems like there’s always something to see on stage at Princeton, from student dance groups to the Princeton University Orchestra. One thing I always keep an eye out for is talks at Richardson Auditorium. They usually have very engaging conversations, and while a few have been high-profile for students, like SZA or Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Richardson has so many more speakers and conversations that are just as engaging and interesting as the more well-known speakers.
Amanda Hugas, Staff Writer for The Prospect, Class of 2027
Study: Graduate Hotel Lobby
When you’re done exploring the inner workings of East Pyne’s glass ceiling and Firestone’s stacked shelves for possible study spots, I extend an invitation to my dedicated aesthetic-seeking academics. Hidden further to the left of Nassau, the exterior of a red brick building conceals the perfect study spot for any student wanting something a bit more dramatic. From its deep-seated leather cushions to its extensive number of charging stations, any working student can find a natural workflow within the walls of the Graduate Hotel. All while surrounded by stunning artwork linked to Princeton’s legacy and a convenient coffee bar for guests, the Graduate Hotel Lobby offers students a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Eat: Princeton Soup and Sandwich Company
As the weather transitions from warm Jersey nights to a wind chill that creeps under any jacket and freshman flu begins its rounds, nothing brings me more comfort than a bowl of Princeton Soup and Sandwich Company’s food. Across from Halo Pub, getting their combination of tomato soup with their grilled cheese sandwich soothed any uneasiness during times of transition. From changing weather to living independently as an incoming freshman, something as simple as a soup and sandwich helped keep me grounded.
Hangout: Frist Health Center Plant Room
While not the first thought when thinking of hangout spots, afternoons on a quiet weekday allowed for light conversations to take place in the greenhouse space of the Frist Health Center. Taking the main entrance by Butler College, the space calls to you to take a seat on one of the many seating options. Surrounded by vibrant greenery and sunlight bleeding through the glass around you, the space brings a soft comfort when needing a break from the Princeton Bubble.
Performance: Sankofa
Beyond the dance shows and classical concerts, a newer, more underrated performance grows in popularity each year. In their yearly spring African fashion show, Sankofa brings different cultural styles from countries beyond our small campus. Showcasing their art on the runway in the form of unique designs and shapes, all to the background beat of a club mix, each model and designer brings a refreshing new take on the world of Princeton performances.
Annika Plunkett, Staff Writer for The Prospect, Class of 2028
Study: Princeton Public Library
If you need a study spot guaranteed to not be filled with lovable but distracting friends, try the Princeton Public Library, just a short walk down Witherspoon Street. I love heading to the library during the weekdays when most people are at school or work, browsing the shelves in between serious studying sessions. To enhance your studying, take advantage of the reservable study rooms on the second floor and the Jammin’ Crepes cafe at the entrance. Princeton students can easily get a library card here for free, which is the perfect way to get all the non-academic books you want to read that are not housed in the University library system.
Eat: House of Ihsan
Accessible from both Hinds Plaza and Spring Street (a side street off Witherspoon), House of Ihsan is a delightful small bakery, coffee, and tea house with a charming exterior. The inside, with a few chairs and a calm atmosphere, is the perfect place to curl up with a hot chocolate on a rainy day or get some quiet studying in. Their coffee and pastries are excellent (pro tip: try the mousse dome). New to the PawPoints offerings, this sweet cafe is definitely worth a visit.
Hangout: Whitman Courtyard
If you don’t live in Whitman, you’ll probably get to know Whitman Courtyard as you cut through it on your way to New South for your writing seminar. However, tucked up the steps and mostly out of sight from Elm Drive, the courtyard is a great hang-out spot, complete with a couple of lawn chairs, shade from a big tree, and rare crowds. In the winter, head there for a snowball fight with friends, and stop by the hill in front of Whitman to go sledding.
Performance: Seuls en Scène, Princeton French Theater Festival
At the beginning of my freshman year, I booked a ticket last-minute for Radio Live, an innovative performance that was part of Seuls en Scène, the annual ten-day French theater festival held at the Lewis Arts Center. I loved it. For ten days in September, Seuls en Scène presents recent theater work from renowned French and Francophone artists, as well as conversations with the artists. The thing about Princeton is that you never know when someone you see on stage will be the next big thing, so regardless of your interest in French or theater, it’s worth 90 minutes of your evening to see the work of up-and-coming artists — plus, (with advance tickets) performances are free.
Lulu Pettit is a member of the Class of 2027 and a senior writer for The Prospect from the suburbs of Philadelphia. She can be reached at lp3153@princeton.edu or her Instagram @itslulupettit.
Amanda Hugas is a member of the Class of 2027 and a staff writer for The Prospect. She can be reached by her email at ah0942@princeton.edu.
Annika Plunkett is a staff writer for The Prospect and a member of the Newsletter team. She can be reached at ap3616@princeton.edu.
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