Can anyone comment on the building/development at TCNJ over the past 1-2 years? We visited almost 2 years ago & there was a lot of construction (Barnes & Noble? other?). On the tour the tour leaders were suggesting that TCNJ is becoming less of a “suitcase school” and they pointed to the construction as proof. We need to schedule a 2nd look (can’t attend accepted students day) and I wanted to get some information from members here to help get a sense of the campus vibe.
The construction near the Barnes and Noble is what is called “Campus Town”. It includes apartments and restaurants (Panera, Picollo Pronto, an asian place, a mexican Chipotle style place, Fro yo) and a work out place and more to come. The apartments are fantastic…my DD, a sophomore, is living in one with 3 others. The B&N is the campus bookstore.
Thank you @bopper - I just watched a video - I want to live there LOL! DH & DS are going on Wednesday to look. I will recommend to them that they take a walk around there as well. Thanks!
TCNJ is also now constructing a new STEM complex: https://science.tcnj.edu/school-information/stem-complex-project/
Regarding campus vibe, most TCNJ students are from NJ, so it is easier for them to go home on weekends than schools with larger OOS populations. But, I think TCNJ is less of a “suitcase school” than other NJ schools comprised mostly of NJ students. My information is anecdotal. My daughter is a freshman at TCNJ and loves it. We live about 1:15 hrs away but she has stayed on campus every weekend this year. Most of her core group of friends stay too. She is involved in clubs and takes advantage of TCNJ organized trips and events such as a weekend bus trip to NYC and on-campus concerts (Ke$ha is performing there soon). Her and her friends also hang out at by one of the lakes on nice weekend days. TCNJ does not have the big school sports program of a Rutgers, so it’s not for everyone. But for the right kid, the campus vibe is a good fit. Depends on the student.
Also TCNJ has the “Loop Bus” that takes you to the train station, Mall, Princeton, etc.
https://lionsgate.tcnj.edu/organization/studentactivities/about
Thank you @bopper and @ekdad212 - DS visited yesterday with DH - definitely helpful info for 2nd look visit (and seeing Campus Town offset seeing the freshman dorms!) Everyone across the board was friendly & helpful & he liked it. 2 more schools to re-visit & then decision time. Thanks all for the helpful input.