How does being in Princeton, NJ compare to attending college in the city? Is it common for students to travel to nearby cities?
Every college’s bubble is going to be a little different. Duke’s is different than Columbia’s, which is different than Harvard’s…
NYC is an easy train ride from Princeton. Some students may go there often. Others (most?) are too busy with their studies, ECs, and social lives to give it a second thought.
My son probably comes into NYC about once every 2-3 months, but some of his friends (particularly theater fans) come in more often. It’s easy to do, but it depends on your interests. Sherpa is right - most students are so busy with everything happening on campus that they don’t feel the need to travel into the city.
The residential colleges offer trips to NYC Broadway shows on a regular basis. Generally $25 will get you a ticket to a great show and transportation to and from the event. In his first year my son never went but now as a senior he goes as often as he can squeeze it into his schedule.
There are an incredible number of things happening on campus on any given day which probably contributes to students being content to stay put.