I’m super excited to be attending Princeton. So much so that I can’t even wait to already start the fall term!
Notwithstanding, I had a few questions regarding certain issues and I’d be reeeeeaaaally grateful if you guys could help me:
-regarding course, most of the are 200s/300s, from what I gathered 100s and 200s are typically for freshmen and most of the 300s and 400s are for higher-than-freshmen. However, I have been told (through reading realtalkprinceton) that freshmen can attend 300s, on the registrar most 300s read “no freshmen allowed” while others said “on permission of the department head”. Could someone please clarify the procedure/common practice for these courses?
-on room selection, when do pre-frosh actually do it?
-on employment, specifically for something in the library, what’s the easiest way to go about it? Ask your academic advisor? Residential advisor? Careers office? Or just go straight to place of potential employment (e.g. library)?
-on research, I’m aware that freshmen sometimes are even allowed the opportunity to conduct in-term and summer research under professors. I’d like to know whether this is common and whether this is isolated to certain disciplines (e.g. psychology, STEM, etc.) over others (e.g. literature, philosophy, etc.). Also, if possible, what would be the best way to get a researchship as a freshman?
I know these are a lot of questions, but I’m super excited (and a tad bit anxious) and hyped about Princeton!
Thanks for any and all help in advance!
Some of those would be great questions for Real Talk Princeton! You should submit there too 
I can answer room selection; sometime in May, if I recall correctly, you will get access to a website where there will be numerous forms to submit. One is a questionnaire about housing preferences. Later in the summer (I think it was July), you will receive your room assignment. You don’t get to pick a particular roommate or building, but I think they do consider your answers to the questions. My daughter’s room situation worked out beautifully.
The following year you will participate in “room draw”, which gives you a bit more choice in where you end up.
Once you get your room assignment, there is a Princeton webpage where you can see photos of other freshman and figure out who will be in your dorm and on your floor, which is kind of fun.
Regarding classes I’m pretty sure you’re academic advisor(s) will help you with any class selections.
Parent of an alum here. First of all congratulations! I understand why you are both excited and looking for some reassurance about some of your questions.
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Course selection - these will indeed be made with the help of an academic advisor (as noted above) during the period before classes start. If I recall correctly, you’re allowed to take anything you’re prepared for. My son’s room mate had a number of junior/senior level courses his first year (math concentrator) since he had already done the freshman/sophomore level work and had already been working proofs prior to admission. My son on the other had took only first year classes since he did not feel as ready for higher level coursework. Your advisor will certainly help you determine what is appropriate.
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Room selection answered above.
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On campus employment information can be found at this link:
https://puwebp.princeton.edu/StudentEmployment/index.jsf
Also I remember hearing that library jobs are highly sought after so these may be more challenging to secure but there are certainly other options if these are not available.
- Research tends to be directed by profs so building relationships with them is most likely your best bet. There are also grad students on campus who may be able to use your assistance from time to time. I know when my son did his research for his junior self directed course and senior thesis he worked with both of these.
I wish you the best!