I asked my freshman daughter whether the social life at Princeton revolves around the eating clubs, and she told me no, it does not. One of her friend groups is from one of her extracurricular activities. Sometimes they will go as a group to an eating club party, but they also socialize by hanging out in the common room in someone’s dorm, playing board games, cards, or just talking. She is a non-drinker, and no one has ever pressured her to drink. She says some students drink, some don’t, and no one cares what’s in your cup.
Just about all undergrads at Princeton live in campus housing. Freshmen and sophomores are required to live in one of six residential colleges and are on the meal plan. Upperclassmen have additional housing options that don’t require being on the meal plan. All campus housing is within walkable distance. An undergrad’s friends all live close by which makes it easier to socialize and form study groups.
My daughter tells me that students at Princeton are serious about their studies and care about their grades. She loves living and learning in a community of students who are passionate about their academic interests.
I hope this is of help to you, fretful mother. I would like to PM you but I can’t figure out how to do so on my phone. Please PM me, and I will respond.