<p>My D will be attending Princeton in the fall. We are from Texas, where the winters are rarely cold. Can anyone tell me what winter wear and gear we should be looking for. Also, how easy it is to go shopping for things , such as coats, shoes, etc, once she is a student there? Are there buses to malls, drug stores, etc?</p>
<p>Basically the winters are not that bad, i.e., not Boston, and parts north. Good winter coat, temps in 40's 30, with occassional dip down. Last year was a light snow year, but who knows. Usually not much. Basic stuff can be purchased in Princeton (the town) right off campus. There is a mall, but I don't know about transportation. However, apparently it is not a problem to get there. Big time shopping, train from campus to Phila or NY is easy, spur to mainline is on campus.</p>
<p>Congratulations to your D! </p>
<p>I'm from California, so same experience with winter clothing. I would wait until arriving on campus to shop for winter clothes. You don't want to be lugging winter clothes from home to Princeton. Also, your D will meet plenty of helpful people who'll be able to give her appropriate clothing advice.</p>
<p>There are buses to the nearby malls, and your daughter's RA will be a great person to ask for details. </p>
<p>Winters aren't bad. Just have a nice pair of waterproof boots and one heavy winter coat. Most east coasters are fine with jeans and doubling up on hoodies.</p>
<p>There's a drug store (CVS) on Nassau Street, just a one-minute walking distance from the edge of campus.</p>
<p>Here's a great thread:</p>
<p>I've noticed Princeton is pretty windy in the winter (similar to Chicago in my mind), so bring a nice down jacket. A lot of students wear North Face or Columbia gear, so that is pretty popular.</p>
<p>We've been real pleased with the 3-in-1 jackets we bought - one daughter has Columbia and the other has Northface. They can be pricey, but provide fabulous 'bang-for-your-buck' in terms of versatility.</p>
<p>I'd recommend one that has a Gore-tex exterior.</p>
<p>The inner shell for our Columbia one is not just fleece; it's a light-weight fleece/nylon jacket.</p>
<p>Not sure about the Columbia one, but the North Face ones can take a vest or fleece liner... maybe even a down vest.</p>
<p>And, if you look online now, you'll probably be able to get a good off-season price.</p>
<p>Hope this helps -</p>
<p>GET RAINBOOTS!</p>
<p>Needed all year round. For me, this was the biggest adjustment. It just rained SO much this last year, and the Princeton paths are apt to surprise you with all kinds of little puddles.</p>
<p>Make sure your daughter's rain boots conform to the Princeton dress code. ;)</p>
<p>The boots are cute, but I think we'll pass on the 549.00 price. Particularly since they don't come in orange and black.</p>