As you prepare for your journey to Princeton, you will probably think of a lot of questions related to moving in and getting settled on campus. The following information will help you prepare, plan, and pack for your arrival. There is also a webinar recording available that outlines key points.
The Service Point is a central location for your move in related questions and resources. Contact the Point by emailing [email protected] or calling 609.258.8300 during business hours.
This page was last updated on 08/16/2024.
Pre-Move In Checklist
Please make sure you complete these items before you arrive.
- Sign your housing contract
After receiving your housing contract (via email), log onto the Housing Portal to sign your contract. Once logged in, you will find your residential college and dorm room assignment. Please note, your housing assignment is NOT your mailing address.
- Select a Move In time slot
Check your housing assignment email and click on the link to sign up for a Move In timeslot. Plan to check in during this timeslot.
- Submit a photo for your TigerCard (Princeton University ID)
You should have received an email with instructions for uploading your photo as part of the matriculation process. Make sure your photo is clear and against a plain background. Your TigerCard is also your room key and will be ready when you check in at Move In.
- Set up your Princeton netID and additional computing accounts
After setting up your Princeton netID, you can set up your Princeton email, Duo Security, as well as your Princeton Google, Office 365, and Zoom accounts, which you will need in the fall.
- Look up and memorize your Door Lock PIN
Log onto the Housing Portal. Click on View Door Lock PIN on the lefthand sidebar. You will need this PIN to access your room.
- Plot your trip
If traveling by car, enter “Princeton University Theater Drive Garage” in your GPS and look for signage directing you to the correct entrance as you arrive on campus. If traveling by train or by air (Newark Liberty), Princeton Station (on campus) connects to the northeast corridor at Princeton Junction. Princeton Station and Theater Drive Garage are located across from the Forum, Lewis Arts Complex, where you will check in. Additional travel information can be found here.
Important Reminders
Please be aware of the following vital information as you plan your journey.
- Personal vehicles are not permitted to remain on campus after moving in.
- Electric scooters, skateboards, and other Personal Electric Vehicles (PEV) are not permitted on campus per the University’s PEV policy.
- Campus mailing/shipping addresses were emailed to students in early July with the Subject line “Your Frist Address”. If you ship any items to campus, use your campus mailing address. DO NOT use your housing assignment as a shipping address.
- Please do not have shipped items arrive on campus prior to August 13, 2024.
Before You Arrive
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We’re excited for you to be here, too! First-year Student Move In is Friday, August 23, 2024. Don't forget to sign up for a Move In timeslot (check your housing assignment email for a link and instructions).
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A starter list of what to bring can be found on the the Housing and Real Estate Services website. You’ll also find a list of prohibited items to leave at home, including several heat-producing appliances.
As a reminder, electric scooters and skateboards are not permitted on campus per University PEV policy, and personal vehicles are not permitted to stay on campus after moving in.
TigerTransit’s free weekend shopper bus also travels from campus to shopping centers (Target, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods) for those necessities you forgot to pack.
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We’ve got you covered. No matter which residential college you live in, each room comes with:
- Single bed, which requires extra-long, twin-size sheets
- Dresser
- Desk and chair
- Bookshelf
- Closet space or wardrobe for each person
- Waste and recycling cans
- Shades or blinds
- Message boards at the entrance to many rooms
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We completely understand! We want to make sure you know which appliances are approved, whether you have plans to bring a tea kettle, coffee maker or even a milk frother! You can check out all authorized and unauthorized appliances here. We approve any model of iron, electric blanket, hair dryer/curlers, or clothes steamer.
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You can, but we have certain restrictions on refrigerators and microwaves. Most importantly, you cannot bring a microwave. However, you can rent a microfridge (combination microwave and refrigerator) through Princeton Student Agencies. Only one microfridge may be in each room. You can find more information about microfridges, refrigerators, freezers, and other regulations on the Dormitory and Annex Regulations page.
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Contact the Service Point ([email protected] or 609.258.8300 Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
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To safely navigate campus roads, moving trucks cannot exceed 16 feet.
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Non-electric scooters and bikes are permitted on campus and should be registered upon arrival. Please review the University’s PEV policy before you arrive.
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Our beautiful and historic campus is pedestrian-friendly, with most academic buildings situated between 5-15 minutes from undergraduate residential neighborhoods. Princeton’s free shuttle system, TigerTransit, operates on a fixed route schedule, providing safe, convenient, and reliable transportation throughout the campus and surrounding community.
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We’ve provided a summary of the most important information, but if you want to make sure you have access to everything you could learn, check out the incoming students page.
Move In Day – Friday, August 23, 2024
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Check in takes place at the Forum, Lewis Arts complex. If driving, follow directions to the Theater Drive Garage, additional signage will help guide you as you enter campus. Exit the garage from the north and look for the balloon arch. Princeton Station, a spur route of the Northeast Corridor, is across the street from the Forum.
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Make sure you bring your photo ID for check in. Leave your belongings in your vehicle. Once checked in, you’ll receive your room key, map, and parking pass to bring your vehicle closer to your dorm to unload.
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After checking in, take a moment to visit the Move In Fair, where campus partners will be present to answer any questions you may have, such as how to register your bike, how to navigate the dining halls with special dietary requirements, and much more.
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From Theater Drive Garage, follow signs towards your residential college unloading area. Volunteers will be on hand to help you quickly unload your vehicle. After unloading, move your personal vehicle to Lot 20, while moving trucks should be relocated to the south part of Lot 20.
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Place your TigerCard near the keypad on your dorm door, followed by your 4-digit Door Lock PIN. Turn the handle and push the door inward. Keep your TigerCard on you at all times. Your door will automatically lock upon entry.
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Contact or visit the Service Point, New South Building, A Level (609.258.8300 or [email protected]). For lockouts that occur outside of business hours, contact Public Safety at 609.258.1000 or visit 200 Elm Drive.
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After unloading, vehicles should be moved to Lot P20. Oversized vehicles, such as moving trucks (up to 16 feet), will be directed to park in P19 near the Graduate College. There will be shuttle service from P19 to main campus.
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Mail pickup is at Frist 110 and can be collected at the window Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm through September 16. You will receive a notification from [email protected] when you receive First Class mail. You should be prepared to provide your Frist mailbox number and student ID Card (TigerCard) when arriving at the collection window. Notifications for periodicals, marketing mail, catalogs and bulk mail will not be sent. These items will be held at Frist 110 and distributed with any First-Class mail or upon request. After September 16, mail collection window hours will be Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm and Saturday from 10am to 2pm (closed Sunday).
Package collection will be at the Frist Campus Center, or the north parking lot of Dillon Gym for oversize items. Packages at Frist Campus Center will either be in an automated package locker or at Frist 110. You will receive an email from [email protected] when your package is ready and where to pick it up. Please note delivery notification from the shipper (such as Amazon) does not mean your package is ready, that simply means it has been delivered to the University’s receiving and processing facility. Do not attempt to pick up your package before receiving a notification from [email protected].
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The Campus Dining Food Truck will offer complimentary refreshments outside Theater Drive Garage. Brunch service will be offered in your residential college dining hall for you and your guests between 10:30am and 1:30pm.
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Students should connect to “eduroam” as the primary wireless network for learning, printing, and more. When prompted, enter your [email protected] email address and password. For more information, visit www.princeton.edu/eduroam.
Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other smart devices can be connected to “servicenet.” To use this network, you’ll need to register your devices when you get to campus. See Connect to Wireless Network: Residential for more information.
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No. You won’t be able to connect a personal printer to the campus network. You can, however, print to one of the many high-capacity printers in the residential colleges and across campus.
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For help, visit the Princeton Service Portal, email [email protected], or call 609-258-4357 (8-HELP). You can also visit the OIT Tech Clinic in Frist Campus Center, Room 112 or contact a Student Technology Consultant in the residences.
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Princeton recommends that every student purchase an Apple or Dell laptop with a 3- or 4-year warranty. Laptops should be purchased by the student directly from the manufacturer or other authorized suppliers. Specific model recommendations by major, financial aid and loaner options are outlined here.
Students who receive need-based aid from Princeton and wish to purchase a personal computer for their school use may request a computer purchase budget adjustment.
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Tips and instructions for TigerHub and Tiger Family Hub can be downloaded via Quick Reference Cards. If you still have questions, support is available through the IT Service Desk, where you can email, call or chat with IT support staff for help.
Quick Links
The Service Point
(Move In-related questions or support)
New South, A Level
609.258.8300
thepoint.princeton.edu
Residential College Websites
Butler College
Forbes College
Mathey College
New College West
Rockefeller College
Whitman College
Yeh College
Your Dorm
Bring It or Leave It
Make Your Space
Dorm Services
Princeton Mobile Apps
Campus Map
Princeton Mobile
Princeton Package Lockers
TigerSafe
Tripshot (TigerTransit app)
Technology Resources
Info for First Year Students
Computer Recommendations
IT Help Desk
TigerHub / Tiger Family Hub
eduroam wireless network
servicenet wireless network