Princeton's campus centers on Nassau Hall, one of the oldest academic buildings in the country and, briefly in 1783, the capital of the United States, with first-year students housed across seven residential colleges including Butler, Forbes, and Mathey.
Enrollment
9,137
Total Students
Freshman Class
—
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 21 - August 21, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
5%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
Sign your housing contract and select a Move In time slot through the Princeton Housing Portal once your assignment email arrives. Do not have items shipped to campus before August 11, 2026, and always use your official campus mailing address (emailed separately as your "Frist Address"), not your specific dorm room, for anything shipped ahead.
August 21 - August 21, 2026
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned window - early arrivals often just wait longer.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck; loading-zone carts run out fast.
- Parking near freshman halls fills up quickly - have a backup plan or drop-off spot.
- Loading zones usually enforce a strict time limit (often 30 minutes) before you're expected to move your car to long-term parking.
- Activate your student ID online before you arrive - many schools require it for building and elevator access from day one.
- If you want your bed lofted or the frame height adjusted, check whether your school needs that request submitted online in advance - most won't do it on the spot.
- Check your school's specific package-acceptance window before shipping anything ahead - most won't hold early deliveries outside a set date range.
- Unpack essentials first: bedding, toiletries, and chargers, before anything else.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Butler College
Residential college · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Forbes College
Residential college · Coed
- Photo coming soon
Mathey College
Residential college · Coed
Housing Links
Links open Princeton University's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
Fall Orientation (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 21 - September 1, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$20,000
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
Nearby data coming soon.
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at Princeton University.
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