Princeton University

Princeton University

One of the leading universities in the US, Princeton’s name is certainly easily recognisable. And not for nothing – Princeton is historically tied to many of history’s greatest minds, including 75 Nobel Prize laureates, (as alumni or faculty) of whom 12 are current faculty members, as well as Jeff Bezos and Michelle Obama. In terms of location, Princeton is, along with other Ivy Leagues, conveniently situated in the Northeast, in the suburbia of Princeton, New Jersey, right in the middle between New York City and Philadelphia.

It is also very important to mention the Institute of Advanced Studies (or IAS for short) which, while not a part of the university, is an important collaborator, housing many of the world’s greatest minds. The institute was established in 1930 by Abraham Flexner as an “educational utopia” and by 1933 was already the academic home to five leading mathematicians and theoretical physicists: James Alexander, Einstein, von Neumann, Veblen, and Weyl… at the same time! Indeed, this institute was (and to this day continues to be) a hub for innovations and ideas, giving the world the development of one of the first stored-program computers, the foundations of game theory and the basis of modern theoretical meteorology, and so much more. These deep roots in supporting the brightest minds of the time have certainly shaped Princeton as it is today. Perhaps the most well-known school of the university is the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs – one of the best schools for international relations and public affairs.

For students at Princeton the legacies and impacts of these institutions are not only historical or abstract. Being a part of the campus means endless possibilities and opportunities for study, internships and jobs at these institutions or with Nobel laureate professors. Small classrooms and a high staff to student ratio ensures that students have ample chances to forge deep and profound relationships with their professors and each other. After all, who knows if they are not sitting next to the future Jeff Bezos.

Besides the strong academic culture, Princeton also offers a rich extracurricular life. Among the more peculiar-sounding traditions are the eating clubs. Dating all the way back to 1855, these are non-residential upperclassmen communities meant for socialization, community service engagement and, well, eating (yes, these are pretty much dining halls on steroids). On top of that, Princeton can pride itself in holding the most Ivy League titles in sports.

Princeton’s rich academic history shapes the university as we know it today, with top-level faculty, leading academic programs and a rich student life.