| there really isn't a prevailing mentality, and one can be preppy and nerdy at the same time. One of my favorite things about princeton is how people can surprise you--- the jock in your class can actually be really smart and interested in random philosophy, or art, or something you wouldn't expect. Everyone at princeton is a little bit nerdy, or they wouldn't be there. The dress is probably relatively preppy, although not to the southern school level. Many people around the campus are wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. I think almost everyone finds their niche at princeton, especially if they are interested in ecs of any kind.
Eating clubs definitely affect social life-- it's where you eat and hang out if you join one. It depends on the person as to whether you feel separated from youre friends who arent in yours. I don't, I live with 3 other girls and none of us are in the same eating club, we all lived in the same building freshman year. Most of my friends are in 3 eating clubs, and we see each other a lot. It's easy to meal exchange, and there are now 2 meals a week in the dining halls for upperclass students. So all of my friends get together for sunday brunch. Some people feel a bit more isolated- if you are the only one of your friends who did not get into an eating club. There are many opportunities to join eating clubs, though, and once your friends are in one you have a better shot the next time. |