Hey everyone! I will be an incoming freshman at Lawrenceville next year and I am incredibly excited. I do have a few questions though. To begin with, what are the stress levels like? I go to a very pressure-inducing school currently so I do have some experience with intense workloads, but I was wondering how overwhelming it is overall and how much homework I should expect on average every night. Also, what goes on during weekends? I understand that there are weekend classes (It’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make) but what happens besides that? Are there organized activities? I’m also looking to find out about what I should bring for my dorm and what the dorms are like in general. Are there any restrictions on certain decorations and the like? I guess I’m just wondering what to expect overall. Thank you!!
You can start reading the link below:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/311892-the-ultimate-supply-list-for-boarding-school-p1.html
that was really helpful - thank you
Each school has a handbook for students that should spell out what is suggested and what is not allowed in the dorms. All the schools we looked at had some activities on the weekend. It will vary - there will be on campus events (plays, concerts, dances) and sometimes off campus trips.
I’d say a positive attitude, a good work ethic, a commitment not to embarrass yourself or your parents in any way by using drugs or alcohol, respect for your teachers and other classmates, an open mind, a willingness to try new things and hang out with people different from yourself, a willingness to share what you know with others and help someone in need, and to accept help when needed, and to stay calm when seas get rough and a propensity to lean into problems, not away when trying to test your mettle. Good luck. You want to look back 4 years from now and say that you did your best, you were kind, you were open to new experiences, you learned the most from people who were different from you and you made good on the opportunity your parents provided for you, and are grateful for what you were given. You gave it your all, no regrets.
First, weekend classes aren’t much of a ‘sacrifice’. Saturday has only 3 classes, and they end at 11:35am - leaving the rest of the day to do as you please. Saturday’s classes allow for halve days on Wednesdays, which may not sound like it’s worth it, but it is a godsend. The week feels more productive, and this distribution of classes adds flexibility in your schedule. Second, if your old school was stress inducing, you should be fine here. Workload can be demanding, but nothing that you wouldn’t expect from a school like this. There’s about 2.5 hours a night of homework freshman year. Weekends are always fun here, you can relax, or there are optional events you could attend on Saturday evenings - like all school skates, musical events, sporting events, etc. There will always be something to do. Finally, if you don’t plan on paying for the laundry plan, then bring quarters. Lots of them. In the boys freshman house, they are described as worth more than dollars. Sincerely,
- a current freshman
thank you so much for the info! I was joking about the weekend classes being a sacrifice, but what you said was still really reassuring and thanks to you, I’m feeling a lot less nervous about going next year. What you said about the hw was especially helpful because that was what I was mainly worried about. Thanks again!
@preppedparent thank you so much for such a thoughtful comment. I will truly take your words to heart.
Here’s what to bring:
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Fan - the houses don’t have AC
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Unlimited data plan - WiFi shuts down at night
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Snacks - the on campus store has limited selection and the nearest grocery store requires a taxi/Uber
^^ Theres a convenience store behind the Lukoil station, across the street from campus. It’s not that far.
@sgopal2 Do you know what time? And wouldn’t you buy unlimited data only if you’ll be staying up at night? (Highly unluckily since there’s a lights out right? 
)
@missinghome21: I think the lights out for freshman is 10 pm, and for 10th and 11th graders 11 pm?? Not sure exactly. The seniors don’t have any lights out restrictions.
This is all detailed in the student handbook. Unfortunately I cannot provide you the link. But just google Lawrenceville Student Handbook and I’m sure you can find it.
The unlimited data plan is used by many kids who want to get around the school’s limits on Wifi. You would still be breaking the rules by staying up past lights out.