How far is Princeton University from Manhattan, New York City?
You could do it - my husband spends one day in Princeton a week (for work). It's do-able. But why would you want to? First of all, dorm living is a pleasure of going to college. It's the best way to really feel a part of the place, particularly in the first couple of years. After that, you'll be a part of the school, so it will matter less where you live. Second of all, Princeton is a fun place to live on campus. I think you'll find that out if you really DO go to school there. As to your question - it's about 50 miles away. You can take a Suburban Transit bus from Port Authority right to Nassau Street (it stops right in front of the main gate at Princeton U.) You can also take the New Jersey Transit Train to Princeton Junction and then take the "Dingy" (aka the PJ&B - Princeton Junction and Back) which is a shuttle train that meets every train and shuttles them to Princeton in just a few minutes. It's not a hard trip, less than 2 hours each way. But still, you really would rather live on campus the first few years. I promise you!