Poster Printing FAQ

This page provides information about poster printing for graduate students.

I'm a graduate student, and I'd like to print a large poster for a conference. Where can I go?
There are several locations on campus where you can print large-format posters. Some departments and some library locations have the resources to print posters, but their policies change often. Fortunately, there are two semi-permanent locations you can use:

(1) Poster Printing at 121 Bowen Hall:
This location provides real-time poster printing. Contact Don Schoorman (poster@princeton.edu, x8-0018) well in advance to schedule an appointment for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning, up to 3 months in advance. This location tends to be busy, and slots in April and May fill quickly. Payment is by grant only; no student accounts. See Don's website for an FAQ about pricing, file formats, etc.

(2) Print & Mail Services: (Beware - new website launches Fall 2011)
This location is probably the most economical, but can take up to several days to print a poster. See the website for email instructions to request printing. You can choose to have your poster mailed to you via Campus Mail, or to pick your poster up at P&MS (701 Forrestal Rd). P&MS recently opened a walk-in Digital Printing Center (201 Nassau St., at Charlton St.), which you can also use. Thanks to the Academic Affairs Committee, you may ask for the "Student Class Project Pricing" discounted rate. Nearly all forms of payment are accepted.

Of course, you can always print your poster off campus. For example, you could use Triangle or the Pequod Center at the University Store, both of which are on Nassau St.

Where can I get hands-on help designing my poster? Are there computers with graphics software available for me to use?
The New Media Center in Lewis Library is ready and equipped to help you, and is available every day in the afternoon.

Where can I get help to improve my poster presentation abilities?
You should consider presenting at the Princeton Research Symposium in November/December, which offers a poster presentation workshop (with the McGraw Center) beforehand for participants.

Can I purchase graphics software with a University discount?
Yes, you can purchase software with a University discount (if available) through OIT's Software Store.

Where can I find external funding for printing my poster?
Consider applying for student travel support from your department or the Graduate School. Don't forget that academic conferences often provide student support, typically on a first-come-first-serve basis (so investigate early!). For example, if you present at the Princeton Research Symposium, there is some limited funding available if you request it early enough.

I would like to hand out business cards at my poster presentation. Can graduate students get official Princeton business cards?
Yes! You can design and order official business cards, complete with the Princeton University logo, online at Print & Mail Services (Beware - new website launches Fall 2011). You can use the online form (sign-in required), or you can setup an order via email. There are a few designs to choose from, and nearly everything is customizable (via email or phone). As of Spring 2011, the minimum price is $45 for up to 250 cards (4" thick stack), and payment is by cash or check. Unfortunately, there is no discounted rate for graduate students. Of course, you can always get business cards elsewhere, though without an official Princeton logo.

Comments? Questions? Requests? Know something that the GSG does not?!
Please email the GSG; we want to hear from you!