Discovering Cornell University Student Life
For many prospective Cornell applicants, it can be intimidating to consider spending several years in a small, rural town. When it comes to student life at Cornell, students often have a few questions: What is there to do at Cornell? It’s not near a big city, will I get bored? What is there to do other than study? Are there a lot of options for extracurricular opportunities? These students may be pleasantly surprised to hear that Cornell has a vibrant student life on campus. The town of Ithaca may be small, but it is charming, one-of-a-kind, and a place that many grow to love and call home over the course of four years.
On-Campus Housing and Dining
All first-year students are guaranteed on-campus housing, most of which are located on “North Campus,” which allows for a close residential community. There are ten different dorms that first years can be placed in, all of which are coed with the exception of one. First-year students also have the option to live in nine different Program Houses that celebrate special interests or cultural backgrounds.
After sophomore year, students are no longer guaranteed on-campus housing, but there are still plenty of options available. For example, there are additional residence halls on West campus, which is located at the base of the university’s famous Libe Slope. West campus has a dining hall in each of its dormitories along with its own fitness center.
The condition of the dorms was fine; some are less than ideal, but manageable. They actually now have many new dorms that were being built when some students were seniors.
Besides the dining halls scattered throughout campus, campus food options include cafes, coffee shops, and food courts. There are 10 all-you-can-eat dining halls, and there are also 19 cafes, eateries, and food carts. At the all-you-can-eat spots, you use a meal swipe. At the other places, you’ll use BRBs, or Big Red Books. Cornell has its own dairy bar that sells Cornell-produced dairy items. The Cornell Dairy Bar is famous for its delicious ice cream and chocolate milk. The university dining halls are ranked high on lists comparing university food.
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For vegan students, there are allergy warnings on every food item that’s being served. If the food is buffet style, it will say what allergens are in the food-with pizza, for example, it will say that it contains gluten, milk, etc.
Greek Life and Athletics
If you’re interested in Greek life, there are 60 sororities and fraternities that you can join, including social, pre-professional, and community service Greek organizations. For those who are interested in athletics, Cornell has a Division I sports program along with organized intramural and club sports. Cornell is a huge ice hockey school. The varsity ice hockey team is one of the best in the league, and it’s always fun to watch a game, whether or not you’re into ice hockey. Throughout the game, you’ll hear several different chants led by students and alumni. One notable tradition is during the Harvard vs.
On-Campus Jobs and Research Opportunities
If you’re interested in getting a job on campus, there are plenty of options. You can join one of the many renowned research programs or even do an individual research project with a professor. Getting an on-campus job is a great way to fulfill your financial aid requirements or earn some extra cash.
Unique Traditions
Cornell certainly has some unique traditions that students look forward to every year. The most famous is by far Slope Day. Each year, the Slope Day Board (which is run by students) holds a survey to see what musical artists students would like to see perform at the end of each spring semester. Past performers include Steve Aoki, Kendrick Lamar, and Neon Trees. Everyone looks forward to this huge concert that marks the end of classes.
Another fun tradition is Dragon Day. Every March, the first year students in the Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) program build a dragon and have a parade across campus in outrageous costumes. The Engineering students create a phoenix to symbolically challenge the AAP students.
Read also: Cornell University Semester Guide
Ithaca and Its Surroundings
In downtown Ithaca, you’ll find many restaurants, stores, and even a movie theater. Additionally, every year, the town of Ithaca holds themed festivals such as Apple Fest (all the apple themed food you can think of!), Ice Fest (think ice carving competitions and hot chocolate), and Chilifest (self-explanatory).
Despite popular belief, Ithaca isn’t necessarily in the “middle of nowhere.” It’s only a four-hour drive or bus ride to NYC, with buses leaving frequently throughout the day, a two-hour drive to Buffalo and Rochester, and a five-hour drive to nearby Canada, where many students frequent on break. If you’re visiting, you should check out the downtown area, where they have all the nice restaurants and cool shops.
Personal Growth and Well-being
A big part of adulting is learning how to care for your physical and mental health, find a balance between studies and relaxation, and learning how to advocate for yourself. There is always something to do on campus; it's up to you how you want to get involved. Will you keep up with activities you've done before? Will you stretch yourself to meet new people, try new things, and expand your global awareness? Maybe you'll find your balance with some of both.
Another part of adulting? Safety is a group effort--you're in charge of watching out for your personal safety and contributing to a safe environment for the people living and working around you on campus. From time to time, conflict will happen, and having the skills to resolve conflict peacefully and thoughtfully will serve you well throughout your life.
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