Your Guide to Visiting Cornell University as an Exchange or Visiting International Student
Cornell University welcomes exchange and visiting international students to its vibrant campus. With eight undergraduate colleges and schools, nearly 80 majors, and over 4,000 courses, Cornell offers a diverse academic environment. This guide provides essential information to help you prepare for your time at Cornell, covering academic policies, enrollment, health services, student life, and more.
Understanding Cornell's Academic Structure
Cornell's academic structure may differ from your home institution. Familiarize yourself with the university's policies and resources to ensure a smooth transition.
College-Specific Policies
Academic and enrollment policies vary across Cornell's colleges and schools. It's crucial to learn about your college's specific policies as you prepare for course enrollment. Consult the college-specific fact sheets provided to accepted students for details about what's available to international undergraduates visiting Cornell. Information about enrollment will be communicated to students upon admission. Any changes to the enrollment timeline will also be communicated.
Course Enrollment
Exchange and visiting students register for courses alongside full-time Cornell students. Be flexible with your course selection and schedule, and work with your home institution for course approval, including alternative options. Enrollment permission is subject to class size limitations, instructor consent, program eligibility, and demonstrated academic qualifications in the form of prerequisites.
Class Roster and Syllabi
Course descriptions appear in the class roster. If the roster for your intended semester is unavailable during your application, consult the previous year's roster. The roster for the semester you'll study at Cornell will be available before your enrollment time. Students typically receive course syllabi on the first day of class. In some cases, syllabi may appear in the roster from the previous term.
Read also: Immersive Pre-College Experience
Graduate Courses
Exchange and visiting students may enroll in 5000-6000 level classes only if they have met the prerequisites. These are traditionally graduate-level classes. Often instructor and college permission will be needed, and it is solely your responsibility to inquire with the professor and college in advance of enrollment to find out if you can join the course.
Research Opportunities
Incoming exchange students can participate in independent research during their time at Cornell. However, visiting international students may not enroll in independent study, research courses, or participate in supervised laboratory work, except if research or laboratory access is explicitly required as a part of a structured class.
Academic Support and Advising
Exchange and visiting students are supported by an advisor in the Office of Global Learning throughout their time at Cornell. You will also be assigned an advisor in your home college for academic matters. Depending on the college, you may have a faculty advisor, as well.
Credit Requirements and Course Changes
Exchange and visiting students on F-1 visas are required to maintain full-time status, enrolling in a minimum of 12 credits per semester during the academic year. Most exchange students enroll in 14-16 credits per semester, and exceeding 16 credits is not recommended. Course changes are possible during the first two weeks of classes, before the "add" deadline. Students may officially drop courses until the "drop" deadline later in the semester, but it's essential to speak with an advisor before dropping any course.
Academic Standing and Performance
Students studying at Cornell for a full academic or calendar year are expected to maintain good academic standing, defined as earning a term GPA of 2.0 or higher in their first term and successfully completing a minimum of 12 academic credits.
Read also: Cornell University Semester Guide
Orientation and Pre-Arrival Preparation
All incoming exchange and visiting students participate in a preorientation course to prepare for arrival and connect with resources. This comprehensive course includes topical modules with detailed information. You'll be added to the course after you're admitted to Cornell and receive a NetID. All incoming exchange and visiting students are also expected to attend new student orientation programs on campus, typically held the week before classes begin. More information about the orientation schedule will be shared in onboarding communications.
Health and Well-being
Adjusting to a new culture and healthcare system can be challenging. Cornell Health provides a wide range of healthcare services right on campus.
Mandatory Health Insurance and Immunizations
All exchange and visiting students are enrolled in Cornell’s Student Health Plan. Participation is mandatory. All incoming students must show proof of immunization as part of the new student onboarding process.
Cornell Health Services
Healthcare services available on campus include care for students' physical and mental health, lab testing and X-rays, pharmacy, physical and occupational therapy, nutrition counseling, sexual healthcare and gender services, immunizations, and more. Cornell Health partners closely with the local hospital, Cayuga Medical Center.
Student Life and Campus Resources
At Cornell, you'll experience a community that values critical thinking, encourages self-discovery, and embraces all walks of life.
Read also: Architecture of Donlon Hall
Dining Options
Cornell eateries provide a variety of options at all hours, and the convenience of eating on campus can't be beat. Consider purchasing a full or partial dining plan. Restaurants and groceries are also available in the Collegetown neighborhood near campus and by bus.
Recreation and Activities
Exchange and visiting students are eligible to participate in a range of campus activities, including student groups, club sports, and community service. With 1,000 student clubs across the university, there is something for everyone. The Office of Global Learning offers special orientation for exchange and visiting students and additional programming throughout the year.
IT Services and Accessibility
Cornell provides an array of IT services, including collaboration software, network printing, and computer labs. Cornell is committed to providing an inclusive and successful educational experience for all students. If you need accommodations for disability, medical, or religious reasons, please reach out before you arrive at Cornell. The Student Disability Services Office is part of Cornell Health. To get the most out of your experience, you should also inform your home university’s exchange administrators about any academic or physical accommodations you expect to need while at Cornell.
Safety and Emergency Services
The Cornell Police provide 24/7 emergency services information for students on campus.
Exploring Cornell and Ithaca
Before you arrive, explore the beauty and traditions of campus with Cornell's video tour. After you arrive, use the campus map to navigate. Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY, a small city with big city amenities.
Global Cornell
Global Cornell connects Cornell with the world. The organization is led by Cornell's vice provost for international affairs and includes the Office of Global Learning, International Services, and the Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies.
Library Resources
Pick a favorite study spot and do your course projects at Cornell's famous A. D. White Library or one of more than 20 campus libraries. Cornell has the 16th largest library in North America!
Visiting Cornell
Visit Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, to see what makes the campus community so special. You can also explore Cornell virtually through recorded information sessions and live online information sessions hosted by Cornell representatives.
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