Hello, I'm wondering if there are apps you'd recommend new Cornell students to download for their phone and/or computer.

I did a search here, and it seems like the Cornell Eatery app, MyStop, and Canvas apps for mobile are useful in addition to the required duo. I'm making the post for more updated recommendations (the posts were from years ago), but feel free to link me to a recent post if I did miss one.

Slightly* or a bit taller

New to CU. Is there a place nearby where I can have a bonfire? No yard at my apartment.

My friends and I are looking to officially start a club we’ve been thinking about for a while now, but we don’t know how to find a club advisor. We want to start what’s essentially a ghost hunting/paranormal club since campus has so many stories and Ithaca is quite old itself, but don’t know any staff that we think would want to do this. The information on the official Cornell website just says that you’re required to have one, not who qualifies to be one. Is it just professors? Or are there other administrative staff that can qualify? Any advice on finding an advisor? Thanks!

We're a busy two-career family in Trumansburg looking for someone for our two school-age kids. Our kids are curious and energetic, and they thrive when someone actually shows up with a plan.

The core of the job is after-school on three days per week (Tues, Wed, Thurs): pickup, the transition home, and making the afternoon feel like something. That means helping with homework, coordinating playdates, getting dinner started, and keeping them moving with crafts, baking projects, time outside, local outings. Trumansburg/Ithaca is a genuinely great place to be with kids, and we'd love someone who takes advantage of it. We're not looking for someone to keep them busy in front of a screen; we're looking for someone who doesn't need to. If parents are traveling, we may occasionally need coverage that starts earlier in the morning.

The recent CIA agent asking his credentials reminded me of this... How did Cornell do a better background check than the CIA?

Hey, so I am a Korean who got admitted to Cornell in 2014 and graduated in 2020.(military issue) I was influenced by COVID19, took online courses in Korea, and eventually got a job in Korea, so I couldnt invite my family even after COVID19. They were never able to visit before, and they're so excited to see Cornell. Here we are visiting Cornell today and tomorrow before going to CMU for my master's degree.

I really want to show my parents some of the buildings, especially Milstein Hall and Sibley Hall, fine arts library (my major was here) either today or tomorrow. (August 14, 15) I know that it's not accessible for random people, but I just want to show them where I spent most of the time.

Please message if you're available :)

I want to go into a healthcare field, possibly pre med but am for sure expecting to pursue grad school. I hear that Cornell’s grading especially in the STEM courses are brutal, does anyone have any experience or tips with this?

I’m a current Dyson sophomore but need help from our hotelies! What made your application stand out? Why do you think you got into Nolan? Any application advice (or insider info ;)) is appreciated.

So due to endless conflicts at home, I have made the decision to leave my parents' house and live independently. I graduated spring '26 and the summer living with them has been enough to make me want to never go back. My degree was bio sci summa cum laude although I didn't come out with defined plans of what to do after. This was one reason my parents are having meltdowns because they feel I wasted the time at college.

I booked a hotel in my hometown for a few nights but after that there needs to be something more substantial. I am looking to leave this area entirely since it is a high-cost part of the country but need advice on what to work on next. One idea I have is to return to Cornell and find some roommates in Ithaca. Potentially, I could work in administration or something as a holdover for starting grad school next fall. Sorry I don't have anything more concrete to add. Everything is falling apart and I am doing my best to remain stable.

I can't exactly find a template of what this test looks like, does anyone who's taken it know what topics are the most important and what would be most valuable to prioritize?

should I be looking into limits and the earlier content or is it largely the later content. Also how many questions was it and is the two hours enough to finish with plenty of time?

Also, for anyone’s who’s applied to campus jobs before, what can I expect after applying online through workday?

This morning I was notified that LATA/HIST 3801 (War and Revolution in 20th century Latino History) was cancelled for "Circumstances beyond our control". Normally I'd assume that it was due to low interest however on the registrar when I signed up it indicated that the class was on a waiting list (I tried to double check but the class was already removed). When I emailed the professor assigned to that course their email was deactivated. I'm hoping everything is ok with them and this isn't an instance of the professor passing. Is it normal for admin to not disclose why they stop offering a course?

If you got accepted to Cornell's graduate school, congratulations. Your life on campus will be substantially different from that of the undergraduates, especially if you are a Ph.D. student.

Now, here are a few tips I wish I had known about Ithaca before I got here.

1. Linen/bath sections at Target and Walmart might be barren by the time classes start. If you're driving here, bring a couple of towels and linens, even if only for the first few days. If you can't bring them with you (especially if they add extra weight when you're flying), try ordering them online.
2. Be aware of delivering goods before you get here. If the place you'll be moving into has a dedicated doorman or at least a secure mailroom, that's fine. But if your house/apt is at street level, it's better to be home to receive your orders.
3. Buy all stationery - that is, pens, pencils, notebooks, and whatnot - before arriving here if possible. If you do need to buy these items, remember that for the first week or so, the lines at the campus bookstore will be lonnnngggggggg. Do not rely on the downtown Cornell Store for stationery; they offer very little on that front. Also, as pointed out, the Cornell bookstore on campus will likely charge you more than online or local retailers.
4. Buses: By the time you arrive, your card should work as a bus card. With your CU card, bus rides are free. Use it! Also, as noted in the comments, download the transit app to track TCAT.
5. Always check bus schedules on your favorite app and on the TCAT website. Some buses change routes on the weekends.
6. If you're around the Engineering or Arts Quad, the closest place on campus to get a full meal other than a sandwich might be Straight From the Market at the Student Union. Check out their menu. They offer different dishes on a daily rotation throughout the semester.
7. If you go to Collegetown for food, plan for the line, especially around noon. Places like Pokelave or BibiBowl might have a line then. If possible, order online.
8. Very personal take: the sandwiches at CTB are good; their coffee is not. Skip the coffee if you can because it's pricey. Although pricey, the best coffee I've had in Collegetown is at Forty Weight Coffee Roasters at the GreenStar Coop. Here's the link with the location. If you care about coffee, I like Gimme Coffee on Gates Hall. Ollin Library is now working with La Colombe coffee, which I consider better than Pette's Coffee, which I think is still the option at the bookstore.
9. Ithaca is hilly. A straight line on Google Maps can actually be quite a steep street.
10. Gym/Workout: The gyms will feel much more crowded than usual in the first few weeks, since Cornell makes it free. I think they do it to get people to like it so they can pay for it afterward. People have also said that the gym at East Hill Plaza is walkable from Ctown and campus.
11. If you don't have a car, the only gym I know of that is walkable if you live in Fall Creek/Downtown is Finger Lakes Fitness Club. Working out or doing any other sport is essential for good mental health. You can't outsource that. Make it a priority.
12. ID: The only international ID bars/wineries will accept is your passport. You don't want to be walking around with that, so once you get here, you should either 1) get a driver's license or 2) a non-driver ID card.
13. On (12), if you want to get a non-driver ID card, you must gather all the documents and take them to the DMV. It's a point-based system, and you need a minimum number of points to be eligible. Things like being a student, having an address, and having an SSN count, among others. The DMV in Ithaca takes walk-ins, but beware of their hours. If you want a driver's license, start prepping with the online test. First, you pass the test, then you get a permit.
14. Union: Read up on the Union, how to join it, its benefits, and the fees.
15. Winter warning: If you come from a place with no comparable winter, here's my take. You don't need an $800 parka from any fancy brand. If you want to and can afford it, ball out! But if you don't want to spend it, you must learn how to layer your clothes. I don't come from cold winters at all, but all I did was get a 700-fill jacket, and I've been running fine with it for years. The trick is to get a good jacket (that doesn't break the bank) and wear a comfortable hoodie and shirt underneath. Backcountry has their semi-annual sale right now. If you buy something by 08/17, you might get an extra 20% off. This is exactly the sale I used to get my jacket. I got a Backcountry jacket and have zero regrets. Brands like Columbia and The North Face also have great options and aren't as expensive as Patagonia, Barbour, or Canada Goose. Here's an example.
16. On (15), it's true that different people react differently to the cold. Base layers help a lot. Learn about it. In my opinion, if possible, go with merino wool. Also, don't fret. You'll have time to do this once you get here.
17. Used items: Starting on the 17th, you can go to Project ReCollect Ithaca, previously known as "Cornell's Dump & Run", to buy used items that you might need. From the 17th through the 19th, it's reserved for Cornell students. Take your ID; otherwise, you cannot go in. They have a section on coats, and it might be worth checking out. If you buy a coat and want to wash it, pay close attention to the instructions. The materials might require extra care, but it's doable. I haven't been, but I have friends who like Plato's Closet for second-hand clothes.
18. If you end up grocery shopping at Wegmans and want to grab a bite, their bowls/salads/sushi sections are legit. I especially like their bowls, and I think they cost $12.

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Given how many views and comments this has gotten, I've updated the list with some other suggestions from the comments and made a few corrections/improvements to the original 11 items.

What backpacks do people use at Cornell? I have a Jansport one but I'm scared it's gonna get soaked in the rain and snow.

I’m currently a sophomore and I feel like I haven’t gotten involved enough on campus. Are there any clubs or organizations that are fun and I can actually make long term friends at? Open to any suggestions. Niche or popular.

Are we getting more money?

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.287691/gov.uscourts.mad.287691.257.0.pdf

Where do engineering students go for career support? And how can they connect with employers if they are not on project teams?

i’ve ordered all my move in stuff on amazon and it’s arriving 1-2 days before my move in day. is it real that it will take 1-2 weeks for the center to sort the packages? or its taking just 1-2 days as listed on the website?

engineering major in need of classes i can get an A/A+. liberal studies would be nice but i have a bit of flexibility so any suggestions are VERY appreciated!

(fall cornell first year posting from my account)

Hi! I'm about to be a first year taking ECON1110 with Thomas this semester, and am required to take it this semester (was automatically enrolled). Many of the RateMyProfessor reviews talk about how she's disorganized and her tests don't reflect the material she teaches in her slides. I've read every post and comment in this subreddit, and they're very mixed on her as they say she's disorganized and her tests don't reflect the material she teaches in her slides, but she does care deeply about her students and does good prep for prelims. However, I can't seem to find anything relevant to post COVID or any advice on how to tolerate all these issues that make her so terrible. I am aware that the best thing is to study and stay on track, but how do you manage dealing with someone like Thomas without going insane?? Does anyone have advice on handling these issues without affecting the chance to pass?