The moment finally arrived. My parents and I hopped out of our fully packed car, following the workers escorting us into a modernistic, chic-looking building.

Barbara McClintock. These two words were displayed on the entrance.  

On August 20th, Cornell Move-In Day, we opened the doors for the first time to the year-long home for my twin sister and I, who, at that point, were filled with emotions of excitement, fear, and worry for our long-awaited “college dorm experience”.  

Ezra Cornell’s iconic phrase “I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study” sets the ambiance of a culturally enriched, picturesque campus that wholeheartedly embodies its mission of supplying students with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Since my time here, I have discovered countless things to love about Cornell and its vibrant community. Where every day feels like an adventure, full of opportunities and unforgettable moments, Cornell is an unparalleled place.

The field of Communication is incredibly vast, covering everything from practical marketing to in-depth social science research. As a new first-year student, this might seem overwhelming. Thankfully, at Cornell, I’ve had the chance to explore so many areas within this field and find my ideal fit in the Department of Communication. 

When I entered college, I was scared as heck. I constantly asked myself “How do I make new friends?” Entering college marks a significant transition in life, adulthood, and independence. You might find yourself with people from different regions or parts of the world you may not have heard of, and that’s okay! College is a melting point in life where you see and hear people with different backgrounds, cultures, and personalities. 

Cornell students have a requirement to complete two credits worth of Physical Education classes for graduation. With so many PE classes available as options, it can be difficult to narrow down what you should take. Here are my firsthand experiences taking PE classes.  

Have you watched too many movies and TV shows that have influenced your expectations of college and college life? Due to Hollywood’s exaggerated portrayal of college life, many students are overwhelmed when entering college. However, the college experience is often far different from all these myths and misconceptions floating around. 

Among many, here are some college myths debunked: 

Hello! I'm Giulia Calabrese, a sophomore at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. College can be stressful sometimes, but one of my favorite ways to decompress is to meet up with a friend at one of Cornell’s many on-campus cafes! 

When I committed to Cornell, I did so without ever setting foot on campus. However, upon arriving here, I quickly realized that Cornell was unlike any typical campus. Nestled on a hill and surrounded by nature and waterfalls, it offers a unique setting for exploration. During breaks and weekends, my urge to discover more of Ithaca and its surroundings only grew. In this guide, I will outline the various transportation options available to students for navigating both campus and the wider Ithaca area, enabling you to discover the beauty of this town.