Among traditional academic requirements, Cornellians have another requirement to graduate: completion of two physical education (PE) courses. With over 250 course options for PE classes, students often reflect fondly on the joy of their classes and cite them as great bonding experiences.
We asked our student ambassadors about the type of classes they chose and what their experiences were like. From shaping a new routine to established favorites, and covering a wide variety of topics, there are countless ways to incorporate PE courses into your schedule and lifestyle at Cornell!
Establishing a Healthy Routine
College is often the first time students are living away from home. PE classes offer a fun and effortless way to establish healthy habits and a new routine.
- The 8 am spin class! Fun way to start my day! — Sally M. ‘28
- Spin and Living Routines. Spin was at 8 am twice a week, and I did it with my freshman roommate. It was such a great way to get our days started and spend some quality time together. We really motivated each other! — Sophie A. ‘28
- I'm currently taking Living Routines, which is very relaxing and a good break from my academic classes. —Mackenzie L. ‘28
- Weightlifting Principles: It really helped me build a schedule and keep myself accountable following the class due to the gym time being embedded in my routine. It also allowed me to connect with those who had a similar weightlifting interest. — Jake Q. ‘29
- I selected vinyasa yoga, and I am saving my second PE for my later semesters. I enjoyed how it was somewhere to go away from the academic stress that can accumulate during a semester and be in tune with your body and mind. I still practice in my spare time this semester because it gave me some great moments of peace, and I enjoyed the calm and stillness I create with it. — Sofia S. ‘28
- For my first PE class, I took Mobility and Core Training. It was super fun learning different Pilates and meditation techniques and making new friends while doing it! I haven't taken my second class yet, but there are so many fun and unique options that I know I will love! —Raya S. ‘29
Student Favorites
Certain courses stand out in the best way. Whether it’s the camaraderie of bowling, the thrill of circus classes, or dance skills that provide a needed outlet for fun, physical education adds something special to the student experience.
- One of the classes I chose was bowling! It was fun learning the different techniques to get all the pins down. I'm excited to impress all my friends when we go bowling together!— Joanne L. ‘29
- Ballroom Dancing, taught by the esteemed Timothy and Peggy! My classmates and I learned waltz, foxtrot, tango, rumba, and cha-cha. It was a fantastic experience :) — Annelise D.G. ‘29
- I chose Introduction to Ballroom and Salsa. I enjoyed meeting new people and talking to my partners, who switched week to week.— Samantha S. ‘29
- Currently, I am taking Salsa as my first PE credit! I enjoy Salsa because the dance instructor brings the energy, teaches the movements step by step for all, and encourages us to socialize and step out of our comfort zones. Salsa has helped me meet new people and build new connections, which has been super fun. I am looking forward to potentially taking intro to figure skating. —Tati R. ‘27
- So far, I have only taken one class for my PE requirement. Last semester, I took PE 1300: Introduction to Bowling. It was a fun PE and a great way to meet new people during my first semester at Cornell. I am still friends with the girls from my bowling lane!— Sarina M. ‘29
- I took Salsa and Indoor Cycling my freshman year. I had never taken a dance class before, so Salsa was such a fun way to de-stress every week, and we always got paired with different classmates, so I got to interact with people of different graduating years as a first-year student. —Bintou D. ‘26
Variety and Options
One helpful aspect of this requirement is that the two courses students select can be related, but may also be entirely different. Students enjoy the variety of courses offered, which allows them to try new things and learn in different ways.
- PE 1445: Outdoor Beginning Tennis - I enjoyed that I got to refresh my tennis skills! You can also easily meet tennis partners. PE 1663: Ropes Course Programming - I enjoyed that it was a unique experience because when would I ever go to the woods and do fun challenges? —Sunoo K. ‘26
- Swim conditioning and bowling. I really enjoyed swim conditioning because it helped me keep up with my routine of swimming that I’ve had since I was little, and it was great for my mental health. Bowling was also fun because it allowed me to meet new people in a comfortable environment that was conducive to conversation. —Emilie S. 26
- I took Belly dancing and meditation & relaxation. Both were very fun and gave me a break from the demanding coursework of regular classes! —Eskyla C. ‘28
- I've only taken one PE class so far, but I did Aerial Silks! When I heard that Cornell offers circus classes, I immediately knew I had to try it out, and it was so much fun! Every week we would drive to Circus Culture in Ithaca and spend our time learning about different tricks and skills we could do in the air, and it ended up being a class that never failed to make me laugh. —Adison D. ‘30
- Intro to basketball and bowling. I enjoyed Intro to Basketball because it allowed me to be active playing a sport I love, but there weren't high expectations for me to be perfect, and it was a very low time commitment. —Nina W. ‘26
- Bowling (Cornell classic, fun with friends), Trapeze yoga (very different but fun!) — Maeve B. ‘29
- Bowling and Introduction to Weight Training. Bowling was a fun way to meet friends, and weight training was helpful for my personal fitness journey! — Katie W. ‘27
- I took Ballroom Dancing and Bowling for my two PE classes. I love the PE requirement because it was a chance to unwind during the week! The people made both classes I took. For bowling, cheering each other on and talking during the games are some of my fondest memories. And for ballroom dancing, learning from others and bonding over struggling with the steps was a great way for me to meet others and have fun. — Emily F. ‘27
- One class I selected was pool paddling, in which we paddled in kayaks within an indoor pool. —Ethan O. ‘27
- Intro to Juggling and Intro to Ice Hockey. Learning to juggle has been on my bucket list, and I thought it was a fun and relaxing class. I'm taking Ice Hockey right now, and I love it because I've been wanting to learn, and it's cool to wear real hockey gear and skate in the winter. —Kimberly Z. ‘30
- I chose rock climbing classes for both my PE requirements since I came in with a lot of rock climbing experience. They were both very low pressure, but I learned a lot and had a ton of fun! —Ava G. ‘29
- I selected Fencing and Beginning Ballroom Dance Smooth because each has its own unique charm. They were enjoyable PE classes that I feel I would only have the opportunity to try during college. — Fathia O.’27
Alternatives for Meeting the Requirement
Students can meet the PE requirement by participating in courses offered by the Department of Athletics and Physical Education, by being a registered participant on a varsity athletic team, or performing in the marching band; accommodations are also available. Students involved in Cornell Athletics and other activities on campus contribute to school spirit, and the overall undergraduate experience.
- I am on the women's varsity rowing team, which exempts me from the requirement. I've been involved in rowing for a long time, and am glad to continue this interest! — Charlotte H. ‘29
- I am on the cheer team, so I haven't had to take PE classes, but I love being on the cheer team because I love being involved on campus and in Cornell Athletics. I love working as a team on something we all care about. It's nice that we get to show off our hard work to Cornell fans. — Hannah R. ‘28
