Cornell is a special place to be, in a city immersed in nature, and as a school filled with unique culture and traditions. As a junior, I’ve been fortunate to experience Cornell for a few years now and want to share four aspects of Cornell that you definitely won’t find anywhere else – one for each season you’re on campus!

Sunsets on the slope

When you first arrive on campus in August, you’ll quickly find that the best view of the beautiful sunsets in Ithaca is on Libe Slope, overlooking West Campus and the city of Ithaca. Sunsets on the slope are a campus tradition, with many people bringing food for picnics, playing music, lounging on hammocks, or just catching up with friends in the evening. Some of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen have been on the slope, so I would recommend you enjoy the sunset every night you can.

Beebe Lake

As a freshman, you’ll live on North Campus, which is conveniently located right next to Beebe Lake, a scenic piece of nature that you should definitely take advantage of. In the fall, Beebe Lake is bursting with color, the bright fall foliage peeking from each and every tree. When you have just 15-30 minutes to spare, seize the opportunity to take a beautiful walk through the Beebe Lake trail, getting a much-needed breath of fresh air and a break from your academic and extracurricular commitments.

Johnson Art Museum

You might be worried about what activities are possible during the sometimes long, cold winters in Ithaca. Besides enjoying outdoor activities in the snow (which is a great option), you can also explore the Johnson Art Museum, located right on campus near the architecture buildings and the Arts Quad. With multiple floors, unique and diverse art and sculptures, and a gorgeous rooftop with glittering ceilings, overlooking Central Campus.  

Botanical garden

In the spring, when all the cherry blossoms are blooming on campus, I recommend taking a brief walk in the sunshine to the Botanical Garden, located near the Dairy Bar and agriculture/veterinary buildings. You might be surprised at how many plants, herbs, and flowers we grow on our campus, and you’ll definitely learn something new! It’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunny, warm day in the beginning of spring.