Oliver Saul

Meet Oliver

An Urban and Regional Studies major in the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, Oliver loves that he’s found so many people in their program that share their passions. Their favorite class, Observing the City, served as an introduction to Ithaca and Oliver hopes to one day move home to Sacramento and share what he’s learned in order to improve the lives of their fellow citizens.

What clubs/activities are you involved with on campus?

I am part of the Organization for Urban and Regional Studies and the AAP Ambassadors.

What is one piece of advice or something you wish you knew when you were applying?   

My one piece of advice is: It’ll be okay! Everyone is scared to leave home for the first time and you’re not alone. You’ll find friends and they can make your first few months so much easier. You’ve got this.

How did you find your friends and community at Cornell?    

Most of my friends I found through my major, which is tight-knit and feels like a real community of like-minded people. Ever since our first classes and club meetings, I’ve only gotten closer to them; it feels nice to know so many people share my same passions.

Where is your go-to place to eat on-campus and your favorite thing to order?

Franny’s Food Truck is my favorite place to eat on campus! If you ask me, this is one of the best Big Red Buck spending spots on campus. Try their Chicken Tikka!

Tell us about your favorite thing to do in Ithaca.

I think a lot of people go their whole time without fully taking advantage of the natural beauty that surrounds the area. My favorite thing to do in the warmer months is to make use of the local hiking trails and see some of the many natural waterfalls.    

Hometown

Sacramento, California

Graduation Year

2026

College/School

  • College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

Majors

  • Urban and Regional Studies

I’ve always dreamed of moving back to my hometown and working there to help make Sacramento a better place to live for the everyday person.

What is your favorite class so far and why?

CRP 1103 Observing the City has been my favorite class so far. This class was such an amazing introduction to living in Ithaca and seeing it through the lens of a prospective planner. We spent most classes outside and off campus, exploring and collecting data about anywhere from the commons, Collegetown, and even a guided tour of the Ithaca Water Treatment Plant (it was a lot more interesting than it sounds!). 

What are your plans after graduation?    

I’m not all too sure about my plans for after graduation, but I have lots of ideas. I’ve always dreamed of moving back to my hometown and working there to help make Sacramento a better place to live for the everyday person. Working in the sustainability sector would be ideal, perhaps designing and mapping out plans for alternative transportation or energy use.

What inspires you?    

My friends, peers, and family inspire me — they all make me a better person in some way.

Tell us about your favorite place to study.

If I'm not in the URS study lounge, you’ll often find me in Mann Library. As someone who gets a bit claustrophobic in the stacks, Mann’s open floor with bean bag chairs and other comfy seating is a great alternative.