Sebastian Bartnik

Meet Sebastian

As an Urban and Regional Studies major in the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP), Sebastian wears many hats: VP of the Organization of Urban and Regional Studies, an AAP Ambassador, an Outdoor Odyssey Guide, part of Community Crew, and a member of Greek life. And within AAP's tight-knit community of creative thinkers, Sebastian has found unwavering support and invaluable connections — a home away from home where he can freely express himself.

What clubs/activities are you involved with on campus?

I am VP of the Organization of Urban and Regional Studies, an AAP Ambassador, an Outdoor Odyssey Guide, part of Community Crew, and part of Greek life.

Why is the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) a great fit for you?

AAP is a tight-knit community of creative thinkers. I am supported and have great connections with students, professors, and faculty. The college feels like home and is an amazing place to express yourself. Students also get hands-on experience in their respective fields.

What are your go-to campus resources? How did you discover them?

My go-to resources for academic advising, career services, or general support are within AAP. The college has tons of programming and exposure to faculty which allows you to build strong connections and feel comfortable walking into the office. I know there is also a university-wide network of support available should I ever need it.

How did you find your friends and community at Cornell?

Friends can be found everywhere. I had a great connection with my randomly assigned roommate, and a lot of people in my dorm. I found even more friends in my classes, my major, and the many clubs and organizations available for people of all interests and backgrounds.

When you were applying, why did you choose Cornell?

Cornell was one of the few schools that catered to my interest in urbanism and human interaction with the built environment. The URS program seemed like the perfect fit in both material and class size. While touring campus in the fall of my application year, I met students and faculty in the college who reassured me and made me feel I was right where I belonged. The campus itself is also beautiful and I fell in love with it right away.

Hometown

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Graduation Year

2027

College/School

  • College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

Majors

  • Urban and Regional Studies

One of my favorite places to take in the amazing views of Ithaca and campus is the fifth floor of the free-admission Johnson Art Museum. I would recommend the panoramic observation floor to any visitor or student, especially if it is your first visit to campus.

What inspires you?

Seeing everyone around me being so passionate about their studies and involvement on campus definitely motivates me. The atmosphere is also very helpful and collaborative, and not at all competitive as I feared it would be.

What is your favorite class so far and why?

My favorite class so far has been CRP 1103: Observing the City. This was a hands-on class within my City and Regional Planning department that focused on hands-on field research. We discussed everything related to urbanism, from transportation to housing, and had frequent site visits to downtown, Collegetown, and around campus. We also met with a number of local officials in what was a perfect introductory class to the Urban Studies major.

Tell us about an off-campus program you’ve participated in.

As a part of AAP I am beyond excited to study abroad in our Cornell in Rome program, available junior year to interested Architects, Artists, and Planners.

Tell us about your favorite place to study.

Once again, it is very difficult to pick a favorite when there are so many great options. I use a number of library spaces like the Cocktail Lounge and Asia Reading Room but also lounges within my college and dorm. I even enjoy studying in my room at times. Having many options is the best part, and I keep discovering new areas every day!

Tell us about your favorite spot on campus or in Ithaca.

One of my favorite places to take in the amazing views of Ithaca and campus is the fifth floor of the free-admission Johnson Art Museum. I would recommend the panoramic observation floor to any visitor or student, especially if it is your first visit to campus.

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

There is so much great food on campus it is hard to pick a favorite. A standout is the unique (and delicious) Orange Chicken Burrito, available Wednesdays and Fridays at Statler's Terrace restaurant. I also love dining at Trillium where there is a wide selection of customizable, made-to-order foods like pasta, ramen, quesadillas, or burgers.