I’m Bryan Vicente, a senior studying Industrial and Labor Relations from Larkspur, CA. Being born and raised in California, living in Ithaca has been a unique experience. While the most noticeable differences include the trees changing colors in the fall, football starting at 1 pm instead of 10 am, or the fact that I can’t wear shorts in the winter, I’ve learned that Ithaca has much more to offer than just our wonderful University. From hiking along Buttermilk Falls to eating dinner downtown, I’ve made the most of my time in Ithaca.

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: 

As they prepared for Commencement, some of the College of Human Ecology graduating seniors took a moment to share their favorite memories and what they’ll be doing next.

Tours are an excellent way to get to know your future college campus and get a first-hand account of the student experience. It’s the perfect opportunity to ask any questions about the school, student life, and the surrounding area. If you’re stuck on what to ask, read below for some of the best questions I receive as a campus tour guide!  

What is your favorite… 

…place to study? …dining hall? …class? …Cornell tradition? …thing to do for fun? 

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! 

Hi, my name is Bentley Wong. I am a junior at the ILR school from Queens, New York City. One of the highlights of my time at ILR thus far has been the opportunity to study abroad in Dublin, Ireland. Through the unique partnership between the University College of Dublin and the ILR School, I was able to enrich my understanding of labor relations issues, particularly within the European Union context, while fostering new friendships both abroad and within the ILR School.  

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.

When I tell people that I’m majoring in Classics in the College of Arts & Sciences, the most common follow-up question is what my favorite classic book is – i.e., English literature. While this is a lovely question, the idea that I’m studying English is a common misconception.

My name is Emely Rodriguez. I am a first-year student from Long Island, New York. When I was offered admission to the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, I was overjoyed and extremely eager to commit to a program that so closely aligned with both my personal and professional goals. Nonetheless, I was equally anxious at the thought of attending such an esteemed institution as a first-generation college student. Naturally, I was worried that my limited prior knowledge and connections would hinder my success as a student.

As I was applying to college, I was mortified about locking into a “major.”  The blank space I was pondering over in my Cornell application was intimidating – after all, what I choose is going to define my future, right? Am I defining the rest of my life, through this one choice? How could I make such a weighty decision with a click of a button?