FAQs
Where will I live at Cornell?
At Cornell, we think that students learn best when they’re fully immersed in both the educational experience and the life of the campus. That’s why Cornell students are required to live in campus housing all four years, with very few exceptions. For example, a designated percentage of seniors typically are offered the chance to live off campus through a lottery, and exceptions are made for married students.
Mount Vernon is a small town. What do Cornell students do for fun?
Student life activities abound on Cornell’s campus. A given day’s schedule might include a hip-hop concert, an international dinner, and several club meetings, for example. But students aren’t isolated here on campus. Mount Vernon has a number of hip shops, coffeehouses, and restaurants, and it’s a five-minute walk down the hill. More shopping and entertainment options are just a 20-minute drive away in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, the home of the University of Iowa.
Will I have time to work?
Yes and no. We encourage students to work 10-15 hours/week in an on-campus or local job. Working helps you establish friendships, mentors, a connection to campus and adds a bit of money to your wallet. It's often advantageous to work less than 15 hours because you're better at managing your time and focusing on your studies. However, more than 15 hours of work each week has proven detrimental to academic success, on-campus involvement, and friendships.
Can I bring a car to campus?
Yes. All students are able to bring a car and park on campus with a purchased parking permit. Whether you actually need a car depends on your plans to work, to participate in activities that may take you off-campus, and your proximity to home. Most students find that they can rely on friends for transportation when they need it. Everything in Mt. Vernon is within walking distance.
What percentage of students participate in Greek Life?
Approximately 25% of Cornellians participate in Greek Life. New students must complete at least four blocks of courses before joining a Greek group. We want you to establish success in the classroom, adjust to campus life, and become a Cornellian first, before choosing a Greek organization. Many students choose to join and establish life-long friendships, and many others find meaningful friendships without Greek membership.
What do people do on the weekends?
Because of our vibrant campus life and connections to Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, most Cornell students choose to stay around Mt. Vernon on the weekends. Whether participating in PAAC-sponsored events, athletic competitions, or preparing for an exam, students always find important and interesting things to do.
What do students do on “block breaks”?
After each academic term, Cornell students enjoy a four-and-a-half-day “block break.” Some students use the time to relax, catch up on sleep and laundry, or visit with friends. Other students immerse themselves into play rehearsals or athletic contests. Still others go camping or biking, “road trip” to Chicago for concerts, or head to Colorado for skiing.
If I join a sports team, will I have trouble balancing team activities with class studies?
Cornell student-athletes have one big advantage: all classes on campus operate on the same schedule, so team practice sessions will never be scheduled at the same time as class. And since you’ll be taking just one course at a time, you can give your sports team the attention it needs. In the past three years, Cornell students have been named to four Academic All-America teams and 19 Academic All-District teams.
