Fall Opening Information
As you prepare for the start of the new academic year, you will find the following information useful (please note that this page will be updated to provide additional information as it becomes available).Housing assignment information (for incoming new and transfer students only)
If you are an incoming new or transfer student, you will receive your housing information (including building and room number, campus mailing address, roommate's name and e-mail address and other important information) mid-July. The specific date will be posted here once it is available. Also, if you have not already done so, you should complete your housing preference form. You can update your preferences as often as you would like (through early June, specific date to be posted here once it is available). If you are interested in a connect floor (community service, leadership or career exploration), please be sure to complete the connect floor application.
Dates and times for opening
For new and transfer students
The residence halls open at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 27. More details about opening day will be posted here around mid-July.
For returning students
The residence halls open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 31. Students should report directly to their assigned residence hall to obtain their room key.
Early arrival requests
The Residence Life office occasionally gets requests for students wanting to move in earlier than the dates listed above. Students deemed essential for opening of the residence halls and/or for New Student Orientation are permitted to check in on a date and time jointly established by the supervising department and Residence Life. Examples include resident assistant staff, peer advocate staff and Thomas Commons staff (including some individuals who work at the Information Desk or those coordinating the NSO Service Day). Students in these groups should confirm their arrival dates and times with their supervisors. In addition, fall athletes have a different move-in process; student athletes should consult with their coach if they have questions. In each of these cases, the supervising department will cover all housing and meal plan expenses for the student(s).Students not with a sponsoring department should expect that the above dates reflect the earliest that they can check into the residence halls. With very rare exception, staff members from housekeeping, facilities and residence life are preparing for the official opening days and are unable to accommodate early arrival requests from individuals not with a sponsoring department. If extenuating circumstances exist that the student believes would warrant an earlier move-in day, then the student should contact their appropriate assistant director. If an exception is made, the student would be charged a daily early arrival fee for housing expenses (all charges would be applied directly to the student's account); the student would not have an active meal plan and so would need to pay out of pocket to eat in the dining hall.
Meal plan information
The first meal served for all new and transfer students will be lunch on Tuesday, August 27. The first meal served for all returning students will be lunch on Saturday, August 31. As part of the transition to our new dining services provider, we need to collect meal plan preferences from all students. Please refer to the meal plan selection information for more details.
Mailing your belongings to Cornell
Please refer to the information on mailing your belongings to campus.
Suggested packing list
Please refer to the suggested packing list for a list of items that you might want to bring as well as a list of items that are prohibited. Also, if you plan on getting a job, you must also bring an original birth certificate, social security card or passport.
Residence Hall Linens
Please refer to our information beds and linens so that you can ensure that you purchase appropriate linens
Getting to and from the airport
If you will be traveling and don't have a car, you can refer to a list of transportation suggestions compiled by the Thomas Commons Information Desk. You will find the College's electronic need a ride board as well as information on commercial transportation opportunities.