2026-2027 Spring Opening Information
This information is for new and transfer students starting spring semester. Current Cornell students should refer to winter break information for details about returning to campus.
Housing assignments
Housing assignments will be sent to your Cornell email and will include your:
- Residence hall and room number
- Campus mailing address
- Roommate's name and email address
- Other important housing information
Students who submit their enrollment deposit by mid-December will generally receive housing information in mid-December. Students who deposit during winter break will receive assignments on a rolling basis. Contact the Admission Office with questions about your deposit.
If you have not already done so, complete the housing preference form sent to you by Residence Life. Open the form in Microsoft Word, enter your responses, and return it by email or fax. If you have difficulty with the form, contact Residence Life.
Move-In and Orientation
Residence hall move-in: Saturday, January 9, 1–4 p.m.
When you arrive, go to the Bardsley Grand Foyer on the top floor of the Thomas Commons, near the Information Desk, to pick up your room key. See the campus map for directions.
Spring Orientation begins after move-in. Visit the Spring Orientation website for details.
Early arrivals
Early arrival is limited to students whose presence is required for residence hall opening or New Student Orientation, such as resident assistants, peer advocates, and some Thomas Commons staff. These students should confirm their approved arrival date and time with their supervisor.
Spring student-athletes follow a separate arrival process and should contact their coach with questions.
For students required to arrive early by a College department, that department will cover housing and meal expenses.
Because housekeeping, facilities, and Residence Life staff are preparing the halls for opening, a limited number of other early arrival requests are granted. There is a daily cost for moving in outside of the dates of the housing agreement. Students request early arrival by contacting their appropriate Residence Life assistant director.
If an exception is approved:
- A daily early-arrival housing fee will be charged to the student's account.
- The student's meal plan will not yet be active.
- Students will need to pay for their own meals if campus dining is open.
Meal plan information
The first meal for new and transfer students participating in Spring Orientation is lunch on orientation day.
All new students must submit their meal plan preference. Review the meal plan selection information for options and instructions.
ID card photos
You will receive a Cornell identification (ID) card when you get to campus and you will be required to carry that at all times. You can choose to submit your ID card photo in advance to have it ready for your arrival. All photos received by Noon on Wednesday of orientation week will be printed and at the check-in table when you arrive. Refer to ID Photo Submission information for details.
Living with a roommate
Students new to sharing a living space may find our information on living with a roommate helpful in learning how to navigate that relationship.
Mailing your belongings to Cornell
Please refer to the information on mailing your belongings to campus.
Storage pods
Cornell College occasionally receives requests from students who want to use commercial storage pods as a means of moving their things in or out. The College can permit a limited number of storage pods to be stationed on campus. Requests will be honored in the order in which they are received. Refer to our information on storage pods for complete details.
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 to apply for a job (including a work-study opportunity), you must also bring an original birth certificate, social security card, or passport.
Residence Hall Linens
Please refer to our information on beds and linens so that you can ensure that you purchase appropriate linens
Student parking on campus
Students interested in bringing a car to campus should refer to Campus Safety's information on student vehicle and parking regulations and complete Campus Safety's student parking registration form.
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. There you will find the College's electronic "need a ride" board as well as information on commercial transportation opportunities.