Cornell College
Reviews

There Are Computers EVERYWHERE

Really, there are, but there are still lines for them. There are computer labs in College Hall, Law Hall, and the Library that are free to use whenever said buildings are open, and there are computer terminals in the Commons as well as the upper floors of the library. Wired can get a bit sluggish, but wireless is generally atrocious, especially at high-access times such as right after class and over finals week. The only cap the computers have is for torrenting, but otherwise there's no limits on what you can do online. Hooking up is fairly easy, and one can set up a router in the room if you have the know-how. If you have a Windows/Mac, you have to install additional software to be able to connect up, and have updated anti-virus that the school recognizes (which doesn't leave you with a lot of options). Students are all given accounts that allow you to upload information to the server and build your own website; everyone also has a Google account, and everything that entails. Access gets flaky sometimes, but there is a backup connection just in case the internet is knocked out by some impending storm, and that is generally serviceable.

It's Not Your Bedroom Back Home

As an only child with divorced parents, I was quite spoiled when it comes to living arrangements, thus I was highly dreading suddenly having to share a room with someone I had never met in a room smaller than the one I was currently in. I was presently surprised to find Cornell's dorm rooms to be larger than any I had seen while going on my visitations. The furniture is modular in all but PR (who's beds are permanently bunked into the wall) which leads to lofting or bunking to be the most common set up, leaving plenty of floor space to throw down a bean bag or throw a spontaneous slumber party. The rooms only seem to get nicer as you ascend the academic ladder. Olin is proclaimed the worst upper-class dorm, this is not really the case. The rooms are some of the largest on campus, to the point that I am currently living in a triple there in a room that is normally designated as a double, we have enough room that we could fill an air mattress on our floor and still walk to the door our desks and our beds with out any hindrance.

As for the Beds them selves, they tend to be a little hard, but a foam or down mattress top can fix that easily. The desks are large enough that I can have my desktop set up on it while duel monitoring, and using my tablet and still have space to put a drink with out fear of knocking it over. Closets in all dorms are large, and can easily fit a cello, boxes and laundry basket no problem. Showers differ from building to building, but over all water pressure is good, and temperature is constant and easy to control. Some of the restrooms are coed but in those situations each shower has a lock and small changing area.

What Happens in Hilltop Stays at Hilltop

Social life is great. There are always something to do on campus. The diversity is awesome, people are from all around the world get together at Cornell. There are tons of clubs, organizations etc. that people can take part in. Generally, I love Cornell.

Off-Campus Housing Is Available With Reasonable Cost

You can rent an apartment off campus for a reasonable cost, around $300/month if you share with other people. They are very close to the school, which is in walking distance.

Lincoln Cafe Is the Best!!

Mostly the prices in every restaurant around campus are reasonable and suitable for students. The atmosphere is very open and outgoing. You can meet lots of people in those places, they are like social gatherings somehow too.

Guys and Girls Are Generally Cool

There are so many types of guys and girls in Cornell. You can find all kinds of people here. There are very cute guys and girls. There are smart guys and girls. There are geeks, football players etc.

Great Academics at Cornell College

One course at a time is a great opportunity for students to discover and try new things at different period of time. I love Cornell for the professors too. They are so very nice and helpful, willing to help you with whatever you need. The workload is quite intense, we have mid-term and final all year round which is kinda funny to think about. Most popular majors are Psychology, Economics and Biology.

Local Atmosphere Is Warm and Friendly.

Downtown is so close to Cornell. It's a very small town with Coffee shop, grocery stores, jewelery store with so many interesting stuff. The movie theater nearby is very cheap, and the theater owner is hilarious. Overall, the residents around are very friendly and helpful.

What Happens in Hilltop Stays at Hilltop

I really like Cornell. Cornell really does care about its students. All the activities every weekend are so much fun. There are always something to do here at Cornell. Community services and volunteer activities are very meaningful, which are always held at school. Academics are very good, all the professors are very committed and very nice. The students are out going and helpful. I like Cornell in general

Cornell Has a Great Diversity With Students from Different Countries

As an international student, I'm so grateful to be in Cornell. Eyes of the World is the biggest organization including lots of international students and even American students. We have lots of fun doing so many activities together. Culture show, International Dinner, Cook out etc. Through all these, we exchange and learn from each others' culture.

Sports and the Community

Sports at Cornell College are pretty good. The college just recently renovated the athletic facilities. The community is very involved in the sports that Cornell plays. Cornell does not offer many diverse sports but the sports that they do offer are enough.

Computer Access at Cornell College

The computer labs on campus are never really crowded. Cornell College has a 24 hour computer lab and all the other computer labs close around 12. Printing on campus is included in your tuition so a personal printer is a waste of money. You get internet access mostly anywhere on campus whether it is wireless or not. Students do not really need a personal computer but most students have them. Campus also provides IT help if you have problems with your computer or the campuses.

Psychology and Education Major

Cornell College is known as a rigorous college, and the courses follow suit. We work on a block schedule, taking one course at a time for a month. We complete the same amount of course credits as any other college or university, just in a different amount of time. Professors are doctors in their field and act as such. Expectations are high for students and, with classes capped at 25, participation is required.

Rising Academics

I consider Cornell a great place to get an education. I feel that the quality of what I learning is equal to schools which cost twice as much.

Clique Groups Ruin Community

I used to be a part of Greek Group but quickly realized it was not for me. I believe they hinder rather than help the community at Cornell College. They do throw fun parties but this is greatly out weighed by the negative rivalries between groups and pretension exhibited by groups.

Downtown Mt. Vernon

In Mount Vernon, there is a delicious restaurant called the Lincoln Cafe. I have been many times and believe it superior to most other restaurants I have visited, though expensive as well. There is a large variety of other food establishments, especially for the size of our town (4000 including students).

Winters Can Be Rought, but It's Nice Overall

Midwest winters bring lots of snow, sometimes in heavy falls. The school does its best to keep sidewalks clear but they often get icy. Since we live on a hill, the wind can also get pretty nasty in winter. During the other seasons, though, it's gorgeous. People spend a lot more time outside, just hanging out or walking around.

Food on Campus Is Not Great

Dining hall food is of low quality, though they do have some good dishes. They always have a pasta bar, salad bar, and cereal, which means that there is always something edible. The best food choices tend to be the vegetarian dishes, whether you are vegetarian or not. The Rathskeller is much better food, though it can get expensive. There's a grocery store nearby so it's easy to get food to make for yourself. Pizza delivery is also an option, though only 2 places and the school itself deliver here.

You Have to Tell the Truth When Telling Your Financial Circumstance

I didn't have a lot of troubles in financial aid process. I just told the truth how much money my family could contribute to the school, and Cornell based on that to give me financial aid. I'll just say that you have to tell the exact truth how much money you can give to school, don't make it too little because then the school might not find it possible to allow you at school. Don't exaggerate it neither because your family might get into trouble for not being able to afford it.

Dont Sweat the Small Stuff

Our campus is too concerned about student parking and giving out tickets! They also focus more on noise complaints than actual underage drinking.

Its Who You Hang Out With

Drinking only occurs depending on the group you are socializing with. In other words, some group of friend drink more than others. There is no pressure to drink or not drink by anyone. It is strictly a personal choice. Smoking is more apparent than any drug. Small occurrences of marijuana. There are distinct groups that that as well.

Downtown in Mount Vernon

I really like the Pizza Palace. Its pizza and chicken wings are good and the price is reasonable.

Available If You Want It

There are a lot of students that choose not to make partying the central focus of their lives, or even choose not to drink at all. However, for those that are interested there are multiple options. There are three bars downtown within walking distance (18-and-over) and many bars in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City (some 19-and-over, some 21-and-over). Some people attend parties at the University of Iowa and Social Groups host a lot of parties, many of them off campus. Many people also host smaller parties in their rooms.

I Love Living on Campus, It Makes It So Easy to Access Everything

I love living on campus. It is very easy to access things, and to see friends and classmates. The underclassmen housing could really use a makeover, especially Olin and PR. I do not love Residence Life and have had continual conflict with them. I also have seen them implement and abuses a lot of very ignorant and poorly-thought out policies.

Special College Experience

I have had a very fulfilling college experience. I have been a student athlete, worked on the yearbook staff, worked as an athletic trainer. I have made some lifelong friends as well. I really enjoyed the One Course At A Time. This is unique to Cornell in that you only take one class at a time for 3 and 1/2 weeks and then you get a 4 day weekend!!! This is nice for student athletes in scheduling harder classes outside of the season and the best part is being able to travel or viit home during the block breaks!