Cornell University
Reviews

Very Safe

I have never felt unsafe on any part of Cornell's campus.

Many Options and Pretty Good Food

Cornell has 10 all-you-care-to-eat dining halls, and many other eateries scattered around campus. I personally like the food better at school than I do at home, because there's almost always something I'd love to eat... so beware of the Freshman 15 (never thought it could ever happen to someone who was as skinny as i was... it certainly did though!) There are also many different meal plans to choose from, the only problem is that when you live on West Campus, you are required to have an unlimited meal plan (which I don't care for since I don't need to eat that much and I also work at a job 4 times a week that feeds me).

It's Ok

If you are a girl wanting to get into parties for free drinks, then you will have it your way. There are parties every weekend (and every day if you want), and you can get a fair share of alcohol at parties. Many people have alcohol in their rooms, and most people pre-game in the rooms (wherever really...it just can't be too blatantly public) and get away with it. Peer pressure, not much. I know some people who choose not to drink and find their own ways of having fun on weekends in some other ways than getting drunk and going to parties.

Lots of Seminars and Opportunites

I'm a biology major in CALS. The workload isn't too bad but the introductory courses can be very stressful. Overall though, there are a lot of resources to help like tutoring, info sessions, seminars and even 1 credit course supplement classes that you can enroll in. Plus its a field that produces a lot of job/internship opportunities pre/post grad.

It's There, but You Don't Have to Be Involved

Drugs and alcohol certainly have a presence on campus. Much of the night life at Cornell involves alcohol, but there are many other things to do--go to an Indian flute concert, attend a folk dance class, the possibilities are endless!

Greek Rules

Nearly all the parties take place at frats - although now they are starting to move to collegetown houses because new restrictions have destroyed frat parties. Greek has turned in on itself - mixing and partying only with its members and not really providing opportunities to meet new people. There are a few bars that are always options but some are cruddy. Walking is always a requirement for anything unless you have a bus pass

Psychology 1101

This is a great class if you're interested in Psychology. Our professor is absolutely awesome and is quite famous! He know's what he's talking about and it's nice that he engages with the class. The TA's are also there for help whenever you need it!

Best Decision Ever

I am having a very positive experience my first semester at Cornell. The weather has been unusually warm an the campus is beautiful with the changing leaves. I have made some really close friends, and have had some really fun times going out on the weekends. There is a big learning curve for freshmen, I didn't realize how much I needed to study in order to get good grades. I would give it an A+, but the university has been strict about parties after the hazing tragedy in which a student died last year. I know many people that have gotten written up, and some parties scan ID's and don't let freshmen in. It can also be difficult to find a party first semester, as there are many closed mixers for the Greeks, and you don't rush until second semester here. A lot of times you have to know someone in the house to get into a frat. Another negative aspect of my experience here was suffering through a very difficult intro bio course. Professors expect a lot out of their students, which is a good thing, but with the freshmen learning curve it can be difficult to reach their standards. I feel like I have complained a lot, but don't get me wrong--I would never change my decision to come here. I have met so many interesting and extremely intelligent people from all over the world. Everyone complains about the weather, but it's a nice change from the constant sun of Los Angeles. I love all of the little cafes and libraries on campus. The dorms are pretty nice too. Even though the new dorms are the nicest, the older ones are tolerable, and some have bigger rooms than the new dorms. The food is a little overrated, but there are a lot of options and you will find something that you like to eat.

Large and Cold

The university is fairly large. I think the campus may be the biggest in the u.s.a. Also, it is fairly cold in winter and the campus will be covered with snow for half a year.

World Class Education

Cornell is certainly known for its strong academics, and, as many have said, this is a school where many of the professors are some of the top figures in their fields. For example, one of my biology professors was doing research on a developmental mechanism that we were studying in class, and he would keep us updated on his group's findings as we went along. Many of them conduct important research while still keeping a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching. Most faculty that I have dealt with so far have also been very accessible for extra help during office hours and study sessions.

Cornell

I wouldn't change my experience at Cornell at all. Sure, at times it can be very stressful, but overall I really love it here!

Crazy Good and Diverse

There's a plethora of things to get involved in; they literally have everything from outdoor rock climbing to scuba diving, shiatsu massage to gymnastics. Facilities are excellent, and school spirit is through the roof!

Study Hard but Party Even Harder

Students are Cornell are very serious about their studies, and often quite competitive; however, we also know when and how to let loose. Our greek life is extensive and bars and clubs are quite active at night.

Professors Teaching Style

I really enjoy this school and it's academic curriculum because I feel that the professors really know what they are doing. Cornell have outstanding professors that are very knowledgeable and often the best in their field of studies and when it comes to passing that knowledge off to their students, they become very passionate. This makes me want to work hard in their classes and learn much more than I had intended.

It Really Depends

Recent events have resulted in sweeping changes and, most likely, stricter enforcement of penalties to discourage underage drinking. However, it really depends on a lot of factors. There is something of a three strikes policy in effect. Your first offense will often just get you JA'd with a warning and some online alcohol course. second offense gets a call home and more severe punishment. third offense may result in the University asking you to take a semester off. This almost NEVER happens. You'd literally have to take shots in class, or something equally ridiculous. They've also got a great medical amnesty program, sort of a "get out of JA free card" that allows you to get help (or call for someone else) without fear of penalty. For the most part, people don't get caught unless they are really stupid about their drinking and drugs (i.e. loud and obvious) or do it in the dorms. Even so, I know people that smoked in their dorm rooms and have gotten in no trouble and others who've gotten JA'd because an empty can was spotted after a noise complaint. RA strictness really runs the gamut so there is no definitive standard. CUPD are the worst. Avoid them. Very strict about 'open container' violations whether it's alcohol or Gatorade they tend to be skeptics and hyper aware so again, you just have to be careful. It is by no means a prison, but there are some rules.

Professors Care

I came to Cornell University oblivious as to the concern a teacher can have over his/her students. In high school, students were praised just for passing classes. Cornell professors have shown me the importance of learning for oneself rather than just for the grade.

Parking at Cornell

you will get a ticket. you will get lots of tickets.

CU Is All About Diversity

Cornell owns up to its reputation of being very diverse. I have met many friends from different parts of the country and the world. Naturally this exposes students to a variety of wardrobes and customs, as well as good and bad kids. The parties are wild, but if a student prefers to stay home that weekend, there's a group of kids to hang out for that too.

Cooperative Housing

The existence of cooperative houses is one of the best parts of Cornell. Each house has a different atmosphere, and each is very welcoming. You get tons of delicious, home-cooked meals, learn how to cook for a large number of people, gain skills in cleaning, gain leadership skills, and there are always others there if you need help or support.

Amazing Options, Amazing Food

Cornell food is amazing. There are just so many options everywhere!

Athletics at Cornell University

Our hockey team is pretty good ,and the games are really fun to watch. We have a great Ultimate Frisbee team. I wish our football team was a little better.

Deal

Yea it's cold in the winter, you're not the first person from LA who complains that it's not 70 in December. The tradeoff: snow-days, we had two this year, and let me tell you it's the best thing you'll ever read in an email at 8am when you wake up. The bad part about it is the failure of the university to do even a mediocre job of clearing paths, even on steep hills. Snow gets walked on, gets packed, becomes ice, snow melts, ice remains, and it's sometimes expected of you to take the most circuitous route imaginable if you want to stick to cleared paths. If I ran the school, I'm sure I'd be aware of the thousands of near broke college students who would probably shovel walkways four hours a week for minimum wage.

Full Spectrum

I've seen girls range across the entire spectrum, although strongly favoring the better part of that distribution. Most girls are classy, well-dressed, nice, and smart enough to be interesting to talk to. Not much to say on guys, ranging from frat stars to geek, and everything in between, but nearly everyone is outgoing and easy to meet.

Pretty Good Selection

There are attractive guys everywhere you look. And the cool thing about going to an Ivy League is that almost everyone is smart, ambitious and will most likely be successful in life. There are quite a few nerdy boys, but you will also find well-dressed athletes. There is pretty much every type of person here.

Wifi and Interenet Unbelievably Fast

There are tons of computer labs with quality computers all across campus in the over 20 libraries, the community centers, houses, and then some more, so if you want, you can find a computer. Plenty of people go without personal printers, and if need be, you could go without a computer. Whats really impressive though is how fast the internet is, I have to come across any faster connections, and WiFi is just about everywhere.