Cornell University Reviews

It snowed two days ago. Today is...

It snowed two days ago. Today is April 10th. However, I still love Cornell.

Computer labs are good. Honestly,...

Computer labs are good. Honestly, there's no need to carry around your own laptop, and I wouldn't since it can become extremely distracting during class time.

I don't go to parties much. That...

I don't go to parties much. That being said, I've heard the social life thrives, even in the dead of winter when it's frigid outside. Being a non-partier, I can attest to the plethora of activities that exist and don't involve drinking When it comes to socialization, there is something for everyone at Cornell.

I frequently have to wait in line...

I frequently have to wait in line for a computer at the library if I didn't bring a laptop. Library search stations are generally available, but not all computing facilities are full productivity. RedRover is fast, and Wi-Fi computing on the slope is pretty sweet.

Public transportation is good...

Public transportation is good enough. We have buses that go to the mall and around campus that run at convenient times.

The nightlife in Collegetown is...

The nightlife in Collegetown is 21-and-up, unless you have a fake ID. We have a huge Greek culture here, and at least one fraternity usually has a party every Thursday through Saturday night. These parties can be kind of sexist, but they are free and an interesting place to meet people.

I have to say that the campus...

I have to say that the campus police are fairly lax about drinking, considering the large amount of underage drinking that goes on, but less so about drugs. If you are going to do either, don't do it in the dorms, you'll most likely get caught.

The T-Cat bus system is a very...

The T-Cat bus system is a very convenient way of getting around the Ithaca area. First-year and transfer students get free fare, and all other students ride free on weeknights and during the weekend.

Really, I can't complain about...

Really, I can't complain about campus food. The dining halls are mostly good and offer a decent variety. At least, there are enough dining halls that you can avoid stuff you don't like. As for cash-and-carry places, most are alright. They can be a bit expensive—except the Dairy Bar, the cheapest coffee on campus—but the food is alright. Trillium's tomato cheese soup is amazing, and the Dairy Bar is awesome for breakfast!

The libraries are awesome, but...

The libraries are awesome, but there are so many that it's difficult to pick one to study in. The gyms are also great but always crowded and way too expensive. We shouldn't have to pay for them with what we pay in tuition. The food is also amazing at the dining halls, but once again, it's way to expensive.

The dining halls on North Campus...

The dining halls on North Campus offer a huge variety, and the ones on West Campus less so. The meal plans are very expensive, though. There's a lot of really good, cheap food in Collegetown and Ithaca Commons, like Taste of Thai.

The bad dorms on West Campus...

The bad dorms on West Campus (upperclassmen) have recently been demolished and new dorms have been built. These new dorms are modeled after residential colleges, and each has its own dining hall, faculty in residence, and activities. While some complain the new buildings look like "student factories," rooms in these buildings are now some of the best on campus.

We probably the best sports in the...

We probably the best sports in the Ivy League. Hockey, track, lacrosse, wrestling, basketball, and other sports are perennially at the top of the Ivy League and nationally ranked.

There are plenty of good-looking...

There are plenty of good-looking girls on campus. The last few years has seen a dramatic increase in the number of good-looking girls with every incoming class, plus they are smart and usually outgoing.

There are a lot of guys on campus...

There are a lot of guys on campus who think they’re hotter than they really are, but there are still plenty to choose from.

Parties around campus are...

Parties around campus are typically situated in fraternity houses. They’re filled with underage students who pack themselves in elbow-to-elbow, swaying to hip-hop beats in a hazy stupor until the overwhelming smell of spilled beer becomes too much to handle. House parties off campus are a lot more exciting and personal, affording the chance for new introductions and bonding. Party hoppers usually cram into the bars around midnight for last call at the Palms, a hot spot if you’re 21. Maxie’s and Stella’s have intimate atmospheres and great cocktails. Stella’s also presents regular DJs during weeknights for cocktail hours.

Greek life is probably exactly...

Greek life is probably exactly what you would expect it to be—the stereotypes are mostly true. It does tend to dominate the social scene because fraternities and sororities are basically social clubs—that’s their purpose. So while it does dominate social life, it does not dominate the student population. Basically, Greek life is here if you’re interested in it. If you aren’t, then it’s very easy to disregard it. There is definitely still a social scene that is not associated with Greek life. The bars and clubs are their own thing. There are also a great number of house parties every weekend that friends will throw. Personally, I was not involved with Greek life here. I do not regret my decision, but Greek life definitely has its benefits. It can be a good social outlet if you want that kind of structure. It can also come in handy for connections.

About one-third of students are...

About one-third of students are Greek, but each of the houses has its own niche. I didn’t go Greek, but I have had no problems going to their events or being friends with those who are in the system.

The dorms for the freshmen are...

The dorms for the freshmen are very nice. Mews and Court are the newest and have air conditioning throughout. After freshman year, most students tend to live off campus.

Cornell offers a very diverse...

Cornell offers a very diverse student body with a club for each. It’s impossible for one not to find a club or group that he or she doesn’t fit in.

The campus is very diverse....

The campus is very diverse. International students are numerous, and it’s hard not to encounter students with unique backgrounds or clashing interests in your classes. In my experience, the exposure builds tolerance and develops new insights.

You’ll find someone if you look...

You’ll find someone if you look extremely hard—harder than you’ve ever looked before, anywhere!

There are good-looking guys and...

There are good-looking guys and average women who think they’re better than the rest of the population.

It’s no secret that the quality of...

It’s no secret that the quality of females around campus is seriously lacking. That may even be an understatement. Maybe this comes at the cost of an Ivy League education. Everyone has his or her own unique niche, but the Greek scene entirely pervades the social scene around campus. If you’re a good-looking girl in a sorority, then you’ll have the time of your life. For guys, unfortunately, be prepared to put on your Cornell goggles. If Greek life is up your alley, then you’ll find many of your cohorts at the bars on weekends. If you prefer to steer clear of that scene, house parties and places like Stella’s might be more enjoyable.

Once a year, there may be a...

Once a year, there may be a problem such as a mugging, but it never results in anything that bad.