Ithaca College - Local Atmosphere

Overall, it has been difficult for...

Overall, it has been difficult for me to find people that are hard to be around. Most everyone makes you feel comfortable being around them. I think the atmosphere at the College is conducive to that—not too small, not too big. Cornell is a great resource to have. For many people, it is an outlet on the weekends for partying purposes, but for other reasons, such as athletic events, academic resources, and concerts, Cornell is a great neighbor to have.

I love having Cornell nearby...

I love having Cornell nearby because you get the small college perks (smaller classes, more one-on-one interaction with professors, getting to know more people, tighter-knit community) while still getting the larger, college-town atmosphere. All the clubs, restaurants, and off-campus activities are Cornellian as well as Ithacan, and it’s really nice to continue to get to know lots of people and not feel restricted by the small number at IC.

The Cornell rivalry is fun;...

The Cornell rivalry is fun; Collegetown is a nice break from the Commons and vice versa. The different environments, so close to one another, provide variety and changes of pace, if you so desire.

Ithaca leans toward the liberal...

Ithaca leans toward the liberal side, hence plenty of homosexuals and hippies. Cornell can be good because you can party there or go see the good bands that come to perform, like Ludacris recently. However, they tend to be kind of snotty, and I have to say, not too good-looking either. The downtown Commons is pretty nice, cute, and quaint. There are lots of cool little shops. Definitely go to the Applefest in the autumn in the Commons. The gorges are also pretty cool, but you have to make sure you go there early in the year, because as soon as it gets cold, you won’t be able to go. There are a few within walking distance of campus, and people often go cliff-jumping and swimming in them, or just hike to them for their simple beauty.

Cornell is a wonderful resource...

Cornell is a wonderful resource for both academics and social life. Cornell is very open to Ithaca students, whether they want to find out more about a program or department or if they would like to join forces for an event or cause. One of the greatest things about this town is that there’s so much going on. I have been able to explore many different activities going on in Ithaca, and I have learned so much about different people, their ways of life, and what they do for fun. Depending on where you look, you can find both a small-town atmosphere that is intimate and tightly knit, as well as a typical college town with all amenities necessary including bars, shopping centers, and restaurants.