20 Tips Every Cornell Freshman Should Know

Every high school has certain traditions, qualities and experiences that only students can relate to. Here are 20 signs you went to Westfield High School!

I’m not going to lie, Cornell is pretty tough and it’s not easy to get used to. You can’t be completely prepared to be a Cornell freshman, but here are some tips to keep in mind as you start your Big Red journey.

1. Participate in O-Week as much as you can.

This is the best way to discover the vast array of clubs and opportunities that Cornell has to offer, and make new friends!

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2. Don’t expect getting an A to be easy.

Your methods for getting A’s in high school most likely won’t work at Cornell. Be open to new methods, new organizational habits, and ASKING FOR HELP.

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3. Make yourself aware of Cornell’s resources.

You’ll find out about most during O-Week. I guarantee you will find at least two to three that will help you succeed in some way. Some examples include Career Services, EARS, various alumni connections, The Tatkon Center, Women’s Resource Center, LGBT Resource Center, student unions/networks, and research grants and fellowships.

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4. Take advantage of the free stuff.

To name a few: Microsoft Office, a Linda.com subscription, antivirus software, laptop and camera rentals from libraries, weekly meditation, yoga, and Zumba classes, free printing at OADI and Latino Studies Center, and free food almost every day at different on-campus events.

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5. Be prepared for poor cell service if you don’t have Verizon.

The good news is, there’s Wi-Fi all over campus, so if you can’t afford to switch carriers,
download IM and Wi-Fi calling apps.

6. Respect your peers.

I’m talking emotionally and physically. Your experience at Cornell will be much more enjoyable if you respect your peers’ diverse values and beliefs and treat everyone (even people you don’t like) with basic respect. And please, please, PLEASE practice consent in sexual encounters and respect your partners’ choices and preferences.

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7. For pre-enroll, have a plan A, B, and C.

When I pre-enrolled for the first time, I wanted to enroll in Oceanography for my biology requirement and Belly Dancing for my PE; but both got filled up two minutes after the pre-enrollment period started on Student Center. This will most likely happen to you, so make sure you have two backup plans for each class, in case they get taken.

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8. Explore Ithaca.

Visit the Commons, take a walk along the trail at Fall Creek Gorge, indulge on bagels, pizza, and cookies in Collegetown, volunteer, visit the farmers market, or swim in Buttermilk Falls!

9. Go to class.

A lot of professors actually take attendance, especially with iClicker/Reef Polling.

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10. Don’t look for your soul mate.

Just don’t. Focus on your own personal growth, and get used to Cornell’s environment
before you worry about finding your future spouse.

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11. Join at least one club.

You’re guaranteed to find something related to your passions and interests, and you’ll make more friends!

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12. Keep track of your BRB spending.

It’s very easy to blow all your BRBs within the first month of classes. Frequently log in to GET Funds to keep track of how much you’re spending, and make some changes wherever needed. GET Funds also lets you see your laundry account and how many meal swipes you have left for the week!

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13. Don’t eat french fries and pizza every day.

I know, it’s ALWAYS served at the dining halls, but resist temptation! Even though we walk up and down hills all day, it’s still possible to gain the freshman 15 (okay, maybe the freshman 10).

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14. Don’t forget about your day ones.

Your life at Cornell will get insanely busy, but try your best. Call your family, Skype your best friend, and send postcards to grandma.

15. Be nice to yourself.

Don’t treat failures as the end of the world. Learn from them, grow from them, and embrace them. If any time is the perfect time for failures and mistakes, it’s now.

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16. Make your summers meaningful.

Get an internship, shadow someone in a field that interests you, volunteer abroad, or do research! Look into Cornell resources like Handshake for job/internship listings, and pay attention to emails for upcoming information sessions.

17. Use a calendar.

Don’t be that Cornellian that says, “oh sh*t, there is a prelim this week?” Stay on top of your game by converting all your syllabi into calendar format. I believe paper calendars are a lot more effective than online ones, but do whatever works for you!

18. Be mindful of thin dorm walls.

If you have someone over for the night, try not to make too much noise, if you know what I mean.

19. Observe laundry room etiquette.

The first time I did laundry, I forgot about it for an hour, only to find my wet clothes on top of the machine. I hate the thought of someone else touching my clothes. Adhere to laundry room etiquette so this doesn’t happen. Don’t leave your clothes in the machines for more than 10 minutes after they’re done, and give someone 10 minutes before you remove their clothes from the machine to put yours in.

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20. Don’t make fun of Hotel students.

This is the golden rule if you don’t want to get shunned by your Hotel friends, or reminded of the laundry list of successful Hotel alumni that do more than just “fold napkins.”