You always hear adults say that college is the best time of your life. It’s exciting to go college, having all this new freedom like never before, but in the beginning it can be more than a little nerve-racking; every day it feels like you have a thousand more questions. Here is a handy guide to help you through your first few weeks in college, so you can enjoy all that Cornell has to offer.
1. I don't know anybody here. How do I make friends?
Starting your first year at college is scary! Don't worry; everyone else is in the same boat as you. Nobody knows each other, and it's definitely awkward in the beginning trying to make small talk. How many times can you ask “What dorm are you in?” and "What’s your major?” But just give it some time, because you will find a great group of friends! Get active around campus, knock on a few doors in your hall, and don’t be afraid to reach out!
2. Is it okay to eat a meal alone?
Yes! 100% yes! Do not skip out on a meal if you don’t have anyone to sit with! In high school it’s pretty rare to find people sitting alone, but it happens all the time in college. It is not as awkward as you may think, and if you don’t like sitting alone, pull out your computer to either go online or do some work. Lunch can be a surprisingly productive homework time!
3. Classes are way too far from the dorm. How does the TCAT app work?
Okay, this is where it gets tricky. But this app is truly a lifesaver and worth knowing. The TCAT app is confusing to everyone at the beginning, but you just need to take some time to look at it. In a couple of weeks you’ll be able to take that 82 bus from North Campus all the way to Central without any doubts. Take advantage of that free bus pass!
4. I always feel lost and confused - what do all the acronyms mean?
So you’ve heard them here and there: RPCC, BRBs, CTP, CTB, and don’t get me started on all of the Greek acronyms. By now you should know that RPCC is Robert Purcell Community Center, located right on North Campus and full of everything you could need: a great study spot, a dining hall, and “Nasties” (Bear Necessities). BRBs? Those are your Big Red Bucks. It is a Cornell cash system (kind of like a debit card) that is a part of your meal plan, and you use those BRBs to buy food (and coffee, of course) all around campus. CTP and CTB? Collegetown Pizza and Collegetown Bagels. They are two wonderful places in the heart of Collegetown to satisfy your pizza and sandwich cravings at any time of day or night.
5. Is the winter really as bad as everyone says?
Unfortunately, yes. However, that’s no reason to be worried! As long as you have the right winter apparel (heavy down jackets, scarves, hats, gloves, etc.) and a good pair of winter boots, you will be set! So get on that shopping now because you do not want to walk to class and freeze along the way. Coffee or tea helps, too.
6. Why are textbooks so expensive?
I wish I had an answer for you, but there really is no explanation for why everything at the bookstore seems ridiculously over priced, but don’t fret! It isn’t the only place to get all your school supplies. If you don’t want to spend a ton of money at the bookstore, go online! Amazon has good deals, and you can always take a quick bus trip to the Ithaca Mall and get your pencils and notebooks at Target.
7. Are the classes hard?
It really depends. No matter what major you are, you will take classes that seem impossible and classes that seem to just give away A's. The workload can get pretty difficult, though, so try to make sure you manage your time well because it is very easy to get behind. But on the other hand, always take some time for yourself! You don't want to get over-stressed.
8. Should I join a club?
If you didn’t go to Clubfest, I suggest you go online and check out all the clubs Cornell has to offer! As a freshman, clubs are a great way to meet new people and make friends who have similar interests to you. Besides clubs, you can join sports teams or become a part of Greek life. There are not only social sororities and fraternities but also business, honor, pre-professional, and service fraternities. It can't hurt to go to some information sessions—you have nothing to lose!
9. How do I find my classes on campus?
It is definitely tricky to find some buildings on campus, and once you finally find that building, you might be stuck inside for another ten minutes looking for a classroom. Eventually, you’ll get used to campus, but until then, pull out Google Maps or ask someone on the sidewalk—students (and professors!) are friendlier than you think.
10. Why is the footbridge so steep?
No. Clue. It definitely is no fun walking up that hill for a 9 AM class on Monday morning, but it does get you to Human Ecology and the Ag Quad fairly quickly. If you really don’t like it, go down East Avenue because it is basically a flat walk. Remember, you can also always take the bus! The 82 will take you right from RPCC to Kennedy Hall.
11. Where is the best place to get food on campus?
We're lucky to have a campus filled with places to get good food. If a bus ride to the mall is too time consuming, Nasties has some groceries! Just a reminder, don’t spend all your BRBs in the first half of the semester because then you’ll just be living on meal swipes. The only dining hall on Central Campus is Okenshields, which is decent. I suggest you check out Terrace, Trillium, and Synapsis. They take BRBs and the food is great! If you want to learn more about the food options on campus, download the app: FillMyFork.
12. Where are the best places to get food at night?
Where can you make those 2 AM runs to get delicious food? Nasties, of course! And if you’re in Collegetown, may I suggest CTP and CTB? They might get crowded, but it’s worth it. And if you have not done so already, download GrubHub from the app store—it is a miracle! At the touch of a finger, you can get almost anything delivered right to your dorm room at almost any time you want. And if you have a sweet tooth, Insomnia Cookies also delivers soft, warm cookies right to your dorm.
13. Should I rush?
Try not to stress about Greek organizations just yet; you just got to college! Take your first semester to relax, meet new people, and make friends, and if by second semester you would like to rush, then go for it. Even if you are not sure Greek life is for you, just think about it. And remember that you don’t necessarily have to join a social sorority or fraternity, as there are so many other options out there.
14. What is the nightlife like?
The nightlife is what you make of it. Whether you go out in Collegetown, binge-watch Netflix in your dorm, hang out in a lounge, or work at the library, do what you want to do, and you will find other people who want to do that too! While going out is fun, also make sure you give yourself time to catch up on sleep.
15. What do I do if I’m homesick?
Call your mom or dad! Even if you're not homesick, they still want to hear from you! Call your parents and let them know that you’re doing okay. Whether you are the first child in your family to be sent off to college or the youngest, leaving your parents as empty nesters, keep in touch with them.
The next four years are going to be unforgettable, so remember to cherish every second. Hopefully these answers were helpful to you, and if you have any more questions, just ask any older student! They're always willing to help out!
