<p>A while ago, I was looking through the Cornell page on the CC forums, and thinking back to about a year ago when I had completed the stressful applications process and received my acceptance letter from CU. I remembered just how much this resource had helped me answer my myriad of questions regarding applications, acceptance, and university life. So I decided to get back on the forums and make an attempt to pass on the kind of knowledge that I received and found so useful. </p>
<p>I am currently a freshman in the College of Engineering majoring in (or at least planning to major in, I technically dont affiliate until next year), Mechanical and Aerospace engineering. After my first semester at Cornell, I feel that I am capable of answering almost any question about life on campus, dorm arrangements, majors, classes, the social scene, or any other topics. So if you class of '09 members have any unanswered questions, go ahead, ask and I'll do my best to anwer. I haven't been keeping up with the forums, so I don't know how much has been asked and answered since decisions went out, but I figured that I would put my offer out there anyhow in gratitude for how much I learned through the CC forums. And if any other current CU students would throw in their two cents, that would be great as well.</p>
<p>Oh, and congratulations of course to the class of 2009! I'll be seeing you next year....</p>
<p>I keep reading that Cornellians boast about working hard during the week, and having plenty of time to enjoy the campus/have a good time during the weekends. How much do you actually work on average on a weekday and weekend?</p>
<p>How do Cornellians keep themselves entertained on the weekends? Does the school provide any activities or is it mostly parties? Thanks for coming back and helping us all out!</p>
<p>Hey all, same here with me. Another bored '08er home for the long winter break, willing to answer questions. I'm in the Engineering school, planning on doing Electrical and Computer Engineering, but also looking at Biological Engineering (probably the opion or minor) as well as Applied Engineering Physics.</p>
<p>And the questions, which I accidentally glossed over :-p.
Workload: Ive kind of noticed the work goes somewhat in waves. There will be times where you have a LOT, and times where its really not that much. Also, it really helps to start things early. I still have trouble actually doing this, but the times I DO start early, it really helps. </p>
<p>Math Dept: Math is hard. Theres no way around it. At least engineering math. Still, I like it. Its challenging, but in a good way. Also, people are very willing to help eachother out and study/do hw with eachother.</p>
<p>Weekends: As of now, since its hockey season, Friday and Saturday nights have Lynah Rink filled to the brim, and the games are absolutely amazing to be at. If not that, theres always parties going on somewhere. And yes, there are activities going on. Movies, shows, sport stuff...a whole lot of things going on any given weekend.</p>
<p>Wow. Nice to see so many responses so quickly!</p>
<p>As for the questions:
1) Cornell has quite a duality to it. What you are hearing about work hard/play hard is very true. There will be a kid sitting next to you in math class who is a genius and knows everything. Then on Friday night you will see him completely smashed at a frat party. As for the specifics, I had what I would call a very typical engineering workload, and I spent avg of 2-3 hours a day on work (maximum) on weekdays. Frustratingly, the class that demanded the most work was my writing seminar (!). But yeah, nothing too bad. No real projects per say for classes, just papers for the FWS and some lab reports. I wasnt in chem bc i CLEP-ped out but if you are taking chem expect a LOT more work. Everything ducksgomoo said is absolutely true btw. It tends to fluctuate but never overwhelming. I could always go out on weekends whenever I wanted. And it also depends a lot on your college. Engineers and pre-med people of course get the worst. Oh and Architecture students, they never leave their building and everyone feels bad for them. </p>
<p>2) My experience with the math dept has been great. I took 191 1st semester and liked it a lot. The classes for that course are small (<30 people, no big lectures). The prof was this awesome little australian guy with a PhD from Yale and a great sense of humor. Our TA for section was very well-versed in the subject and was an interesting character as well. So overall, math dept (engineering math), good deal. </p>
<p>3) As for keeping busy on weekends, frat parties are definitely the big draw and are enjoyed by the vast number of students on a regular basis. Hockey is also big if you can get tickets, and fits nicely into the time slot before the frats open up. If you arent into cheap alcohol, dancing, or debauchery, then there is still plenty to do. The university comes up with some pretty interesting activities and brings some good entertainment on a regular basis. Also there is decent stuff to do off campus, such as catching a local music show at The Nines or The Haunt. So yeah, you will not be bored, and you can always find something that fits your tastes. </p>
<p>Oh and ducks I'm in Low Rise 6, how bout yourself?</p>
<p>LOL low rise 6 is not JAM, nor is it Ujamaa.....its just low-rise 6. </p>
<p>Oh and btw tell me your schedule. I might know you. I had math 191 with Rogers, AEP 110, physics 112, and eng 111.07........</p>
<p>And yeah I'll check out the essay...wait was it ur thread i just responded to? someone wanted me to check their essay...lol just send it. Oh and the topic as well please, i havent seen this years app...</p>
<p>Hrm...nope, none of those. And sorry about the mix up of dorms XD.
This past semester I took Math 192 with Cheng, Chem 207 with Chirik, Engri/CS/CIS/Music 165 with Bailey (yes, its THAT cross-registered), and STS 126 for my FWS with Vertesi.</p>
<p>On another note, do either of you use a laptop? Right now, i have a PC that i am happy with, and can easily use through atleast the first 2-3 years at college, but do you recommend a laptop?</p>
<p>The freshman 15 is what you make of it. If you eat well, walk to class instead of taking the bus, and lift a couple times a week, then you will be fine. However, if you do like I do and pig out at the all-you-can-eat dining halls 2 or 3 times a day, hit up Louie's or the Hot Truck a few times a week, have Wings Over Ithaca on speed dial, and load up on Beast on weekends (100 calories a can adds up folks), then you will gain some weight. Actually, that jab at myself was unwarranted; I have hardly gained any weight despite all of the amazing food here. But it really varies person to person of course. Ive seen some people turn into complete porkers, but some people have actually gotten into better shape over this first semester. </p>
<p>Cornell is all about freedom and choices. This applies to how you take care of yourself as well. If you are concerned with how you look/feel and are willing to do the work, than the freshman 15 can be avoided.</p>
<p>How accessible are the Cornell gyms? I have spoken to college students who have to get on waiting lists just to use a bike and pay ridiculous fees...</p>
<p>Vash did you edit that post? When I read it i swear it didnt have the laptop thing in it lol.</p>
<p>As for computers, I decided to go with a desktop and have been very happy. I felt that being able to run the newest games and CAD software, having a:real keyboard/actual mouse/good monitor/more ram/two optical drives/faster graphics card/audiophile sound card/upgrade capability, etc was more important than being able to drag my computer around with me and ruin it by spilling coffee/beer/water on it (as about 5 people i know have done). I do all my work in my dorm room (dont see the appeal of the libraries) and I take notes on paper (!) so I don't really need the portability. That said, I know people with some friggin sweet laptops that are pretty tricked out. Its all personal preference. If you want digitized notes or to be able to type papers in the libraries then a laptop is a good idea. </p>
<p>If you have a wicked desktop that runs real well (as you have stated), then I would definitely bring it. Here's what I would suggest for a good compromise. All of the things you need a laptop for generally arent going to require an extremely powerful machine (namely word processing and office-type stuff), and besides you have a desktop to do the high-power stuff. Got a couple hundred bucks laying around? Good. Hit up the classifieds or online ads and get yourself a thinkpad with a pentium III for like 150 or 200 dollars. Bring that and the desktop and you have a nice cheap compromise.</p>
<p>1) Gym membership = essential. Why, you ask? Read my "freshman 15" reply. Its not that bad at all cost-wise. Like 150 bucks i think for the year. Less than I was paying the YMCA back home. As for these "college students," did they go to Cornell? The gyms can get crowded, but usually only at the times when you would expect them to be crowded. The gyms are open like 17 hours a day so you can plan them into your schedule very well. I dont do much cardio but even at the crowded times I can usually get the weights I want. Plus the gyms are right up on north where you will be livin. Helen Newman has everything you will want unless you are a powerlifter (they dont have the olympic pads, you have to go to teagle for that), and Appel is usually never crowded and good to go to for cardio or dumbell exercises. So yeah, a gym membership will be worth every cent if you have the willpower to go 2 or 3 times a week. </p>
<p>2) Parking. Very expensive. To the tune of 600 dollars a year. This is why the parking lots are filled with bimmers and rovers and whatever the plural of "mercedes" is. If you are rich enough to afford the parking, daddy will have bought you a nice luxury car to put in that lot. </p>
<p>In general, Cornell is world-famous for nickel-and-diming the heck out of their students. But except for a few egregious things like parking, its really not that bad, and some things (like mealplans) are a good value.</p>
<p>I going to throw my hat in this questions thread. Im currently an ILR freshman so if anyone has any questions specific to ILR i would be willing to help if I can.</p>