<p>I am looking into housing options for next year and was considering co-ops but can't really find much info about them. Does anyone have experiences living in one or know someone who has? what are the differences between and stereotypes of different ones?</p>
<p>My son has been living in Von Cramm this year and it has been a very positive experience for him. It has also been relatively inexpensive for room cost and food plan (which is required if you live in Von Cramm.) Students are responsible for planning, buying food, and cooking meals (I think 6 dinners/week) and there is also food for people to make their own breakfasts and snacks. My son thinks the meals are really good (and healthy) and he enjoys that there are usually people around if you feel like hanging out. There are also various parties and events that are hosted every semester. If you decide to join a coop, you have to be willing to to take on the responsibilities that are required of members - such as house cleaning/maintenance chores and being part of a cook group 1 night/week. In January or February, there will be “mosey” events (as opposed to “rush”) where you can visit the coops to see if you’d like to live in one.</p>
<p>Co-ops are one of the little appreciated gems on Cornell’s campus. Here is a partial list:</p>
<p>[Housing</a> - Co-op Housing Contact List](<a href=“Residential Life | Student & Campus Life | Cornell University”>Residential Life | Student & Campus Life | Cornell University)</p>
<p>There are some other ones, such as Cayuga Lodge and Stewart Little. Don’t know if The Shire is still kicking.</p>
<p>The problem is, they do not select like-minded individuals like a frat does, in the end spots are offered by lottery. And there are many more people looking for housing than there are spots. It is very common to go through all these mosey events and in the end have nothing to show for it. Something may open up there later on, if someone leaves, but by then you will have committed to other housing.</p>