I am wondering what it’s like to get back and forth in the cold or rain between north campus dorms and the main campus, for classes, food, library, activities, etc. Obviously the Cornell campus is so large, and I notice that some of the north campus buildings are quite far from the main campus, and I wonder how difficult that is during cold or snowy weather or pouring rain. Also, are there dining halls and study spaces like a library on north campus, so if it’s super cold out you can stay near your dorm and not have to go back and forth? Or what this lifestyle issue is like in general. Thanks!
Former Cornellian here. I lived on the far edge of North Campus and then in a house down the slope from West Campus. I would expect lots of walking, especially if you are taking classes near the veterinary school as I did. I always loved to walk, so it was not a big deal to me except on windy and/or slushy days. And the sudden downpours in Ithaca are real, but most of us survived.
There were excellent dining halls on or near North Campus and study spaces, too.
I graduated many years ago - you should have a high quality water resistant winter coat and winter boots for walking to and from class. I would often pack sneakers or shoes for class in my backpack.
It’s all about having the right clothes and footwear. Umbrella stays in the waterproof back pack permanently. Honestly though it isn’t that bad.
Thanks everyone, that helps
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Lots of walking but freshmen get a free bus pass for TCAT and it’s great. There’s also an app that allows you to track the arrival of the buses. Lots of kids take the bus to go to the airport, Target, commons, etc. So no worries about when it’s cold and rainy.
If you’re in Engineering unfortunately, there are no dining halls down there, but there are places you can use BRBs to buy food. This was the one big negative for my daughter. However, this year they’re requiring everyone in a dorm to buy the unlimited meal plan so it doesn’t even really matter. Just go with it, you’ll be able to get bagels, or sandwiches at the bookstore cafe, Statler or wherever as many don’t go back and forth during the day. RPCC is being redone (or rid of, I can’t recal) and a new dining hall is going in at the new dorms from my understanding. Lots of libraries to study at so you will not have an issue.
Get a waterproof/water resistant backpack and you’ll be fine with the rain. My daughter has used the Adidas Prime version which she had in high school as well (got a new one for Cornell) and has never had an issue. It’s roomy and fits her laptop as well. She loves it there and admittedly, she can be pretty lazy about activity, but even though she took lots of buses, she also walked a lot and didn’t gain the freshman 15 lol. Actually lost weight, which for her is not a good thing.