Housing: Risley vs West Campus vs Residence Halls? (Also roommates?)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

Hi, I’m transferring to Cornell in the fall. I need to pick which type of residence I want to live in. I’ve narrowed it down to either the West Campus, Residence Halls, or the Risley program house. Not really sure which would be the best option.

Factors I care about:

Quiet: I need to be able to sleep and do HW. As few parties/drugs/alcohol as possible.

Nerdy friends/ability to make friends: I’m kind of an introvert. I don’t like parties or similar types of weird social gatherings. But I do want to be able to make friends with people who would want to play video, board, card, and tabletop games with me and talk about/do other nerdy stuff. Which housing would I most likely find this type of culture in, or which housing would have some kind of gathering or communication system conducive to finding these people?

Convenience: Closeness to classes and/or other activities. Good services/facilities like dining, laundry, rooms, bathrooms, etc.

Good food.

Some interesting events that aren’t too socially demanding.

Just looking through the Cornell Housing site, it was difficult to asses the culture in these buildings. I have to assume that West Campus and Residence Halls are just general populace. Risley I’ve heard a bunch of different things about, but it isn’t entirely clear the scope of the culture there. Is it just artsy people? What do they do besides art stuff? Do they like games and things or do they do party stuff? Not super clear.

If anyone can give advice that would be appreciated.

(Also, I may also be looking for a roommate if I can’t get a single room, so if any new students see this, are looking for a roommate, and fit with what I described, PM me to discuss further.)

2

Just a parent here, but Risley has plenty of variety in students. All sorts of majors and interests. They just had their annual Harry Potter party which is open to the greater community (families come with kids, too). There are various social opportunities. You choose how many to attend, how much to get involved. If there isn’t a game night, make one. There are art studios and music practice rooms in the basement. There’s a small theater and also a dining hall (M-F, lunch and dinner only, other dining halls are close enough). It’s quite convenient to classes (though that always depends on where your specific classes are), as it’s the closest north campus building to the bridge to the academic campus. Risley has plenty of singles if you prefer one. You do pay a premium for that. My son has had a single there for three years and will have one again next year. It’s a great old building. Lots of character.

3

Hi, Check wit housing but not sure that transfers have the option of choosing housing. You will be placed in open rooms in either West, Shelton of Cascadilla. Riley may be an option if there is an open room . If you live in CT (Shelton or Cascadilla) you do not have to be on a meal plan.

4

Maybe it’s changed, but in the housing link I got in my account to-do list, the application allows me to select preferences for the housing type.