<p>When I started college many years ago, I didn't know what to expect. So when my son started Cornell, I did a lot of research to help him out. Here are a few tips for first timers like I was.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Start a binder, notebook or computer file with all your important Cornell info such as id. . . that will come in handy during the first days of school.</p></li>
<li><p>If you need a campus job, once you have your id, you can start looking at the Cornell job postings to get an idea of what's available. You might be able to secure a job over the summer months. Having a job at Cornell can give you a sense of schedule and a smaller community within the larger community, not to mention spending money.</p></li>
<li><p>Read as much as you can on the website about your major, department, school. . .the more you know, the better equipped you'll be to take advantage of all Cornell has to offer.</p></li>
<li><p>Make some reservations for your family if they plan to stay overnight during orientation. Our family has reserved very inexpensive accommodations at local hotels through Priceline and other online travel agencies. Trip Advisor is a good place to read reviews.</p></li>
<li><p>Don't spend a lot of money on room items (unless that's important to you). Cornell has a great "Dump and Run" sale at the start of school where you can get all kinds of room decor (even clothing).</p></li>
<li><p>It's a big school, so read about the clubs and other organizations. Plan to get involved in at least one group at the start of the year. Plan to attend the clubs/organization open house at orientation and take the time to see what's available -- it's an amazing campus with so many opportunities, but it's a big campus so you have to be proactive.</p></li>
<li><p>Read the "Cornell Sun," "Cornell Chronicle," and even the "Ithaca Times" to get a feel for the community and school.</p></li>
<li><p>Plan some kind of special transition event for yourself such as an Outing Club event, family waterfall exploration day (so many beautiful parks in the area), day at the Cornell art museum or something else to mark your start at Cornell.</p></li>
<li><p>Enjoy your final days of high school -- keep up the grades and finish with pride. You have so much to look forward to. Congratulations!</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I agree, that’s a great post. I second every point!
I would like to especially star, from momwhowantsthebest’s list:
*Having a job at Cornell can give you a sense of schedule and a smaller community within the larger community, not to mention spending money.
*Read as much as you can on the website about your major, department, school
*Don’t spend a lot of money on room items</p>
trite, but GREAT advice. Unfortunately for me, my grades are in the sewage right now, and my senioritis cannot be stopped. But for all others, try to keep them up ;)</p>
<p>@momwhowantsthebest, Thank you so much for this helpful post! I just had one quick question. To book a nearby hotel for my parents during opening weekend, which hotel would you recommend? Anything that’s decent (as far as sanitation and location goes) for a fairly cheap price. Any recommendations on which hotel to book a room in?</p>
<p>And I’m from the sunny Southern California. The coldest weather I’ve experienced was 40 degrees farenheit, but that’s a spring night in Ithaca. What EXACTLY should I pack? Will I be wearing hoodies around August or September?</p>
<p>check out the ithaca bed and breakfast website for good options besides hotels…but reserve early since these are small places with limited space</p>
<p>anika, you will not need a hoody in August. You probably will at some point in September. I I don’t know your style, but here are some ideas. You’ll need the rain stuff right away, but the cold weather items can wait til you get an idea of what options you like:
fleece jacket (North Face is popular, but not the only option)
boots: cute rain boots, nice leather boots (must be comfortable for walking), winter boots waterproof with traction
jacket: down or a pea coat maybe
umbrella: large and sturdy
wool or cashmere scarves: an essential fashion item in cold climates
gloves
warm hat
black cashmere turtleneck</p>