I’m an incoming freshman who will be starting Cornell in the spring. As much as I love the fact that I got in, I can’t help but feel that I will be left out once I get there. By spring, I feel like everyone will have formed their groups and it’ll be harder to randomly go up to a person and become friends. Has anyone gone through this process as a spring admit or transfer student and can share their experiences? Also, are students at Cornell nice and friendly or do they tend to mind their own business?
My son started as a FYSA in 2016 and found his dorm to be extremely social and welcoming. Starting at mid-point was a non-issue for him and the other fysa’s in his acquaintance.
My kids knew many students who started in spring or sophomore fall. They have all assimilated well at Cornell. A good way to meet people is to join clubs. If you are interested in Greek life it is better to join freshman spring. The rush is end of Jan and you need to register before the winter break in order to participate. You would also need to be on campus before classes start. Look into it if it is of interest to you, it is a good way to meet people.
FYSA students are not able to rush in spring of first semester. S3 started January 2016 and is now a rising 3rd year.
He made some great quick friends with other FYSA students and rushed fall 2016. I am not sure that now he even remembers that he started in January and would do it again in a heartbeat…good luck at Cornell.
A little short notice, but if you can do one of these it would be a way to already know some people when you show up there: https://odyssey.coe.cornell.edu/trips
Suggest look into what you have to do, before you show up there, to make sure you can get good housing for the following fall semester.
I totally second Odyssey option suggested by @moneydad. They have several programs - and a good way to start with some friends (at best) or acqiantances (at worst)! Either ways, you will have a good time.