"Nerd" Culture at Cornell

<p>i am an international student who wants apply for cornell this year. Since i am from other countries, i am totally nervous to be with foreigners. I really afraid of being isolated and aliened because there are really some culture shocks. But by reading your guys’ thread, i feel lots of better. I interest in computer science and math and really look forward to finding “my people” in the cornell or other colleges.</p>

<p>Hi ri0chardli:</p>

<p>First of all, I just want to say don’t be nervous! As has been said before, Cornell is a large school. That may seem daunting at first but trust me, I just finished my first year there, and gradually the faces and places become very familiar. What it also means is that the student population is very diverse. I met a lot of people from different countries in many of my classes. What you’ll find is that Cornell students are actually very nice and friendly, and that most of us enjoy learning new things about different cultures.</p>

<p>If you wish, you can opt to live in the Holland International Living Center or the Multicultural Living and Learning Unit. These might be good places for you if you are a bit unsure, because these residential houses are organized on the ideals of tolerance and learning about different cultures. On the other hand, you may want to choose a traditional residence hall so that you can learn more about American culture (and vice versa) from your neighbors. Either way, I would advise you to break out of your shell a little bit - that’s what college is about! A lot of kids came from my high school and while I am still friends with a number of them, I decided to find my own social group and activities. </p>

<p>I suggest you check out this website. You’ll see there’s a group to accommodate every type of person with any interest. Cornell really abides by the motto “Any person, any study.”
[Cornell</a> Student Activities Office - Search Results](<a href=“http://sao.cornell.edu/SO/browse?action=search&termID=10&l=All]Cornell”>http://sao.cornell.edu/SO/browse?action=search&termID=10&l=All)</p>

<p>Good luck with your college application process! If you have any questions, feel free to PM me (because I am a Cornell Student Ambassador) or the general email <a href=“mailto:cuambassadors@cornell.edu”>cuambassadors@cornell.edu</a>.</p>

<p>i am flattering because it is the first time that i got a serious reply in CC. I will do what i can in the application and try to fit in the cornell if i get a chance. Thank you, lichte94. you have been very helpful and i hope we can study in the same campus in the future :)</p>

<p>30% of undergraduates participate in Greek life at Cornell. That leaves the majority of students not in that system. It’s there if you want it, but it isn’t the only game in town. </p>

<p>Oh, and Risley remains a nice place for nerd and arts culture beyond freshman year. Many kids stay there or move there after freshman year. It is evenly distributed with students in all four years of their undergraduate studies.</p>