<p>So I know I probably waited to long to think about making my reservations, but I really do ned your advice. Everything in Ithaca is too expensive during the time of orientation. On another thread someone mentioned staying in Cortland and driving down to Ithaca (about 40 min). Elmira, however, is cheaper, but out of the way.</p>
<p>Additionally, I will be traveling from the south (central pennsylvania) and taking I-81 and the cheap hotel in Cortland is right along 81.</p>
<p>Should I book it? It take approximately 37 minutes to get to Cornell from Cortland.</p>
<p>I see no reason to not go ahead and do it....move-in day is tiring enough to begin with so it's nice to come a day early.</p>
<p>If you think orientation weekend prices are steep....just wait until graduation :-)</p>
<p>well during orientation week you'll be living in your dorm...</p>
<p>i meant Like August 21-24 for my parents, and me on the 21st. I think I'm going to do it.</p>
<p>For those flying in...Are you flying in from a different city ( Rochester, Syracuse) and driving or flying straight to Ithaca? Which would be better?</p>
<p>Your parents need to only stay until Sat. There is no reason for them to stay Sat night. By Sat afternoon you will already be with your new friends and there'll be parties to go to. </p>
<p>Ithaca is a lot closer, but sometimes it is hard to a flight into Ithaca. Many of you that are coming outside of the States, just bring your clothes. You could and probably should buy your electronics(computer, speakers, radios), toiletries and "stuff" after you get to Cornell. It's also very easy to order things online to be shipped to your room.</p>
<p>There are many nice B&B around the lake. Many of them have wonderful view of the lake.</p>
<p>Do I really need my parents during the orientation week cause they have to go to a wedding in Canada the same week and probably wont be able to come?</p>
<p>It would be nice to have your parents to help you move in. I personally think it's too much for you. I know many international students do not have the option, but I wouldn't have missed it for anything. Your parents only need to be there for 2 days.</p>
<p>Yeah..having your parents with you is a good idea.</p>
<p>It is irritating that many of the hotels in the area have a 3 night min. for orientation, which means we are paying for/staying Saturday night, when it seems to be unnecessary. :(</p>
<p>Yeah...I agree it is pretty annoying. But be prepared...it's the same for graduation...which you don't need to think about quite yet :-)</p>
<p>Your parents can stay in Cortland. It's only 25 minutes away and MUCH cheaper.</p>
<p>If you want Cortland, book it now. </p>
<p>Cortland is clearly the second-most-convenient place to stay, after Ithaca itself, and it's cheaper. The Cortland motels will be fully booked for Cornell orientation soon. </p>
<p>For my daughter's orientation last year, we used a Cortland motel (she slept in it for only one night, I stayed longer). Every room in that motel was full.</p>
<p>LIES, all lies!</p>
<p>Wait, what?
I managed to have the foresight to inconveniently plan my college tour last summer so that when we got to Cornell, it was freshman orientation weekend. Yes, glorious. We were informed of this when we were staying in New Haven, so I looked up nearby cities and came up with Cortland because I figured Ithaca would be completely booked.</p>
<p>On the eve of day one? of orientation, or maybe it was the last day, we got off on the bad exit to Cortland. Take exit 11 not exit 10 (you all know what I mean). We were still able to procure a room at the Days Inn and in the morning it was a 30 minute drive to campus. Yes, there were many orientation parents there.</p>
<p>there is a big big difference as to how many parents will be there depending on whether it is the first or the last day of Orientation, because as my fellow-moms (sister-moms?) have so graciously noted for the incoming students, parents only stay a few days at the beginning during move-in...orientation lasts longer while the parents tearfully drive home.</p>
<p>it was sunday night when we got in to Cortland; I remember we took the tour on monday, and saturday, we were in NYC.</p>
<p>We were long gone by Sun.</p>
<p>does this mean i'll be terribly lonely if my parents leave that friday night?</p>
<p>no...most parents leave the area Friday night, depending on here home is. Besides...there will be sooooo many activities Friday night so you won't feel alone :-)</p>