It’s unfortunate that you feel the way you do. I echo the other posters on here that say you are not alone. Going from one coast to another is difficult plus throw in a really tough school on top of that, it’s expected to have transition/first year issues. I’m all for the ‘life is short, do what makes you happy’ thought process but I’m also of the camp of ‘nothing worth achieving in life comes easy’. There is a reason you applied for a highly selective and prestigious university. The fact that you got accepted says a lot, and I’m sure you wouldn’t have received that acceptance if Cornell didn’t think you had the chops. I read somewhere that a young adult’s brain (the frontal cortex…the decision making part) does not fully mature until about 25. So it’s great you’re reaching out to others who can put things in perspective for you and help you make a good decision. If getting a degree from an elite and rigorous university means a lot to you, then try to stick it out at least for another year. Definitely seek student advising…perhaps transferring to another college within Cornell will be a better fit for you. Maybe plan for family to visit you in addition to making the scheduled break trips home. Either way, try and seek help from the university and also get involved and meet new people by joining a club.
I wish you the best and please keep us updated.
This becomes OT for OP, but fwiw, re #18:
It’s the internet so everyone can decide for themselves who to believe.
It’s true that I have not done “research” on this topic.
I merely attended , and graduated from:
Cornell.
Myself. In “yesteryear”. Personally.
Two degrees. From Cornell. Ilived there for about six years. In “yesteryear”.
During that time I did not merely read about Cornell. I did not “research” it. I experienced it myself, right along with my cohort of fellow students, whose experiences I observed myself, first-hand.
Since then , I go to many alumni lectures. We’re at these big tables. We talk. I even meet alums on the street sometimes, here in the NY suburbs. [That last comes to mind now since I am recalling one particular incident, saw a guy with the sweatshirt at a farmer’s market, we started talking, he whined to me about it, I laughed and commiserated…).
More recently, I have three kids, and actively participated in the college screening process for all of them.
Which is how, and when, I got started reading, and contributing to, this forum. I have been reading posts on this forum for a long time now, at this point. though I’ve taken lots of times off. This is just a passing relapse.
My middle kid attended, and graduated from:
Cornell.
Not 2017, but several years before. Maybe 2011? 2012? I forget. She also lived in Ithaca for a few years afterwards. I do talk to my middle kid. Sometimes at least.
Since she started attending Cornell, we re-started coming up to Ithaca every year. I just went there a few weeks ago.
I submit these cumulative experiences as my “credentials” in lieu of “research” as the basis for my comments. Not just on this thread but on this sub-forum generally.
You all can decide whether to believe me or not.
.
oh forgot to mention, since my D2 transferred in I actually had access to her comments and experience on relative work loads between her respective institutions. In addition to the comments about same on this subforum, from those who did likewise (from comparably competitive institutions).
-end OT-
@DadTwoGirls I am intrigued by your comment that “the most challenging universities (eg, Cornell, MIT, McGill, Cal Tech) are really hard.” I am wondering if people think that Cornell is uniquely hard for undergraduates compared to other comparably ranked universities. My son just started as a freshman at Cornell, and after having gone to a few class meetings, meeting with his advisor, and reviewing the syllabi and the assigned readings, he is optimistic that it will be very manageable for him. I have heard that it ramps up though. I am not worried but I am curious to see what people think Cornell’s reputation for difficulty is compared to other top 20 or so colleges.
Sorry I’m not him. But FWIW my D2 transferred there from a #20 or so LAC and said that the work demands were the same.
A former CC poster transferred in from Tufts and said Tufts was harder.
Which is not to say it won’t be academically challenging. It will be.
Cornell cannot possibly be anyway near the difficulty of MIT or Cal Tech.
The student bodies at those schools are smarter, frankly (look at the stats) . When I attended, the entry-level physics book they used at MIT was used only for the super-honors physics course at Cornell. Half the class at Cornell would flunk out if they had to take a course at that level.
I went to Cornell (ILR, 2004) and found that the workload was manageable. In fact, IMO, my high school was far more challenging. I’m certainly not a genius–I did well enough in HS to get into Cornell though–but the difference between it’s reputation and my own experience–not to mention the experience of many of my friends–was surprising.
To the OP, what year are you and what is your major? this all matters. If you have three years to go vs. one year, etc. I suffer from Depression and Anxiety and there were times when I didn’t think I could go on. But on the other hand, a diploma from Cornell will open up doors for you that a state college might not be able to.
Some of my greatest memories of Cornell were the extracurriculars I did. My friends and I started a magazine (don’t know if it’s still around. It’s called Kitsch Magazine) and I joined a labor rights group and an helped found the Cornell’s anti-war organization during to runup to the Iraq War in 2003. I lost my virginity at Cornell, had my first long-term relationship, slept with girls of all nationalities, studied hard, developed my political point of view, learned that I loved writing satire…you get the point.
I don’t know you and can’t really give you advice, but I too had difficulties, especially in the Winter, but I am glad that I stuck it out. I would have regretted leaving, I’m sure of it.
I would say a leave (medical/psychological or personal) could be helpful so you aren’t making the decision to leave Cornell while you are in the mental space you are in right now. Is that a possibility? I know at some schools it is easier than at others.
OP, I also went from a far different part of the country to a cold Ivy, and I’ve been to Cornell (not as a student, though), so I see how it could be challenging/unpleasant. I also had a good friend years ago who hated Cornell and transferred to a school in another part of the US.
I’d second other posts above that suggest trying a different major and trying to find other Cornell students from Nevada. (My best friends at my Ivy were all people from my part of the country). At this stage of your life you should be able to tolerate living somewhere away from home for a few years–having to move around is part of a career–so I would recommend getting some help.
I have nothing to add that other posters haven’t already added, but I can commiserate. I wouldn’t transfer, though. At least not yet.
OP, did you make a decision? I would say Cornell would make you happier in the long run, UNLV and Las Vegas have little to nothing to offer.
Hello, yes, I decided to stay at Cornell. I think the meltdown I had that led me to post this was pure homesickness. I’ve had a great semester so far, so I’m willing to stick it out! 
OP - that’s excellent. Hope you are doing better in your classes and are taking advantage of what Cornell has to offer. The next 2.5 years will fly by and before you know it you will be walking down Schoellkopf Field.
Congratulations!
Have fun and learn everything you can
@ihatecollege987, really glad to hear that you are doing well now. Could you share what you think led to this improvement? It might help others who come across this thread.
@pickledginger I think I was just really homesick the first 2 days and because Big Red Shipping and Storage forgot to deliver my boxes. But I ended up changing my major and I am taking classes pertinent to my new major, doing great in them while also thoroughly enjoying them! I’ve also made more friends and have felt more at home since the campus is no longer new to me. I guess the worst part is always leaving home, but I’m thankful it’s gotten 10x better!
@ihatecollege987
Glad you stick around and change to the major you prefer. DD said so many kids change their majors. Some don’t wamt to let their parents know :). Cornell provides you with so many levels of advisors. Make use of them all.
All the best.
@ihatecollege987 that’s great to hear everything is working out. My son goes there and it was quite an adjustment for him too being from CA. He has had his shares of travel and storage delivery nightmares, but really likes it there. You have quite the opportunity at Cornell and it’s wonderful you’ve chosen to stick it out and find a major that makes you happy. All the best to you!
My son was pretty miserable only a 3-hour drive from home. He wouldn’t admit any trouble, until his grades came back. He changed majors and is much happier.
Being from the West and going to an Ivy is rare just because of the distance. I know they have international student support and groups, but IMHO, the Ivies in particular should have “flyers” who live in the US but have to fly home.
My son’s college has a pretty big shindig for students staying over the holidays. For example, Cornell has this:
http://events.cornell.edu/event/isso_isso_all-campus_traditional_thanksgiving_feast
@oldfort you just made me teary eyed thinking about my son graduating and walking the field!
Not the first time this has been called for…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jjiWS__Mp0