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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

For Families of Returning Students

Welcome, Cornell Families! Your journey in supporting your student continues. We have compiled the information below to help you throughout your student’s time on the Hill. If you still have unanswered questions after reviewing the materials on these pages, please contact the Parent & Family Programs office.

Important Dates

Academic Calendar
Billing Deadlines
August 26, 2024: First Day of Classes, Fall 2024
October 25-27, 2024: Family Weekend

On-Campus Housing & Dining

Housing

All students are required to live on campus through the spring semester of their second academic year of enrollment. Upper level undergraduates have many options for housing. Students should pay close attention to the housing selection process timeline to ensure they participate as necessary.

Dining

Incoming first-year students, sophomores, and transfer students living in on-campus housing are required to have a meal plan. Sophomores and Transfer students living in on-campus housing are required to participate in either the Unlimited or Traditional meal plan. Students living in the West Campus House System also have access to the House Meal Plan.

Mail and Packages

Students can have mail and packages delivered to them on campus. Mailing addresses are dependent on a student’s residence hall and will change if your student moves to a different residence hall. Students will receive an email when they have mail or a package and will be picked up at a designated service center near their hall.

Off-Campus Housing

The Off-Campus Living office provides assistance, education and referral services to students who wish to live in off-campus housing.

Student Health Insurance

Students must maintain health insurance coverage that meets Cornell’s requirements while they are enrolled. The Student Health Plan is available to all students. Students will be automatically enrolled unless coverage is waived each year.

Commencement

And just like that your student is ready to graduate from Cornell! Commencement is a time of celebration for you and your student. The Commencement website provides detailed information as you plan your visit to Cornell.