During the week prior to Orientation, you can participate in one of several pre-orientation opportunities all developed to ease your transition to life at Cornell. Involvement is optional and requires an application. Some programs are free, and all offer financial assistance. These programs are designed to enhance the orientation experience by:
introducing you to fellow students who share similar interests through small group programs and activities
learning from, and being mentored by, upper-level student leaders
experiencing opportunities that extend beyond Orientation for personal growth and leadership development
providing a memorable start to your Cornell career
Program Options
Hillel First-Year Fest
We're so excited to welcome you to campus! Do you want to meet Jewish new students and get the inside scoop about Jewish life at Cornell? We've got you covered! In this program, you will spend an overnight with other new students in the beautiful outdoors, experience the Hoffman challenge course, connect with other new students, and get to know upper-level students and Hillel staff. You will participate in a lowropes course, team-building exercises, and enjoy s'mores and camping in a yurt. Kosher meals will be provided.
Outdoor Odyssey
Outdoor Odyssey welcomes you to Cornell with a pre-orientation experience you will always remember! Our four- to eight-day-long trips provide a fun and meaningful transition to Cornell as you connect with peers from your own class, bond with upper-level guides, and enjoy the beautiful natural settings surrounding your new home. Founded in 1973, Outdoor Odyssey offers unique outdoor trips in areas including rock climbing, canoeing, backpacking, tree climbing, and biking. No experience is necessary!
Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program
If you are participating in the Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program, you are expected to complete all of the required items on this site. However, be aware that your deadlines may be earlier than those posted on the site. You will also have additional requirements to complete. Staff will communicate with you directly regarding these requirements and deadlines.
Prepare: Pre-Orientation Program for International Students
The Office of Global Learning invites you to join hundreds of other first-year and transfer international students at Prepare this summer. Prepare 2024 will consist of both online and in-person components. You will participate in a virtual synchronous session on July 30 from 9 – 10:30 a.m. ET. In-person sessions take place on Cornell’s Ithaca campus from Friday, August 16 through Sunday, August 18, allowing you to move-in and get settled before the start of new student orientation. Registration for Prepare 2024 will launch in April. Prepare gives international students an early start on their Cornell experience and will help you adjust to U.S. culture and to Cornell. Sessions on the U.S. academic system, immigration, campus resources, U.S. diversity topics, health and safety, and student panels will prepare you for academic and personal success. Enjoy social activities around campus and beyond, and make new friends from across the world. Our Prepare mentors are ready to welcome you, answer your questions, and make you feel at home.
