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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

New Student Resource Hub

Touchdown posing with a group of students
 

Congratulations on your recent admission to Cornell! We’re excited to welcome you to the Cornell community. Whether you’re just beginning to explore Cornell or already planning your arrival on campus, this hub will help you learn more about the opportunities, resources, and experiences that await you here.

This page is your hub for exploring life at Cornell and getting connected to resources across campus. Teams across Student & Campus Life—including the Tatkon Center for New Students and Parent & Family Programs—are here to support you.

Get Connected to Campus

Your Cornell Journey Starts Here

As a new Cornell student, The Tatkon Center for New Students is your one-stop resource center during your transition to Cornell University and throughout your first year. The Tatkon team coordinates the New Student To Do List with tasks to complete prior to your arrival to campus, a comprehensive orientation program for all new undergraduate students, and ongoing programming and special events throughout the year as you transition to Cornell. You will hear more about your To Do List as soon as you receive your Cornell NetID.

The Office of Parent & Family Programs is here to help parents and families support the transformation of their students through timely communication and resources, creating a connection with Cornell, and the celebration of the important role they play in their student’s education and development. Students, encourage your family members to familiarize themselves with the office and make sure they reach out with questions or concerns at families@cornell.edu. 

We know you may have questions, and this is a great time to explore the resources linked here to start getting familiar with Cornell. You don’t have any required next steps just yet, once you officially accept your admittance, your Cornell NetID will be created, providing you with access to the New Student To Do List which will guide you through requirements you’ll need to complete before coming to campus. 

HOUSING | DINING | CAMPUS ACTIVITIES | CORNELL CAREER SERVICES

Preparing for Important Requirements 

As you get ready for Cornell, you’ll encounter required steps such as health forms, housing applications, advising, pre-enrollment, and Orientation registration. Some of these requirements and steps are still a few months away but you can mark these times on your calendar to be prepared (exact dates vary by year): 

  • March 26: To Do List is live – look out for your Cornell-issued NetID. You’ll use this to access the To Do List
  • May–June: Housing applications, health requirements, placement exams
  • July: Advising and Fall pre-enrollment
  • August: Move-in and Orientation for all new students

Our team at The Tatkon Center is available to answer any questions you may have about the To Do List or preparing to arrive at Cornell.  

What to Expect as a New Cornellian 

Life at Cornell is dynamic, welcoming, and full of opportunities to learn, lead, explore, and grow. As a new student, you can expect: 

  • A supportive network of peers, mentors, and staff/faculty supporters
  • Programs to help you adjust and flourish academically and socially
  • Access to campus events, clubs, workshops, and Cornell traditions
  • A community dedicated to your well-being and success inside and outside of the classroom 

Still deciding? Explore campus life, student organizations, and support resources to learn more about what it’s like to be a Cornell student. 

Life Outside of the Classroom

Students at a Cornell Event

The Cornell student experience is expansive and built for individual exploration and transformation! Here are a few quick links to help you discover what’s possible: 

Get a Glimpse of Life on Campus 

Virtual Campus Tours 

Cornell Traditions and Big Red Spirit

Cornell Hockey Fans at the game cheering


Cornell is famous for its spirited traditions—from Slope Day to Dragon Day, hockey games at Lynah Rink to cheering “Go Big Red!” for our student athletes. Start to explore these Cornell moments below: 

  • Campus Activities – Your hub for clubs and student-led organizations, campus events, and leadership opportunities
  • Cornell Athletics – Support Big Red teams and experience Cornell pride