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Cornell University

Balch Hall

Balch Hall with a green courtyard

Balch Hall is a residence for first-, second-, third-, and fourth-year female-identified students. A four-story Gothic building that opened its doors in the 1920s, Balch is one of Cornell's most historic and unique residence halls, with ivy-covered stone walls, mullioned windows, and flagstone-bedded interior courtyards and gardens. It is being renovated to add modern amenities while retaining its historic charm.

Self-governance, long a tradition for Cornell women, is well established in Balch, with plenty of leadership opportunities. The student-driven Balch Hall Council arranges programs and events for the hall's residents, ranging from group outings to see plays or go apple picking to educational programs focused on women in the workplace, surviving academia at Cornell, sexuality and relationship development, and body image. 

Note: North Balch Hall will reopen starting fall 2024! South Balch renovation will continue through the 2024-25 academic year and is scheduled to reopen fall 2025.  


Community Features

  • Open to first-year women 
  • 230+ residents 
  • Located on North Campus 
  • Single and double rooms arranged along corridors and shared corridor bathrooms 
  • Lounges, study areas, shared kitchens, and laundry facilities 
  • Bedrooms contain, for each occupant: an extra-long twin bed, a closet and a bureau (or wardrobe/bureau combination), a desk and desk chair, a desk lamp, a wastebasket, and floor carpeting
  • Wireless Internet access 
  • Balch Hall rooms will be temperature controlled


Affiliated Faculty

Emily Wilcox Gier, Associate Professor of Practice, Dietetics Program Leader and Internship Director in the Division of Nutritional Sciences, is the Faculty-in-Residence for Balch Hall. She and her husband, Paul, reside in Balch Hall and regularly spend time with student residents of the Balch community.


Helpful Information and Important Links

Below are resources and guidelines to support your residential experience at Cornell University. Please review the tabs below and bookmark these pages to apply for housing, browse through meal plan options, find mail and package information, and explore the Balch Hall community pages in CampusGroups

Balch Hall Contact Information 

Balch Hall, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA

Questions? Contact housing@cornell.edu 

Laundry Information

Payment for use of washers and dryers is through a Campus Life debit account accessed by downloading the CSCPay Mobile App to add funds to your laundry account. You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play. The recommended starting amount is $25. Subsequent deposits can be made at any time. The balance in your laundry account will remain active as long as you live in University housing. Please note that any balance remaining after you move out of University housing cannot be refunded. 

Mail and Packages

Visit the Service Center website for student mail and package information.

Dining Options