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Cornell University

Sheldon Court

Exterior of Sheldon Court

 

Sheldon Court combines a rich tradition of student living with the independence and convenience that define Cornell's South Campus community. Located next to the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts in the heart of Collegetown, Sheldon Court places residents just steps from popular restaurants, coffee shops, shops, and gathering places while offering easy access to campus resources and opportunities. 

Sheldon Court reflects the character of Cornell's South Campus community, where students who have found their place at Cornell can enjoy a more independent and self-directed residential experience. The community is especially appealing to students who value a quieter atmosphere, have established friendships and campus connections, and are looking for a living environment that supports focus, personal well-being, and meaningful engagement.  

More About Sheldon Court

Opened in 1903, Sheldon Court is one of Cornell's earliest purpose-built student residences.  Built in the Italianate style, the residence was operated by Charles L. Sheldon, Jr. '01, M.A. '02, who proudly promoted it as "Cornell's First Dormitory" and Cornell ultimately purchased the building in 1955, retaining its original name. For more than a century, it has provided generations of Cornellians with a place to live, learn, and build community close to the center of campus life.

Today, residents enjoy close proximity to the intellectual, cultural, and culinary opportunities of West Campus and Collegetown while benefiting from a welcoming community atmosphere. Through residential programming, shared experiences, and everyday interactions, Sheldon Court provides opportunities for students to strengthen their connections to Cornell and make the most of their upper-level undergraduate experience. 


Community features: 

  • Open to transfer and upperlevel students
  • 164 residents
  • Located in Collegetown
  • Single and double rooms arranged along a corridor; floors are mixed gender
  • A TV/social lounge with a pool table, plus study lounges, kitchens, laundry facilities, and a piano room
  • 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 wastebasket, and floor carpeting
  • Wireless Internet access

Sheldon Court rooms do not have air conditioning.

Housing Population Type


Affiliated Faculty

South College Residence Halls have a number of Faculty and Community Fellows that provide students with opportunities to explore and cultivate their academic, intellectual, and cultural interests. You will find them attending events in your building, eating with students, and leading on and off campus trips to lectures, plays, films, concerts, and regional points of interest.


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 Sheldon Court community on CampusGroups. 

Sheldon Court Contact Information 

Sheldon Court, 420 College Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA 

Questions? Email sheldoncourt@cornell.edu 

Mail and Packages

Please be sure mail and packages are addressed to you at:

Your mailing address:
Your Name, NETID
Room Number, Building
115 Cascadilla Place 
Ithaca, NY 14853

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

Dining Options

  • Sign up for one of Cornell Dining's three traditional Meal Plan Options if you plan to eat all or most meals on campus (includes Cornell Dining's dining rooms, West Campus Dining Rooms, and retail dining facilities)
  • Use City Bucks for cashless food purchases if you plan to eat some or all meals at off-campus establishments (you may use City Bucks in addition to, or instead of, a meal plan or debit plan)

Learn about Cornell Dining's meal plans.

Questions?