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Cornell University

Housing & Residential Life

Alternative Housing Options

Cooperative Living 

The eight university-owned and -managed buildings housed within them the independent and self-governed student organizations known as Prospect of Whitby, 660 Stewart, 302 Wait Avenue, Triphammer Cooperative, Von Cramm, Wait Terrace, Wari Cooperative, and Watermargin.

These organizations extend far beyond the buildings in which they are based. They each have their long histories and depend on the personal investment of each resident in each co-op. For more information visit housing.cornell.edu. 

Fraternity & Sorority Life 

Cornell fraternities and sororities are self-governed organizations. Groups that are fortunate enough to enjoy a chapter house are responsible for the operation and upkeep of the house. The buildings are owned either by the university, an alumni group, or a national organization. Funding for the operations of these buildings comes from student rents. In most cases the rent is billed through the university Bursar system. 

Chapter houses are expensive to maintain and operate. All members benefit from having a chapter house, therefore, all members must contribute to their buildings operating budget. Nearly all chapters have a minimum requirement to live in their chapter house for at least a semester or two. In addition, there are parlor fees, or living out fees. 

Room and board fees vary and are in general less than the fees for living in residence halls or off campus. For more information visit Fraternity & Sorority Life. 

Cornell Housing & Residential Life 

Cornell's living and learning communities are places where scholars live, learn, and grow together. You'll find a whole world of intellectual opportunities, exciting adventures, and lasting friendships at Cornell. And where you choose to live is an integral part of that experience. 

Our friendly and supportive residences are home to Cornellians from all over the world, and from every walk of life. Each community offers support and convenience, plus plenty of opportunities for personal growth, cultural exploration, and interaction with peers and faculty members. Use the links on this page to learn more about your options. Note that living on campus is not mandatory. 

Why live on campus? 

Sober Living 

The Sober Housing Initiative was formed by students, for students, who arrive or are returning to Cornell after experiencing problems with substance abuse, have been in treatment, and are committed to living sober lives. This spacious 10 bedroom house, located in a beautiful North Campus neighborhood, will be a home for students who self-identify as being in recovery from alcoholism and other addictions and would like to live with others who can relate, be supportive, and enjoy college without the hassle of needing to explain or defend the choice of a sober lifestyle. Learn more or to apply at Cornell Sober Housing or contact us at sober@cornell.edu.

Maplewood Park Apartments 

Maplewood Apartments is a new community that opened in 2019 available to Cornell graduate and professional students, built in collaboration with Greystar, a developer that specializes in creating and managing great residential communities. Located close to both campus and grocery/dining options, Maplewood Apartments makes graduate living fit your lifestyle. Their fully furnished studio to four-bedroom apartments and townhouses come with all utilities included, Tempur-Pedic mattresses, personal bathrooms for every resident, and a private washer & dryer in each apartment. They’re also pet friendly, have regularly scheduled community programs, and a free fitness center onsite! 

Learn more at:  LiveMaplewoodApartments.com