Residence Hall Configurations

Cornell University has a wide variety of residence halls in its housing portfolio, but in general, the buildings fall into one of three types of room configurations: Corridor-style, Suite-style, and Apartment-style. Below you will find a descriptions of each style as well as the building that it applies to.

If you would like to learn more about furniture for these rooms, please review our list of included furniture and their corresponding dimensions.

Corridor-Style

Bedrooms are directly off a hallway. There are communal bathrooms that are shared by a varying number of residents of the area. Privacy option bathrooms are available in some of the corridor-style buildings.

Residences that feature a corridor-style configuration include:

• North Campus: Akwe:kon, Balch Hall, Barbara McClintock Hall, Clara Dickson Hall, Court-Kay-Bauer Halls, High Rise #5, Hu Shih Hall, Jameson Hall, Loving House, Low Rises #6-10, Holland International Living Center (HILC), Just About Music (JAM), Mary Donlon Hall, Mews Hall, Multicultural Living Learning Unit (McLLU), Risley Residential College, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall, and Ujamaa Residential College. Note that Ecology House is also corridor-style but features private bathrooms in each room.
• South Campus: Cascadilla Hall, 112 Edgemoor, Schuyler House, Sheldon Court, 109 McGraw, 104 Mary Ann Wood, Equity and Engagement Community, 2 Forest Park Lane, and Veterans House.
• West Campus: Bethe – Main, Bethe – McFaddin Hall, Cook – Main, Cook – North Baker, Cook – Baker Tower, Cook – Boldt Hall, Cook – Boldt Tower, Rose – Main, Rose – Founders Hall, Rose – Lyon Hall, Rose – Mennen Hall, Rose – South Baker, Keeton – Main, 1 Forest Park Lane.
• Note: West Campus Main buildings are a mix of suite- and corridor-style.

Note: The sample floorplan above is a representation of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall.

Bathroom Configurations 

Bathroom setups vary by residence hall, but within corridor-style configurations, most fall into one of two common styles. Some residential areas, including the West Campus House System, may feature a combination of both. All bathrooms are stocked and cleaned by Cornell University Building Care staff. 

Shared Bathroom with Private Shower and Toilet Rooms 

This configuration includes a shared sink and vanity area connected to separate shower and toilet rooms, each with its own locking door. 

Students can choose the level of privacy that best meets their needs. The main bathroom door may be locked for exclusive use of the entire bathroom area or left unlocked, so multiple students can use different areas simultaneously. Shower and toilet rooms are enclosed and lockable for privacy. 

In mixed-gender residence halls, students work with together with residence hall staff to determine whether these bathrooms will be designated as all-female, all-male, or remain ungendered spaces. 

Traditional Single-Gender Community Bathroom 

These bathrooms are designated for one gender and when shared by a floor or corridor, are intended for multiple users at a time.  

Most include multiple sinks, toilet stalls, and shower stalls. Each toilet stall is enclosed with a lockable door, and shower stalls are enclosed with either a door or curtain to provide privacy, while shared sink and vanity areas support daily routines. 

In some smaller residence halls, where single-gender community bathrooms are not possible, a single-user bathroom is available and may include a sink, toilet, and shower within one private room secured by a lockable door. 

Note: Specific bathroom configurations by building will be available on each individual residential community page soon.

Suite-Style

Lockable door off the hallway that leads to a grouping of individual bedrooms, common space, and a bathroom that are private to the individuals who live in the suite. 

Residences that feature a suite-style configuration include:

• North Campus: Ganedago Hall, Toni Morrison Hall, Language House, Latino Living Center
• West Campus: Bethe – Main, Cook – Main, Rose – Main, Keeton – Main
• Note: West Campus Main buildings are a mix of suite- and corridor-style.

Note: The sample floorplan above is a representation of Toni Morrison Hall.

Apartment Style

Bedrooms are located in units that include a bathroom, common space, and either a kitchen or kitchenette. 

Residences that features a apartment-style configuration include:

• North Campus: Townhouse Apartments
• South Campus: 301 College Avenue