What To Expect at NSO
Begin your Cornell journey with New Student Orientation (NSO), designed to ease your transition to college life. During orientation, you'll connect with fellow students, meet academic advisors, explore campus resources, and immerse yourself in Cornell traditions—all while discovering what makes our Big Red community so special. This guide outlines everything you can expect as you begin your journey on the Hill.
New Student Convocation
An annual Cornell tradition, New Student Convocation officially welcomes all new students to the university community. This program features remarks from various university leaders, followed by a celebration with food and music. Family members are welcome!
Small Group Meetings
Join your Orientation Leader (OL) for Small Group Meetings! These gatherings offer the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow new students, share experiences, and ask questions in a relaxed and supportive environment. Facilitated by trained peer leaders, these sessions are designed to break the ice, foster camaraderie, and provide valuable insights as you embark on your exciting journey at Cornell.
More information (including an introduction to your OL and location of your meeting) will be sent to your Cornell email mid-August.
Residential Community Meetings
You will connect with members of your residential community and receive important information about your hall, being an on-campus resident, and starting classes. You will receive more information from your resident advisor (RA)/residence hall director (RHD) or undergraduate resident fellows (URFs) about your specific meeting time.
Cornell’s Caring Community
As a new member of Cornell’s caring community, it is important for you to learn about the intellectual and social communities that are a part of life at Cornell. In this session, you will hear from students, staff, and faculty members about their own introductions to college life and discover numerous ways to develop life at Cornell, support your health and well-being, socialize, build resilience, deal with setbacks, and take advantage of Cornell’s many campus resources. You will learn about the standards and expectations of being a Cornell student and a member of our community, as well as the resources to support you in navigating life events and crisis situations that might impact your time here. You will hear from the Skorton Center for Health Initiatives, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS), and Student Support and Advocacy Services. All incoming students must attend one of these in-person sessions.
College Programming
Students will be welcomed to their respective colleges to connect with peers, meet faculty and staff, and learn about various academic offerings, resources, and opportunities.
Touchdown’s Tour
Meet the humans behind campus support services and resources for a day of fun activities and connection. Be on the lookout for special giveaways and prizes!
Big Red Welcome Fest
Welcome to Cornell! New students and families are welcome to stop by Ho Plaza to get to know the various offices and resources across campus.
Evening Social Events
These social events give new students the opportunity to bond with peers, create new friendships, and have some fun! Evening events range in theme and offer free food, giveaways, and activities. All you need for entry is your Cornell ID! These events are open only to new Cornell undergraduate students.
Transfer Mixer
Welcome to Cornell, transfer students! We are so happy to have you, and we invite you to join us for a mixer featuring light refreshments and a space to connect with other transfer students in the beautiful Willard Straight Memorial Room.