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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

Orientation

Close up photo of sudents walking during Orientation at Cornell

Welcome to Cornell! Orientation offers both required and optional events designed to introduce you to life at Cornell and to the fellow students, staff, and faculty who will help you make the most of your time here. You'll learn about campus resources that support your academic and career goals, interests, and well-being; ways to engage on campus; and a whole lot more about life on the Hill. This introduction to life at Cornell is only the beginning of what we hope will be a continued exploration of the many opportunities Cornell offers.

Cornell is committed to offering resources and support for families of new students; please check back in early May for more information on our family orientation program.

How Does Orientation Work?

You will build a personal orientation program that will consist of:

  • Required college programs
  • Required university programs: Community at Cornell; Orientation Leader meetings; Cornell's Caring Community
  • Optional activities: All of the optional college and university programs that you wish to explore. This includes fun events created by the Orientation Student Lead Team designed to help you meet other students. 

Orientation Leaders (OLs) are student mentors who meet with small new student groups during Orientation to share the student perspective on life at Cornell. They are here for you; don't hesitate to ask them questions.

As you plan your orientation program, you may find you can't do everything you would like. Make a note of what you hope to explore, and remember that you'll have time to continue learning about Cornell after Orientation ends.