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Cornell University

Housing & Residential Life

On-Campus Housing

Welcome to Cornell's living and learning communities – places where scholars live, learn, and grow together. 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.

Cornell has a 2-year residential requirement for our first-year and second-year students, including a required meal plan. Cornell implemented this requirement for all first-year students who began enrollment in the Summer of 2021 and beyond. Students transferring to Cornell who had two years of an on-campus residential experience at their previous institution, or who are matriculating as a junior or senior, will not be subject to the residency requirement.
 
Studies indicate that students who live on-campus experience increased academic achievement, improved social-emotional adjustment, and develop a stronger ability to build cohesive community versus those who live off-campus during this transformative time in personal development. During this time, students also maintain a meal plan while living on-campus to ensure they have access to proper nutrition to sustain overall well-being, and to safeguard against food insecurity, which has increased for students at colleges across the country. The programmatic model of Cornell’s residence halls creates a place where staff and community are invested in the safety, security, and growth of residents at this crucial developmental point in their lives.

Why live on campus?

  • Safe, friendly communities, with a built-in network of peers 
  • Close to academic buildings, Cornell Dining's 30+ world-class eateries, and all that campus has to offer 
  • Full-time professional staff support, and plenty of opportunities for interaction with faculty members 
  • Regular social and educational programs, activities, and events
  • Hassle-free Bursar billing, with heat, electricity, garbage pickup, and Internet service included (learn more) 

Learn more about communities for: 

Short-term housing options: 

Off-campus housing resources: 
Those who want to live off campus can choose among fraternities and sororities, or rental apartments or houses near campus.  The Office of Off-Campus Living provides information and referral services such as rental listings and a New York State Tenants Right Guide with the goal of helping students and staff make informed housing decisions. 

Housing & Residential Life Pillars

Belonging at Cornell

Housing & Residential Life will foster an environment conducive to developing and maintaining social connections that offer acceptance, inclusion, and identity.

Social Responsibility

Students will be challenged to examine and understand the impact of their decisions and actions in order to create environments that encourage one’s own ethical decision-making and defining of personal values and responsibility to the community and physical space.

Academic Empowerment

Students will have an understanding of how to access and use campus resources. Connecting to faculty/staff that will support and guide in their academic journey.   

Culture of Care

Students will be able to support others and understand the unique experiences of community members by cultivating, building, and sustaining empathy within our Cornell communities.

Navigating Transitions

Housing & Residential Life will provide assistance and collaborate with students as they evolve through their Cornell journey, toward who they will become and prepare to do the greatest good.