Hello, I’m an exchange student from Warwick University in England hoping to start studying at the ILR School in August. I’m a bit lost regarding the housing options available; there are so many! Can any current students give general advice, or descriptions of each accommodation? I think I would prefer really sociable halls (don’t mind being with first years), and a central location would be quite good, but I am not too bothered about having luxury facilities etc. Any recommendations?
No dorms are centrally located. They are all more or less on the perimeter of where classes are held. North Campus is all freshmen, so you probably wouldn’t like it there and probably would not be placed there anyway. Look at the West Campus Houses. I think one of those would be your best bet as an exchange student. As long as you don’t mind walking up a steep hill to get to class. Although it IS the closest to Ives Hall, where ILR classes are held.
http://westcampushousesystem.cornell.edu
Definitely live on West campus if at all possible, they’re super nice compared to everywhere else and have dining halls located in the dorm (no walking outside in the cold to get food). Otherwise I’d say try and live in Cascadilla or Sheldon Court, as they’re in Collegetown (“off-campus”) which is a nice area with some restaurants, bars, etc.