I applied for housing. When will I get my housing assignment?
First-year students begin receiving their housing assignments in late June. All first-year students who meet the May 1 housing application deadline are guaranteed on-campus housing. Those who apply for housing after the May 1 deadline receive their assignments later in July or in early August based on availability.
Transfer students receive their housing assignments in mid- to late July. All transfer students are guaranteed housing as long as they submit their housing applications by July 1. Those who submit applications after the deadline date are offered housing based upon availability.
Once you receive your housing assignment and signed your housing contract online, you will be mailed a “Your Housing Assignment” packet containing important information about where you will be living, when to arrive, and what you need to know before coming to Cornell.
How are housing assignments made?
We have an automated process called Auto Assign. If we received your housing application by the May 1 deadline (July 1 for transfer students), Auto Assign will assign you to the room type you requested, based upon availability. Please be aware that we have a limited number of certain types of rooms, and you may not get your first choice. Those who apply after the deadline will be assigned to the remaining available spaces on a first-date-received basis.
Once Assigned
May I change my room assignment after I receive my contract?
We encourage students to give their current room assignment a chance. If you still want to request a room change once you get to campus, you will need to see your Residence Hall Director to complete a room change request form. Room change request forms can be completed beginning Friday, August 22 for first-year and transfer students. Please keep in mind that a room change may not be possible for several weeks into the semester since we must first complete a room census to determine vacancies.
If you feel your request for a room change cannot wait until then, we may inquire about whether we have any additional spaces available by contacting the Housing Office at housing@cornell.edu or 607-255-5368.
Is there a charge to change rooms?
Yes, there is a $100 room change fee for any changes that occur after August 22.
I was assigned to a single room, but I requested a double. Do I have to pay the higher rate?
Yes, but you may apply for a room change and note that issue on the room change form. If you receive Financial Aid, you should contact your counselor to see if any adjustments can be made.
I was assigned to a Program House but did not ask for it. May I get a new housing assignment?
You may apply for a room change and note that issue on the room change form. We will only be able to make you a room change offer if we have other spaces available. Make sure you specify that you did not originally request to live in a Program House.
Preparing for Move In
When may I move in?
First-year and transfer students should plan to move in to their residence hall on Friday, August 22, 2008. Due to the large number of students checking in to North Campus and West Campus residence halls on that day, students assigned to those communities are given a move-in time based on the first letter of their last name:
A-G 11:00am-2:00pm
H-O 2:00pm-5:00pm
P-Z 8:00am-11:00am
(Transfer students assigned to Collegetown residences may move in any time between 8:00am and 5:00pm.)
In order to facilitate a smooth move-in experience for everyone, students who arrive early will not be able to check in before their assigned move-in time. If you cannot check in during your move-in time, please contact the Housing Office ahead of time at housing@cornell.edu.
Are there any vehicle length limitations for move-in?
Yes, in order to keep traffic congestion to a minimum, families may bring one vehicle onto campus on move-in day. Vehicles over 14 feet in length will not be permitted on campus EXCEPT SUVs, pick-up trucks, or standard vans/minivans. If you wish to use a U-Haul or any other oversize vehicle, you may move your belongings into your residence hall on Saturday, August 23. Please make sure that the unloading Permit you receive with your housing assignment mailing is clearly displayed on your dashboard at all times.
What will my room include?
Your room will have a twin bed, desk, desk chair, desk lamp, bureau, and wastebasket for each occupant. These must not be removed from the room. The furniture provided meets most students' needs, and it is best not to duplicate those items or bring large furniture. The windows have drapes, shades, or blinds. Your service center can give you more information on furnishings and measurements.
What additional items should I bring for my room?
It's a good idea to check with your roommate(s) before the academic year begins so you don't duplicate items, but some general suggestions include: sheets and bedding that fit an extra-long twin bed, a pillow, towels, a container to hold/carry toiletries, storage crates, clothes hangers, a sewing kit, office supplies, envelopes, a UL-approved outlet strip with breaker switch (extension cords are prohibited), an alarm clock, your computer, a stereo (or speakers for your iPod), a fan, a floor lamp. Thermostatically controlled appliances are allowed (i.e., popcorn poppers, coffee pots, automatic toasters) but must be operated in your residence hall kitchen.
What size linens and bedding will fit my bed?
Residence hall mattresses are 8" thick by 36" wide by 80" long -- that's extra long -- and regular twin size sheets will not fit. You may purchase extra-long twin sheets at your regular shopping center, or you can take advantage of Cornell’s optional linen purchase plan. More information about the linen plan will be available in the "Your Housing Assignment" packet that you will receive, but in the meantime visit www.rhl.org/cor for more information.
Can I have a refrigerator in my room?
Many students find it convenient to have a small refrigerator in their rooms. You may either bring your own (assuming it does not draw more than 3 amps [300 watts] to start and 1.5 amps while running) or Campus Life can help you rent one. Information about refrigerator rental is included with the “Your Housing Assignment” mailing. You may also order a refrigerator by visiting www.campusspec.com or by calling 1-800-525-7307.
Is there anything I should NOT bring with me?
Yes, as a matter of safety there are a few items that you are NOT allowed to have in your room: extension cords, "spider" lamps, any lamp (particularly a halogen lamp) that requires a bulb greater than 150 watts, appliances not controlled by thermostats, candles, incense burners, microwave ovens, cinder blocks. Additionally, weapons and firearms must be registered and kept with Cornell University Police and may not be kept in residence halls.
Are telephone/cable TV services available in all rooms?
Each room is equipped with a telephone. Your telephone number is listed on your housing contract. When you arrive, you will be given a PIN that you can use to make billable phone calls. For more information, see www.cit.cornell.edu/resphone.
Cornell's cable television service is called DirecTV (which this year replaces CUTV), offered and supported directly by Campus Televideo and DirecTV. This IP-based entertainment television service is available in all university residence halls, and offers options for more than 200 channels, depending on which package you purchase. Customers must also purchase a Set Top Box for a one-time charge of $100. For more information and instructions on how to subscribe, see www.cit.cornell.edu/services/cutv.
Where can I ship personal belongings prior to arrival?
Please time the shipping of all items - which should be clearly marked with your name and mailing address - so that they arrive after you move into your room. The address is the same as your mailing address (which is included on your housing contract) and you may pick up your items at your service center. Alternatively, you may use Cornell’s Big Red Shipping & Storage service. Find out more here.
Can I loft my bed?
Yes. Bed lofting kits will be available on move-in day if you bring your own tools (specifically, a socket set). The better option, though, is to put in a service request before arriving on campus so your bed will already be lofted when you move in. Once you receive your Cornell email address over the summer, you may submit a service request online. If you want to loft your bed later in the semester, you may submit a service request any time.
Should I bring my bicycle?
Definitely. Cornell is a big place and having a bicycle makes it a lot easier to get around. Most buildings on campus have designated bicycle racks or storage areas. All Cornellians must register and license their bicycles (free of charge) with Transportation Services. Make sure to bring a sturdy lock as well.
How about my car?
We highly recommend that new students leave their cars at home. Traffic and parking are very restricted on campus, and it is likely that first-year and transfer students will be assigned peripheral parking far from their residence halls. Most students walk or take public transit. If you do plan to bring a car, you must register ahead of time with Transportation Services and pay a parking fee.
After Move In
Am I allowed to drive nails into the walls of my room?
No, you may only use tape or other light adhesives. Keep in mind that you can be billed for any damage to the room beyond normal wear and tear. You can purchase approved tape products at the Campus Store.
Can I have furniture removed from my room?
No, all furniture in your room must stay in the room.
Can I store my empty boxes?
There is no storage space available in the residence halls for empty boxes, suitcases, trunks, and/or your personal belongings, except the space available in your room. Please be prepared to either take your empty boxes home or to recycle them.
Are residence halls open during holiday breaks? May I keep my belongings in my room during winter break?
Residence halls are closed during the winter recess period, but are open during all other holiday breaks. You may keep your belongings in your room during winter break, but you will have no access to your residence hall and room from the last day of the fall semester until the first day of the spring semester. You are required to unplug all electric equipment before leaving for winter break.
Is there any housing available during winter break?
Yes, but it is extremely limited, and is generally reserved for international students who cannot travel home over the break. Information will be posted during the fall semester about winter break housing. Keep in mind that winter break housing is usually in one building, in a lounge area, and may cost extra. You will not be able to stay in your regular room.
Is smoking allowed in the residence halls?
No. There is no smoking in the residence halls or in any campus buildings. This is university policy as well as New York State law.
When does my meal plan start?
You may sign up for a meal plan beginning April 1 by visiting Cornell Dining’s website.
If you sign up for a meal plan before arriving on campus, your meal plan will be active starting for lunch on move-in day (Friday, August 22, 2008). Students who have not yet signed up for a meal plan (and their guests) may eat in the dining halls by paying with cash or credit card.
How does the laundry system work?
All students’ ID cards are automatically set up for a laundry plan for use in any Cornell laundry facility. You may add laundry funds to your student ID card beginning July 15 by visiting card.campuslife.cornell.edu. It is recommended that you start with $25 a semester. (If you add money to your laundry account before arriving on campus, your laundry funds will already be on your student ID card when you receive it.)
Questions?
If you have other questions, please contact the Housing Office, 206 Robert Purcell Community Center, at housing@cornell.edu or (607) 255-5368.