Cornell University's campus overlooks Cayuga Lake from East Hill, with McGraw Tower's Cornell Chimes - the first chimes on any American college campus - ringing daily, while all first-year students live together on North Campus in halls including Clara Dickson, Balch, and Mary Donlon.
Enrollment
26,793
Total Students
Freshman Class
4,032
Approx.
Move-In Dates
Aug 17, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
8%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
New students check in on campus this year - a change from the off-campus check-in used in previous years. It's a Cornell tradition for athletes already on campus to help first-year students move into their residence halls. New students are assigned to a group called a Flock, led by a current-student Flock Leader, to help guide the transition. Parking is limited to a three-hour window per vehicle during move-in, strictly enforced regardless of remaining unpacking tasks. Select a Move-In timeslot in the Housing and Dining Portal ahead of time - your reserved timeslot is for arrival and check-in only, not unloading. Print your Move-In Ticket, available in the portal after Aug. 1, and have it ready to scan upon arrival.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time - your exact move-in date is shown above in the Overview.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- For Monday, Aug. 17, arrival between 8 a.m.-8 p.m.: proceed to A-Lot to queue, then you'll be directed to your building's designated unloading zone.
- Check-in location
- Proceed to your building check-in location (after unloading) to receive your keys, student ID, and other move-in materials.
- Parking
- After your vehicle is unloaded, follow directions to your 3-hour short-term parking - the designated area is listed on your printable Move-In Ticket in the Housing and Dining Portal after Aug. 1.
- What you'll receive
- Your keys, student ID, and other move-in materials at your building check-in location, after you sign out a bin and unload your vehicle at your designated unloading zone.
- Vehicle restrictions
- Clara Dickson Hall and Toni Morrison Hall residents use the Dickson Hall loading dock and parking lot unloading spaces; Mary Donlon Hall residents use the Robert Purcell Community Center parking spaces.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned move-in window - arriving early may mean waiting until your time slot.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck - campus carts can run out quickly during busy move-in periods.
- Have a parking backup plan - spaces near residence halls can fill up quickly, so know where you can unload if your preferred area is full.
- Watch the loading-zone time limit - many campuses require you to move your vehicle to longer-term parking after unloading.
Housing & Dorms
Clara Dickson Hall
Traditional · Coed
Balch Hall
Traditional · Single-sex
- Photo coming soon
Mary Donlon Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to Cornell University's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
Orientation
New Student Orientation (NSO, required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 18 - August 23, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$19,800
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
- Walgreens1.2 miles
- CVS Pharmacy1.4 miles
- Wegmans1.5 miles
- Walmart1.9 miles
- Target2.6 miles
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at Cornell University.
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