Living in Iowa

As you think about joining us on the Hilltop at Cornell College, you will be moving to a climate that experiences four seasons per year with temperatures that range from below freezing in late winter to quite hot and humid during the height of summer. Humidity is high in Iowa, which means we often experience rain, fog, snow storms, and ice storms or hail. It also means that our state is very green and vibrant, and you will find many options for hiking, walking, bike riding, and even snow sledding in the winter around campus and the local area.

Dressing for the weather

While campus buildings are climate controlled, you will need to walk from building to building during all sorts of weather conditions and if you are active outside you will want clothing appropriate for the seasons.

Special clothing for spring and fall:

• Waterproof shoes or boots
• A lightweight jacket
• A raincoat and/or umbrella
• A hat for sun protection

Special clothing for winter

• A very warm winter coat
• Insulated boots
• Hat, gloves, and scarf
• Warm socks or slippers for indoor use
• Insulated trousers if you intend to spend a lot of time outdoors

Special clothing for summer if you will be staying in Iowa over break

• Lightweight sweat-wicking clothing
• Shorts or sleeveless shirts
• Sandals or breathable shoes
• A hat and sunglasses for sun protection

Safety

Mount Vernon is a small, semi-rural town with police, fire, and emergency services located within close proximity to the college. Cornell and the police department have a very close and positive working relationship and members of the student body work as volunteers for the fire department and act as emergency service technicians (EMTs) for the ambulance service.

Mount Vernon does not have a hospital, but is close to multiple regional medical centers in Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Iowa City in case of emergency.

Campus Safety is our on-campus security team that patrols campus 24/7, manages campus building access, response to emergencies, and also offers safety training to students, faculty, and staff.

Exploring Mount Vernon

Most businesses in Mount Vernon are walkable from campus so you will be able to enjoy:

You will also find the opportunity for outdoor recreation slightly farther from campus at multiple nature trails and preserves in the area and Palisades-Kepler State Park just outside of town.

25 Things that Make Mount Vernon Cool

Questions?

Please contact us at +1 800.747.1112 or email international@cornellcollege.edu. We answer phones from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Central Time for the United States (often labeled as Chicago in time conversion apps) unless other arrangements are made.