Residence Life Questions
Common questions we get about residence life
Which residence hall is the best?
Each hall offers a unique style and location and so different halls are best for different folks. Many students choose their hall based on 2 factors: distance from buildings of interest or where their friends will be. While second years and up heavily consider the second point, first years should use the first point as their main decision factor. Do you want to be closer to classes when the snow hits? Do you always want to be near the dining hall and Thomas Commons? Is being close to the sports center or the soccer fields your top concern? They will find that the friends they make will be all across campus their first year so it is hard to pick a building based on that. That will be a larger factor in year two.
Does co-ed floor mean my student will cohabitate with another gender?
No, co-ed floor means that down the hall from your student there may be a roommate pair of a different gender. But unless we've worked together on a special exception, it is not our policy to house different gendered students together.
Can my student bring a bike?
Yes, each hall has a nearby bike rack or covered bike storage area. Campus also offers rentable bicycles and has a staffed bicycle shop that opens during the warmer months offering free services for students.
What if my student begins arguing with their roommate?
Please encourage your student to contact their floor's Resident Assistant (RA) at the first sign of frustration. Often frustrations start small and students will bottle them up or write them off in hopes that their roommate will change. This rarely goes the way they planned and instead it is best to share their frustrations with their floor RA and receive advice on how to address it. It is also possible to request a list of other students who need a roommate, depending on availability, should they wish to make a location change.
If my student has a specific need, how can I request it from the school?
Our office of Disability Services assesses accommodation requests and issues the appropriate modifications to their academic, extra-curricular, and housing situations. Please contact the Coordinator of Disability Services.
Still have questions?
You can reach staff from the residence life office at res_life@cornellcollege.edu or call 319.895.4113 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.