Room and Board at Cornell

Hi guys! I've been recently accepted into Cornell University and I'm curious about the room and board situation there. Can someone give me an idea of the housing options and the overall cost of room and board? Are there any additional costs I need to account for when living on campus?

Congratulations on your acceptance to Cornell University! Living on campus is an essential part of the college experience, and Cornell offers several housing options for incoming freshmen. Typically, first-year students are housed in one of the five residential communities: North Campus, South Campus, West Campus, Collegetown, or the townhouses. North Campus is where most freshmen live, and it includes residence halls like Balch, Clara Dickson, Court-Kay-Bauer, Low Rises 6 and 7, High Rises 1 and 5, and Mary Donlon Hall.

The cost of room and board can vary depending on the type of housing and meal plan you choose. Generally speaking, though, for the 2024-2025 academic year, the estimated cost of room and board is around $20,000 per year. Additional expenses like textbooks, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses are not included in this estimate, so you'll want to budget for those separately.

As for any additional costs to account for when living on campus, some residence halls might charge a program fee for events and activities, but it's usually a small amount. You'll also want to consider laundry costs, as some residences may have coin-operated or card-based laundry facilities.

It's essential to explore different housing options, keep an eye on housing application deadlines, and remember that these costs are just estimates and may change slightly from year to year. If you have concerns about affordability, make sure to explore potential scholarships and financial aid options to make your college experience more accessible. Cornell's financial aid office is always there to help you with any questions you have.

Finally, do note that many Cornell students live in off-campus apartments as early as their sophomore year. So, for your future budgeting you may want to consider the cost of rent, groceries, parking, and so on, rather than Cornell's institutional room and board rates.

Overall, living on campus at Cornell will be an exciting and enriching part of your college life, as you'll have the opportunity to engage with fellow students, participate in events, and make lasting memories. Have a wonderful time at Cornell!