Internal transfer is possible, but not guaranteed. A student’s ability to transfer to another Cornell college or school is based on several factors, including fit, requirements, eligibility criteria, and space in the college/school you'd like to transfer to. The earliest the internal transfer application is available to first-year students is March 1 for mid-June notification, following your first year of study.
CUontheHill is Cornell’s private admitted student community. Admitted students to the incoming class will receive an invitation to join the network after being offered admission to Cornell. On CUontheHill, students can connect with current Cornellians and staff.
As an enrolling student, you will not rank residence halls by preference, but you will specify whether you want to live in a program house or residence hall and indicate room type preferences. Housing staff will assign the residence hall taking into consideration the preferences you indicate.
Newly admitted students may not change the college or school to which they were admitted before arriving in the fall. Students will need to complete at least two semesters in the college or school to which they are admitted to fully explore options. There are often multiple ways to pursue your academic interests and goals at Cornell.
Most students, regardless of where they go to school, will experience some adjustment challenges. It is normal to feel somewhat homesick as you get settled in a new place and build your community. It is also natural for students to go through an adjustment period as they work through new academic rigors. Cornell encourages help-seeking behavior beginning with Orientation in August, helping to educate students about the many academic and residential resources available to them.
All new undergraduate students at Cornell participate in an orientation program before classes begin. Students will have the opportunity to explore the university, learn about academics and the intellectual community, and meet lots of their fellow Cornellians! Please visit the New Student Orientation page for more information.
At this time, we are not able to offer an opportunity to meet with professors individually. We encourage new students to connect with their college community through CUontheHill.
NetIDs are issued by IT@Cornell to newly admitted enrolling students starting in early April. You will receive information and instructions via email on how to activate your NetID.
After you submit your enrollment deposit and receive your Cornell NetID, you can sign up for housing through the Housing Portal. The deadline is Thursday, May 15, 2026. More information will be coming from our Housing Office, so please be sure to check your email. Housing is guaranteed for first-year students.
In addition to virtual events, Cornell Days is a one-day visit program in Ithaca, NY, with consistent programming options across the three dates offered. Newly admitted first-year students and families are invited to campus to connect with their college or school, tour campus, and enjoy a meal in one of our many Cornell Dining eateries.
