Prepare is our preorientation program for degree-seeking international first-year and transfer undergraduates. It gives you an early start on your Cornell experience by introducing you to important resources for international students and helping you make friends from around the world—all before Cornell's new student orientation. We're happy to talk with you about any questions or concerns before or during Prepare.
Past participants have called Prepare a foundational part of their experience as new Cornell students. It helped them to transition to life in the U.S. and at Cornell, and it gave them a base of friendship that continued through their Cornell career. This year, we expect to welcome over 200 students!
Time to Adjust
Cornell New Student Orientation takes place just before classes begin. Prepare gives you a chance to move in early and learn more about life as a college student in the U.S. before plunging into other orientation activities and academic tasks. You’ll learn about the U.S. academic system, Cornell's student life and campus opportunities for the international community. Prepare gives you a chance to ask questions and discuss issues with staff from across the university.
Meet Upper-Level International Students
Prepare mentors will serve as your guides to life as an international student at Cornell. You will meet with your mentor virtually in a small group of fellow international students before arriving to campus and daily during Prepare 2025.
Prepare Participant Testimonials
"Prepare was an amazing opportunity that helped me adjust and adapt to college life in the United States. Being surrounded by other international students, who were feeling the same emotions I was, made me feel confident about college. The Prepare organizers and mentors did a great job to ensure our transition to Cornell was as smooth as possible. It was a great start to college; I am glad I was a part of Prepare."
"I appreciated Prepare a lot because it gave me the chance to get to know the school earlier and have more time to plan for classes before the rush of orientation week and classes started. Prepare also allowed me to get to know people from other countries apart from my own, so I wouldn't just be a loner all the time."
Prepare 2025 Logistics
Prepare Check-in and Move-in
Prepare participants living on campus for Fall 2025 should plan to check-in for Prepare and move into their assigned room for the year between 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Friday, August 15. Prepare participants (living on or off campus) will not be allowed to move into their residence hall before that time. We cannot accommodate early arrivals. There are no exceptions. Students who arrive before check-in on Friday, August 15, may wait inside the Robert Purcell Community Center.
Students living off campus for Fall 2025 will also check-in to Prepare between 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Friday, August 15.
Dorm Bedding
When new students move in to their on-campus living, rooms will not have bedding or towels. Prepare will take participants shopping for dorm essentials on Saturday, August 16 at a local mall. For participants who wish to have bedding and towels for the first night, a "dorm bundle" can be pre-purchased and shipped to the Robert Purcell Community Center (RPCC) mail room, address below:
Your Name, NETID 107 Robert Purcell [Your Room Number, Building] Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853
The Prepare registration fee covers all meals, beginning with Friday dinner and ending with Sunday dinner.
Transportation
You are expected to arrange your own transportation to Cornell’s Ithaca campus in time for move-in and check-in. The International Student Union (ISU) Survival Guide has tips on how to get to campus from nearby airports (including JFK). All Prepare programming is within walking distance of student dorms.
Fees and Cancellation
Prepare participants will be billed $220, which will appear on their July bursar bill with payment due August 6. If you receive Cornell financial aid, the cost of the Prepare registration fee will be added to your aid package. Note for financially aided students: You may not see the adjustment for the Prepare charges in your financial aid package immediately. There may be a delay between the time Financial Aid will be able to adjust your aid package and when any adjustments may be posted to your CU Bursar account. If you do not see an adjustment to your account by the September billing, then you should reach out to the Financial Aid Office and speak with an advisor. We thank you in advance for your patience!
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation up to or on July 24: full registration fee refund
Cancellation between July 25-August 4: $100 cancellation fee
Cancellation after August 4: no refunds
How to Cancel:
When you register for Prepare via Campus Groups, you are automatically registered for the Virtual Pre-Orientation Session AND Prepare 2025. To cancel your registration for Prepare, you must change your RSVP to 'no' for both the virtual and in-person sessions and email us at prepare@globallearning.cornell.edu.
Accessibility Accommodations
Cornell is committed to providing universal access to all events. Please let us know on the registration form of any accommodations you require in order to participate fully in Prepare. For additional information about student accommodations reach out to Student Disability Services.
Family
If family is accompanying you to Ithaca, please be sure that they make their own lodging arrangements at a hotel, as the Prepare program is unable to accommodate non-participants. Hotels fill up quickly in Ithaca over the summer, so it is best to book your lodging as soon as possible.
What is the difference between Prepare and Cornell New Student Orientation?
Prepare is a pre-orientation program specifically for incoming international undergraduate students. New Student Orientation is for the entire Cornell Class of 2029, which follows Prepare.
Can I attend Prepare if I’m a graduate student?
Prepare is for undergraduates only. If you are an international graduate or professional student, you can attend International Graduate and Professional Student Orientation. In addition, be sure to check with the Graduate School and your field of study to see what other programs you can attend.
Can I attend Prepare if I'm an international exchange student?
Prepare is for undergraduate, degree seeking students only. If you are an international exchange student you can attend the International Exchange Student Orientation. This will be organized by your Cornell exchange coordinator.
Can I attend Prepare if I’m an international transfer student?
Yes! Prepare is open to all new international first-year and transfer students.
Can I attend Prepare if I’m an American who has been living abroad?
American students who have been living abroad and would like extra time to adjust to life in the United States are welcome to attend Prepare.
Where will I stay during Prepare?
If you are living in campus housing for fall 2025, you will receive your room assignment from Cornell Housing before the start of Prepare and will be able to check in and move into your room any time between 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, August 15.
