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Prepare 2023 Schedule

Get ready for Prepare 2023!

Note that the schedule is tentative at this time and subject to change. Please check back regularly for updates. These activities, including the listed move-in, are only available to registered Prepare participants.

Ithaca is in the Eastern time zone (world clock converter). All times are in ET.

Virtual Days

 

Monday, July 24

  • 8:00 - 8:10 a.m. Welcome, staff and mentor introductions
  • 8:10 - 8:30 a.m. Review Prepare virtual and in-person schedule 
  • 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. UNESCO community-building activity 
  • 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. Conversation with your mentor group 

Tuesday, July 25 

  • 8:00 - 8:40 a.m. International Student Union student organization: Packing, weather, purchasing dorm essentials, phone plans, and banking suggestions 
  • 8:40 - 9:10 a.m. Immigration regulations overview 
  • 9:10 - 9:30 a.m. Cornell Police: Campus safety and security
  • 9:30 - 9:50 a.m. Cornell Health: Health and wellness
  • 9:50 - 10:00 a.m. Conversation with your mentor group 

Campus Days

Sunday, August 13

Breakfast and lunch at location of your choice (Cornell Dining locations and hours). 

  • 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Participant move-in (at your own pace during this time). Prepare check-in 2nd floor of Robert Purcell Community Center.
  • 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Dinner at Hans Bethe Dining Room
  • 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Mentor-led team building activity at Flora Rose Dining Room

Monday, August 14

  • 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. Breakfast at Hans Bethe Dining Room
  • 8:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Bus trip to Ithaca Mall to purchase dorm essentials 
  • 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Lunch and conversation with your mentor group at Hans Bethe Dining Room
  • 1:00 - 1:40 p.m. Career Services: Career resources in the Klarman G70 Auditorium
  • 1:40 - 2:00 p.m. Discussion of Cornell’s academic values in the Klarman G70 Auditorium
  • 2:00 - 2:20 p.m. Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies: Global academic opportunities in the Klarman G70 Auditorium
  • 2:20 - 3:20 p.m. Dean of Students: Adjusting to the U.S.A and to Cornell in the Klarman G70 Auditorium
  • 3:20 - 4:00 p.m. Student-led panel on cultural adjustment in the Klarman G70 Auditorium
  • 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Down time 
  • 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Dinner at Hans Bethe Dining Room
  • 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Casino Night (no real money used) at Flora Rose Dining Room

Tuesday, August 15

  • 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast at Hans Bethe Dining Room
  • 9:00 - noon Campus scavenger hunt 
  • Noon - 1:00 p.m. Lunch and conversation with your mentor group at Hans Bethe Dining Room
  • 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. Closing celebration and parade of nations at Flora Rose Dining Room
Prepare 2021 students eating
Prepare 2021 Taughannock hikers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Prepare and Cornell first-year orientation?

Prepare is a preorientation program for incoming international undergraduate students. Prepare gives you a chance to meet other international students and get your bearings before you begin campus orientation activities and academic tasks.

Is Prepare available on video?
Prepare 2023 is a hybrid event, with two half-day virtual synchronous sessions and the remainder of the events held on campus and in the Ithaca community. If you'd like to get a preview of Prepare or if you're unable to attend, check out these videos from Prepare in past years:
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 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 will live in campus housing, you will move in early to the room where you will stay for the rest of fall semester.  

More questions or concerns? Email us.