Items are required unless noted otherwise. Expand an item for more detail. Deadlines and requirements on this list may vary for students in special programs or alternate locations.
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Your Cornell NetID is a unique electronic identifier that, when combined with a password, provides secure access to non-public Cornell resources and information. Types of NetIDs include roles such as student, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Cornell provides additional security protection for personal data by requiring Two-Step Login to access important online resources, such as Student Center and Canvas. Two-Step Login is a two-factor authentication service that prevents the use of stolen Cornell passwords by requiring confirmation from something a third party doesn't have, such as your phone or another device.
Because some tasks you need to complete before the start of the term will require Two-Step Login, enroll during the NetID activation process.
You will receive an email with instructions to activate your NetID and Cornell email account online or via text message.
Learn more about NetIDs, Cornell email, and Two-Step Login.
Access the housing application at Apply for Housing on Campus.
Visiting and exchange students are automatically enrolled in the Unlimited Meal Plan or the House Meal Plan if they are placed in on-campus housing. Enrolling in the dining plan is optional for students staying off campus.
If on-campus housing is available and you secure a space, review your dining information when you receive your housing assignment.
In addition to the Unlimited Meal Plan/House Meal Plan, be sure to check out City Bucks—a pre-paid, declining balance account accessed through your Student ID Card that eliminates the need to carry cash at many off-campus locations.
If you have a current, working Student ID Card, you do not need a new one. Once we create a new card for you, your current card will stop working.
Depending on your relationship to the university and the services that you sign up for, your ID card can also be used as an electronic door key and to access a variety of functions and facilities on campus, including athletic events, CornellCard charges, dining units, fitness centers, libraries, and transportation services.
Access form: Student ID Card Request
Meeting your New Student Health Requirements involves submitting health history information and documentation of required immunizations. Some students are required to have a physical exam.
This process can take several weeks to complete. Plan ahead to meet the December 20 submission deadline.
Your status on the To Do List will remain "incomplete" until your information has been:
If we discover problems with any of your forms or submissions, you will receive an email directing you to view a secure message in myCornellHealth.
Access instructions: Health Requirements for New Students
Students with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify with Student Disability Services (SDS) and request accommodations and services as needed. Students with a broad range of conditions such as medical and mental health conditions, learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism, and sensory disabilities use our services to address their access needs.
Questions? Call SDS at (607) 254-4545 or visit our website: sds.cornell.edu.
Form and instructions: Disability Self-Disclosure Form
Cornell Fitness Centers (CFC) offer fun, stress-relieving, safe, convenient, and enjoyable exercise programs with five centers located around campus that provide an extensive variety of cardio and weight equipment. CFC's Group Fitness Membership includes more than 60 group exercise classes each week for members.
Access form: Fitness Centers Enrollment.
Cornell requires that all active students have health insurance that provides access to comprehensive care.
Step 1: Review your options now so you are ready to make a decision once the waiver period begins. At our website you can:
Step 2: If you are enrolled in an academic plan which requires proof of insurance and are eligible to waive, you will be able to begin this process starting in December, after you are recorded as an active registered student for the spring semester. The deadline to request a waiver will be January 21, 2025 and you will be required to provide proof of your health insurance that meets university requirements.
Come back to this To Do List item in December for next steps.
Financial institutions, including the financial departments of colleges and universities, are required by federal laws to be transparent with their policies/procedures and requirements. Our goal is to help students to understand the cost of their education and their financial responsibilities, as well as Cornell's financial policies and expectations for payment.
For this reason, all Cornell students are required to accept the Financial Responsibility Agreement when they first register at Cornell. Signing this agreement is your acknowledgment of your financial obligations related to enrolling in classes, and your understanding of the potential consequences that may result if you fail to meet your obligations.
Read the Financial Responsibility Agreement. When you submit this form, we will send a copy to your email address for your records.
Access form: Financial Responsibility Agreement
The CornellCard account is an optional service that allows you to make purchases on the Ithaca campus by presenting your Cornell Student ID card. This service can help you manage your day-to-day expenses.
Access form: Apply for CornellCard (NetID required)
Bursar bills are electronic, via Cashnet; paper bills will not be sent.
For more information including a complete bill schedule, visit the Bursar website.
The Office of Spirituality and Meaning-Making (OSMM) is the home of spiritual life on campus. We nurture and support the spiritual wellbeing of students who are religious, spiritual, secular, or searching. Wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome to connect with our programs and communities.
Together with affiliated chaplains and spiritual leaders from Cornell United Religious Work (CURW), we support religious observance and community, spiritual exploration and wellbeing, and interfaith engagement and learning for a multifaith community of over 50 student organizations.
Access form: Spiritual Life at Cornell
Ithaca's gorges are beautiful, but dangerous, too. Take a few minutes to watch this video on safe and responsible use of the gorges. Two gorges run through the Cornell campus. While the water in the creeks is alluring, it is deceptively treacherous. In this video, you will learn about the dangers you can't see, and ways to safely explore and enjoy the gorges and natural areas at Cornell and nearby.
Review video now (NetID required). Review by January 18.
All new undergraduate students must complete Cornell's online, interactive alcohol and other drug education course before move-in. Even if you are among the many Cornellians who do not drink alcohol or use other drugs, the information provided in the program will be valuable.
You will be manually enrolled in this Canvas training on December 16. The deadline for completion is January 13.
Cornell University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning, living, and working environment for its students, faculty, and staff members. All new undergraduate students are required to successfully complete Undergraduate Student Responsibility – Sexual and Related Misconduct, an online course required by law that informs students about Cornell University policies related to sexual and related misconduct. It also covers consensual relationships between employees and students, University resources, and bystander intervention options.
The course will take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete. The program must be completed in its entirety. Participants are required to pass a quiz at the end of the course. Sign in to the To Do List to access your link to the course. The deadline for completion is January 20.
If you have a disability and are having trouble accessing the course information or need the course's materials in an alternate format, contact web-accessibility@cornell.edu for assistance.
If you have any questions regarding course content, contact the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at titleix@cornell.edu or (607) 255-2242. To learn more about procedures, resources, and reporting at Cornell visit titleix.cornell.edu.
The scenario-based videos you will watch are fictionalized and not based on specific incidents or real persons. Although this training does not include graphic language or images, we recognize that the subject matter may be troubling or upsetting for some learners. We encourage you to exercise self-care, which may include contacting the resources at share.cornell.edu. If you find yourself unable to complete the training, please email titleix@cornell.edu.
It may take up to a week after you have submitted your enrollment deposit before you are able to log in to Canvas.
The Student Code of Conduct (Code) establishes Cornell's expectations applicable to all students and recognized and registered student organizations. (2020 Code, pg. 1.) The standards contained in the Code exist to help build an environment where all students can learn effectively and safely in our community.
Use Canvas to self-enroll and read and review three brief Canvas modules on the Student Code of Conduct, the Code and Alcohol and Other drugs, and Recognizing and Reporting Hazing and complete an attestation at the end of the modules. This is due January 19.
All incoming students must read and review three brief Canvas modules on the Student Code of Conduct, the Code and Alcohol and Other Drugs, and Recognizing and Reporting Hazing and complete an attestation at the end of the modules.
This item will be complete after you complete the attestation as part of the Canvas course.
Transit Access: Fall entrant New-to-Cornell students automatically receive free, unlimited-ride TCAT bus privileges until August 31, 2025; Spring entrants: December 31, 2025. No need to submit a form. Students must use their Student ID card at the fare box and remain registered to access this privilege.
Vehicle Registration and/or Parking Permits: Parking on the Ithaca campus is extremely limited. Students are strongly encouraged to leave the vehicle home and rely on public transit service provided by TCAT. Students must register their vehicle (required; free) and purchase a parking permit (optional; price varies) for their residential area or a commuter lot prior to their arrival. When permits sell out, parking options will be limited to short-term paid parking.
Bikes: Bicycle registration (free) is mandatory if you ride or store a bike on the Ithaca campus.