PREPARE Program: Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it possible to move in to my room earlier than what is stated?
- Can graduate students attend PREPARE?
- How do I pay my PREPARE registration fee?
- How do I get to Cornell?
- How do I get from the airport or bus station to Cornell?
- When is the best time to arrive on Monday, August 18th?
- Where do I check in if I’m driving to Cornell?
- Where can I get basic items like bed sheets, pillows, micro-fridge, stationery, etc.?
- Where can I buy my winter clothes?
- Can my parents stay in my room during PREPARE?
- Will I have time to set up a bank account, get a cell phone, buy my textbooks, etc.?
- What if I have additional questions that are not on this list?
1. Is it possible to move in to my room earlier than what is stated?
Unfortunately, we cannot allow any participants to check in to their residence halls before the Monday check-in day. If you will be arriving before that day, please arrange a hotel room. Click here for a website which provides a comprehensive list of the various hotels in Ithaca and its surrounding area.
2. Can graduate students attend PREPARE?
PREPARE is designed for undergraduates only; however, the International Students and Scholars Office and the Graduate School will hold a separate, one-day Graduate and Professional Student Orientation on the Sunday prior to the start of classes. The Graduate School will post the Graduate Student Orientation schedule in July.
3. How do I pay my registration fee?
Once you have registered, the ISSO will charge the registration fee to your University Bursar Account. The charge will appear on your July Bursar bill.
4. How do I get to Cornell?
For general information on getting to Ithaca, please see the Cornell University web page on getting to the Ithaca Campus. Students flying into LaGuardia can catch a direct connecting flight to Ithaca, or alternatively, they can fly to Syracuse, New York (which is about 1-1.5 hours away from Ithaca by shuttle) through Newark, JFK, or LaGuardia. Many students fly into Newark, JFK, or LaGuardia, and then take a bus to the Port Authority Bus Station to catch the Shortline Bus to Ithaca (about a five-hour ride). Please see specific details here.
5. How do I get from the airport or bus station to Cornell?
As soon as you have arranged your travel plans, please send your general itinerary to the PREPARE coordinator at prepare@cornell.edu. If you are landing at the Ithaca Tompkins County Airport, we will arrange to pick you up from the airport and take you to Cornell University. If you are arriving at the Syracuse Hancock International Airport, we will reserve a limousine service to pick you up and take you to Cornell University (Please note: You will be responsible for paying the $60 for this taxi service at the time of pick-up. Cash, Mastercard, and Visa accepted). If you are landing at other airports, such as Newark, JFK or LaGuardia, we recommend taking the Shortline or Greyhound bus service to get to Cornell University. We will pick you up at the Ithaca bus station.
6. When is the best time to arrive on Monday, August 18th?
The official check-in hours at the Townhouse Community Center are on Monday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. For those individuals needing a ride to Cornell from the Ithaca airport or bus station, we would recommend arriving in Ithaca between 7 am and 7 pm. During this time, PREPARE will have the optimal number of volunteers to assist and transport you. For those students who will be arriving in New York City or Syracuse on the evening of the 8/17, or in the early morning hours of 8/18, you may want to stay the night and reserve a hotel, as it will be easier and safer than traveling to Ithaca in the middle of the night. This will also allow you to be well rested for the activities scheduled for the days ahead. We understand that international travel is often not flexible and we will try our best to accommodate your travel plans.
7. Where do I check in if I’m driving to Cornell?
The PREPARE check in will take place at the Townhouse Community Center, starting a 8:00 am on the Monday check in day. You may stop at a Visitor Information booth as you enter campus for a free Cornell map and directions. The Townhouse Community Center is located in grid E-1. There are parking spaces available around the community center.
8. Since I’ll be arriving early, where can I get basic items like bed sheets, pillows, micro-fridge, stationery, etc.?
There are several stores in Ithaca where you will be able to purchase those items, such as Target, K-Mart, Walmart, and Pyramid Mall. During PREPARE, we will take the participants on a trip to Pyramid Mall to purchase some of these items.
9. Where can I buy my winter clothes?
Ithaca is known for its cold and long winters—a wonderful opportunity to try some winter sports, like skiing, skating, and sledding! To get through the winter season, where it can get as cold as –20 degrees Celcius, you will need a warm hat, scarf, gloves, a heavy jacket, sweaters, wool socks, boots, thermal underwear. If you do not own these items already, we recommend that you buy new or used winter clothing after arriving in Ithaca, rather than buying them at home and filling valuable luggage space! Usually, it does not get very cold until October, so you will have some time to look around for winter clothing after you arrive here in Ithaca. During PREPARE we will provide information on several places that sell new and used winter clothing.
10. Can my parents stay in my room during PREPARE?
Parents may not stay in the residence halls during PREPARE, but instead should reserve their own accommodations at a local hotel. To arrange accommodations in Ithaca, please visit this web page. Please note that accommodations fill up quickly, so it is best to book your lodging as soon as possible.
11. Will I have time to set up a bank account, get a cell phone, buy my textbooks, etc.?
Yes, we will allocate time slots during PREPARE to allow you to rest, unpack, and take care of important business, such as setting up bank accounts, purchasing a cell phone or calling card, and buying your textbooks.
12. What if I have additional questions that are not on this list?
If you have a question that is not on this list, please email us at prepare@cornell.edu.
Questions?:
Email any questions regarding PREPARE to prepare@cornell.edu