Living in Ithaca

Whether you’re here for your summer core or staying for the full program, Ithaca offers stunning natural surroundings, a vibrant downtown and a tight-knit intellectual community — all within walking distance of Sage Hall.

Housing

Ithaca’s rental market moves quickly. Begin your search as soon as possible — most students secure housing several months before arrival.

University graduate housing

Cornell offers graduate housing just off campus on 12-month leases. Visit the Graduate and Professional Student Housing website to apply. When filling out forms, select “New Student” to ensure you see the right options.

Off-campus rentals

Many graduate students rent apartments in houses or complexes near campus. Cornell’s Off-Campus Living Office also maintains a searchable database of available properties along with tips on what to look for in each neighborhood.

Buying a home

Some two-year students consider purchasing a home or condo. A few things to know before going that route:

Mortgages: Pre-qualify with a local bank before viewing properties. New York State uses attorney-based closings, not title insurance companies.

Timeline: Expect two to three months from accepted offer to closing — rarely less than seven weeks when a mortgage is involved. Plan your buying trip accordingly.

Resale: With a two-year window, resale value matters. Consider school districts and comparable home costs with the help of a local realtor.

Getting around

Ithaca is walkable, bike-friendly and well-connected by bus — both locally and to New York City.

Walking

Many students walk to campus from downtown. It’s the easiest way to get between classes once you know your way around, but be ready for hills. The Cornell Map is a good place to start.

Biking

A great way to explore and commute sustainably. Register your bike with Cornell (no fee) and review campus cycling policies. Showers are available on the classroom level of Sage Hall if you need to freshen up.

Bus

Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit runs frequently and stops directly in front of Sage Hall. Your CU ID card doubles as your bus pass — free for your first year. After that, Cornell students ride free on weekday evenings (after 6pm) and all day on weekends. Visit the TCAT website for schedules and additional fare options.

Driving & parking

Parking on campus during business hours requires a permit. Purchase yours at Parking for Students. If you’re just visiting campus occasionally, see short-term parking options. Lyft, Uber and local cab companies also serve the area.

Airports

Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is served by Delta and United. For more airline options, Syracuse Hancock International Airport is about 1 hour 15 minutes away — ground transportation is available but must be arranged in advance.

Campus-to-campus bus

Express service to the Cornell Club of NYC, Weill Cornell Medicine and the F train at Roosevelt Island — with pickup and drop-off right at Sage Hall, any day of the week. Ideal for networking trips and recruiting events.

Things to do

Ithaca sits at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, surrounded by gorges, waterfalls and forests. Within 10 square miles you’ll find over 150 waterfalls — making it one of the most scenic college towns in the country.

Food & drink

A lively restaurant scene, farmers’ markets and nearby wine and beer trails through the Finger Lakes region.

Arts & culture

Local galleries, music venues, theaters and community events throughout the year keep the calendar full.

Outdoor adventures

Hiking, kayaking, skiing and cycling — Ithaca’s natural setting offers year-round activities for every skill level.

Startups & innovation

Incubators, makerspaces and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem make Ithaca an inspiring place to think big.

Your network

Whether you’re here for the summer core or the full degree, the relationships you build through study groups, shared experiences, and mutual ambition are among the most lasting parts of the Cornell experience.

Partners & families

Cornell and Ithaca are warm, welcoming places for the people who support you most.

Cornell Students with Families

Cornell Students with Families is your first stop for planning family life on and around campus, with resources for spouse/partner ID cards, health insurance, dependent care grants, employment support and more.

Cornell Child Care Center

Managed by Bright Horizons, the Cornell Child Care Center accepts children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Part-time and full-time enrollment is available for children of Cornell students, staff and faculty.

Care.com membership

Cornell provides graduate students with a free Care.com membership to make it easy to find babysitters and pet sitters.

School-age children

To enroll your child in a local public school, contact your district’s office once you have your housing address confirmed. Use the Tompkins County General School Districts Map if you’re unsure which district you fall under. The Live in Ithaca site also has education and childcare resources.

Support for new & expectant parents

Lactation rooms in Sage Hall and the Breazzano Center are clean, comfortable and private. Indicate your need in the pre-arrival questionnaire or email MBA Student Services.

Maternity parking: Transportation Services offers a discounted parking permit for the lot closest to your classes — a doctor’s note is required.

Visit the Expectant Students section of the Cornell Students with Families site for medical care resources and more.

Explore children’s activities

From 150 waterfalls within 10 square miles to a fully-inclusive lakeside playground, Ithaca is endlessly entertaining for kids. Highlights include:

Ithaca Discovery Trail — eight stops including the Sciencenter (a family favorite) and Cayuga Nature Center (with a six-story treehouse).
Ithaca Children’s Garden
Tompkins County Public Library — award-winning, fine-free, and home to a Toy Library
Cayuga Lake — swimming, kayaking, and waterfront parks

Johnson Joint Ventures

The club for MBA partners and spouses, Johnson Joint Ventures connects you immediately with other MBA families, annual social events, and local knowledge from people who’ve been in your shoes.

Partner job search support

If your partner is relocating and looking for work, let MBA Student Services know. We can help with referrals, networking ideas and general advice. You can upload your partner’s resume in the pre-arrival questionnaire.

The Live in Ithaca website features local industry information, networking opportunities and a jobs newsletter your partner can subscribe to.