Cornell University is preparing to welcome nearly 8,400 undergraduate and graduate students to campus for the fall semester, with move-in scheduled from August 19-25. The week kicks off with new students arriving on August 19-20, followed by returning students later in the week.
This year, students will see a newly renovated Balch Hall, one of Cornell’s iconic residence halls. North Balch is ready to welcome new residents after undergoing its first full renovation in 60 years. The project, designed to preserve the historic character of the building while adding modern safety and comfort features, continues in South Balch, which will reopen in spring 2025.
New students and their families are encouraged to participate in New Student Orientation and Family Orientation, offering a mix of required and optional events aimed at helping students acclimate to campus life. The Big Red Welcome Fest on August 19-20 will introduce students to campus resources, while social events like the First-Year Festival and Touchdown’s Guide to Campus provide opportunities for new students to connect.
The week’s festivities will culminate with the New Student Convocation on August 25, featuring remarks from Interim President Michael I. Kotlikoff and other university leaders, followed by a celebratory barbecue. Cornell’s Weeks of Welcome, running from August 24 to September 7, will continue the momentum with workshops, events, and traditions designed to integrate students into the Cornell community.
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