Author: Julia Brown
With graduation less than two months away, this time of the year for seniors is bittersweet. After nearly four years of hard work, hopefully you’ve come to realize that college is more than late nights of studying at Olin. After all, you must have chosen to study at Cornell for reasons beyond the Ivy League education. So why not enjoy all that college life in Ithaca has to offer? Here are 15 ways you can make the most of your last semester at Cornell:
1. Watch the Sunrise on Campus:
Set your alarm to make it to the slope before sunrise. Yeah, it’s really early, but good friends and awesome views will make it worth it. Plus, you’ll probably get an amazing Insta out of it.
2. Hike through Ezra Cornell’s Tunnel:
If you’re feeling adventurous, put walking Ezra Cornell’s tunnel at the top of your bucket list. This hidden gem is located down the trail behind Sigma Nu–just climb down the 5-foot cliff and find the entrance. Warning: there is rope-work involved in the climb!
3. Explore the Gorges:
We say that “Ithaca is Gorges” for a reason. Check out Buttermilk Falls, Six Mile Creek, and Robert Treman State Park for incredible waterfalls and hiking trails.
4. Go to Trivia Night at the Nines:
You’re a senior, so you’re like really smart (so you agree, you think you’re really smart?) Stop by the Nines any Tuesday night between 10 to 12 pm to show what you know.
5. Repel the Schoellkopf Field Stadium:
Imagine looking back on your graduation pictures and being able to say you repelled down that stadium in the background. Accomplishing the feat will be almost as awesome as receiving your degree!
6. Try Every Stand at the Ithaca Farmer’s Market:
Bored of Terrace salads and CTB sandwiches? Nothing better than trying something new, and the Ithaca Farmer’s Market is the place to do so! There are so many great local flavors to choose from –why not taste them all?
7. Salsa Dance at Agava:
Spice up your life! All skill levels are welcome, so don’t be intimidated if the extent of your dancing experience is watching “Dancing with the Stars.” Try your moves out any Wednesday night!
8. Take on The Pine’s Challenge:
Eat four of their famous hamburgers in an hour or less to win a T-shirt and get your name placed on the “Pinesburger Challenge Wall of Fame.” Do you dare to take the challenge?
9. Go Kayaking out on Cayuga Lake:
What better way to relieve stress or hang out with your friends? Soak in this beautiful Spring weather one afternoon and sit out on the lake.
10. Do a Bar Crawl With Your Friends:
With the few choices of bars in collegetown, expand your options and try the scene in the Commons. As long as you have your friends, it’s sure to be a not so memorable night.
11. Try a Fitness Class:
Let’s face it, the walk to campus just doesn’t cut it for exercise. Take advantage of the variety of group classes that Cornell Fitness Centers offer. From Zumba and Spin to Yoga and Cardio Kickboxing, Cornell has it all.
12. Attend Duff Ball, the Senior Class Prom:
Celebrate graduation by going to Duff Ball! It has all the fun of high school prom, minus the drama of dates, dresses and underage drinking. So basically, prom minus high school.
13. Meet Denice Cassaro:
Denice Cassaro has been faithful to you these past four years, never failing to keep you informed and with unparalleled enthusiasm. So introduce yourself to her. If you’re lucky, you might get tips on the best font color choices.
14. Crowd Surf on Slope Day:
Why not go all out on your last Slope Day? Plus, crowd surfing beats having to walk up the slope!
15. Donate to the Senior Class Campaign:
Get to know more of your classmates, make alumni connections and start making a contribution towards the future of Cornell. Show your Cornell pride and give back!
As you know, semesters fly by, so make the most of every moment you have left on the Hill. Graduation will be all the more rewarding if you can look back on what you’ve accomplished and smile at the memories of your time at Cornell.
