About University Location

Ithaca, nestled in the heart of New York's picturesque Finger Lakes region, offers international students a unique blend of academic excellence and natural beauty. Beyond Cornell's campus, the city provides a vibrant, albeit smaller-scale, cultural experience. The downtown area boasts independent bookstores, art galleries showcasing local and regional artists, and diverse culinary options, ranging from cozy cafes to restaurants featuring globally-inspired cuisine. The stunning natural landscape surrounding Ithaca provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Hiking trails wind through gorges carved by glaciers, waterfalls cascade down rocky cliffs, and the lakes themselves offer opportunities for kayaking, boating, and simply enjoying the serene beauty. This close proximity to nature fosters a strong sense of community and encourages a healthy work-life balance, a stark contrast to the fast pace of larger metropolitan areas. While Ithaca lacks the bustling energy of a major city, it compensates with a welcoming atmosphere, a strong sense of community, and easy access to both the natural world and the intellectual stimulation of a world-renowned university. The relatively smaller size of the city also makes it easy to navigate and fosters a stronger sense of belonging for newcomers. The city also offers a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, theatre productions, and farmers' markets, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the community.