I'm considering applying to Cornell, and I've heard a lot about their high-rise dorms, especially High Rise 5. For current or past students, what was your experience like living there? Does the height give better views or make day-to-day living harder? I'm curious about the community, the amenities, and any tips on getting a good room. Also, any idea how competitive it is to get a spot in High Rise 5?
From what many Cornell students have shared, living in high-rise dorms, like High Rise 5, offers a unique experience with its fair share of ups and downs, literally and figuratively.
The positives can indeed include striking views, especially if your room ends up on one of the higher floors. The height of these buildings can provide scenic looks over Cornell's campus and the surrounding cityscape that you just can't get from the average campus housing.
The amenities, like most college dorms, include common spaces, laundry facilities, and kitchens, and some of the high-rise dorms have dining halls within the building or nearby, for added convenience. The rooms themselves are typically on par with the other residential buildings in terms of size, and each features typical dorm furnishings such as a bed, desk, and storage space. This building has pod-style residences, featuring multi-bedroom pods arranged around a central lounge and a kitchen on each floor. The top-floor Skylounges, overlook all of North Campus, the university golf course, and Fuertes Observatory.
On the other hand, the height can make for some long waits at the elevators during peak hours. And if the elevators are ever out of service for maintenance or a problem arises, that could mean needing to take the stairs.
The sense of community in a high-rise dorm can really vary and is influenced by a number of factors, like the mix of students living there and the effort invested in resident life programs. Some students report a vibrant community with a lot of inter-floor interaction and study groups, while others describe a quieter, more independent living experience.
As with any popular dormitory, securing a spot in High Rise 5 can be somewhat competitive. The process usually involves a housing lottery, and it's often the case that upper-year students get priority. So, if you're an incoming first-year, it can be a little tougher to land a room in this coveted high rise, though not impossible.
In terms of tips for securing a good room, it's all about submitting your housing application as soon as possible and expressing your preferences clearly. Even if you don't get your first choice initially, it's wise to go on a waitlist (if available) as there can be some reshuffling over the summer before the start of the new academic year.
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