Spotlight on: North Campus

This week, Ellie Schmucker '19 describes her love for North Campus, which houses all Cornell freshman. North Campus provides a unique community where first-year students live and learn together. Ellie's message to freshman and incoming Cornellians is clear: don't take your experience on North Campus for granted!

By: Ellie Schmucker '19

Looking back on freshman year, many of my favorite memories occurred right where it all began: North Campus. Every Cornell freshman lives on North, which creates the unique concentration of a couple thousand teens looking for new friends while kicking off their college career. Although many upperclassmen now prefer the allure of West Campus or Collegetown, I often think back on all the friends I made by living on North. Many people form a tight group of friends on their dorm floor; while I met many of my friends through different classes and activities, we were able to maintain these friendships because we all lived together on North.

I lived in Mews Hall with my awesome freshman roomie – shout out to Shelly! Mews, along with Court-Kay-Bauer are the newest dorms on North; it boasts air conditioning and brightly painted hallway walls. Even though I lived in Mews, I had friends in the Low Rises which, although infamous for their 60s architecture, foster a tight-knit community. I had friends in massive Dickson, social Donlon, and surprisingly my favorite: Balch Hall, the all-women’s residence hall. Although many are initially wary of the all-female aspect of Balch, its gothic architecture and homey lounges won my heart. Not only does North allow one to hang out in various dorms, it also affords three dining halls which are ideal for large group meals. From made-to-order omelets (and fried eggs which are basically a secret) every morning in Appel to the Mongo Grill in RPCC to the sandwich bar in Risley, North dining is something to be remembered. Of course, one cannot forget late night Bear Necessities (affectionately nicknamed “Nasties”) runs. My favorite indulgences are their mozzarella sticks and buffalo chicken wings - talk about comfort food! Although I enjoy living on West Campus this year as a sophomore, I’m definitely looking forward to moving into an apartment right off North next year.