Stepping on to the picturesque campus of Cornell University, I was filled with excitement, apprehension, and curiosity. My first few months at this prestigious institution have been an incredible journey of self-discovery, academic growth, and building lifelong connections. In this blog post, I want to take you through my initial experiences at Cornell and share how this remarkable institution has already left an indelible mark on my life. 

Having enjoyed my business classes with Mr Lelliot at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy, I decided I would go on to study Business at University. I enrolled at Queen Mary University of London in 2022 and was delighted to discover that it was possible to spend a semester studying at Cornell! 

I always liked the idea of studying abroad and America appealed to me because I’d heard about the rigorous nature of studies – I wanted to see how I would cope with the intensity of an Ivy League school such as Cornell (and I wouldn’t have to worry about there being a language barrier).

The application to go to Cornell consisted of emailing my university’s ‘go abroad’ team, writing an essay outlining why I thought I should be selected, and then fulfilling the academic requirements set by my university. For most of you that are thinking of studying abroad, the application process will most likely be similar.  

Cornell’s Ivy League status is well-deserved, evident in its beautiful campus, world-class faculty, and rich history. The moment I set foot on campus, I was struck by the Gothic architecture, lush greenery, and the sense of history that permeates every corner. Cornell was founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell and was the first Ivy to admit women! Nowadays it’s a very inclusive university with students from all backgrounds. 

One of the most exciting aspects of my time at Cornell has been the academic rigor and excellence that the university is renowned for. The diverse range of courses available in my major, along with countless extracurricular opportunities, has allowed me to tailor my education to my interests and passions. For example, I took a course called the Business Idea factory, which is all about coming up with an idea for a business and understanding how to implement the idea. 

The professors at Cornell are not just experts in their fields; they are also passionate educators. Their dedication to teaching and mentorship has been a source of inspiration and has encouraged me to think critically, question assumptions, and pursue intellectual growth beyond the classroom.  

It is intense here, there are classes that end at 10pm and you will spend time in front of your laptop writing essays, doing quizzes and completing projects. I would advise that pacing yourself is key – give yourself a day during the week to   reset if you are feeling burnt out, which allows for the opportunity to take some time to explore Ithaca and upstate New York. 

One of the most remarkable aspects of Cornell wis the strong sense of community and the vibrant campus life. Whether it’s joining student organisations, participating in clubs, or simply engaging in spirited discussions with fellow students, I’ve found a sense of belonging that makes Cornell feel like home. For example, I am a member of guiding eyes – an organisation that allows you to train puppies to become guide dogs. I have found this experience fulfilling because firstly, dogs are awesome and secondly, playing with the puppies and taking care of them is a great way to relieve stress. 

I’ve also been awestruck by the campus facilities. From state-of-the-art libraries to well-equipped labs and recreational areas, Cornell provides an environment that supports both academic and personal growth. My favorite library is the Uris Library, because of the cocktail lounge found there (disclaimer: no cocktails are served there, unfortunately) but the view is amazing, and its right next to a coffee shop which is a great source of fuel during long study sessions!  

While my time at Cornell has been filled with incredible experiences, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and a social life can be demanding, but it’s in overcoming these challenges that I’ve discovered the true extent of my capabilities. Time management, resilience, and adaptability have become invaluable skills that I continue to develop. 

The main challenge is the intensity, you get hit with a wave of work and I’ve found that using apps such as Notion helps me to stay organised, prioritise my workload and meet deadlines.  Another challenge is the size of the campus – it’s massive. It is a 15-minute walk one way for a class increasing my step count to around 12,000 steps a day, which can absolutely drain my energy. I would recommend carrying a water bottle, wearing comfortable trainers and packing your bag as light as possible. 

My time here so far has been extraordinary. This Ivy League institution has exceeded my expectations and with every passing day, I feel more deeply connected to this beautiful campus, my fellow students, and the countless opportunities for exploration and self-discovery. As I continue my journey at Cornell, I am eager to see where this incredible institution will lead me, both academically and as an individual.