‘Privileged, pretentious and nerdy’: What Ithaca College students really think of Cornell

Ithaca College’s campus on South Hill and Cornell’s campus on East Hill both have gorgeous views overlooking Cayuga Lake. Despite how close we are by distance, the impressions of Cornell students shared by our “sister school” didn’t hold back. It seems that we are a Collegetown divided.

Some students have decided not to include their pictures, so as to remain more anonymous after giving their honest opinions.

Sharon Richelle, 2017, Journalism

What is the first word that comes to your head when you hear Cornell?

Engineering.

How would you describe the typical Cornell student?

Mostly a nerd who is either studying math, engineering, physics, history, architecture or medicine. They definitely take 18 credits or something and spend most of their time in the library or classrooms. They’re intelligent, I guess, but they’re mostly frat boys or sorority girls who are exclusive.

Which parties are better, Ithaca or Cornell?

Definitely Cornell because they’re big on Greek life. Ithaca just has circle parties or on Hudson or Kendall.

Best interaction with a Cornell student?

It was a Cornell guy I met at a frat party and he was cool. We spoke about Honduras in Spanish and we had a pretty cool convo on it.

Are the prospects of a significant other better at IC or Cornell?

Ithaca, because of the campus size and more interactive relationship here. But then again, I know some good ones from Cornell and Ithaca combined, so they make the best of both worlds right?

Melissa Birnbaum, 2019, Television Radio

What is the first word that comes to your head when you hear Cornell?

Smart.

How would you describe the typical Cornell student?

They know they’re smart and think they’re better than IC kids because of it.

 Best interaction with a Cornell student?

I was once referred to as a “scary hipster” by a Cornell kid due to my major and honestly that’s a pride point for me.

Worst interaction with a Cornell student?

One time my friend met a boy at a party and he wanted her to go home with him and she said no. His response was: “But I go to Cornell.”

Are the prospects of a significant other better at IC or Cornell?

Probably IC just because I spend most of my time here, but everyone talks about getting a Cornell boy.

Eli Josel, 2020, Theatre

How would you describe the typical Cornell student?

Overloaded backpack, black heavy jacket over red Cornell long sleeve shirt, and preppy slacks.

What do you think of typical Cornell students?

They failed to get into any other Ivy League school.

Which parties are better, Ithaca or Cornell?

Parties are a matter of preference, if you wanna get so destroyed, forget that you even had a body in the first place, go to Cornell.

Worst interaction with a Cornell student?

Worst interaction was at my first Cornell party. I was swarmed by four quite attractive girls and we began chatting. I made the mistake of telling them I was from Ithaca. They give each other the “get a load of this clown” look and walk away without saying a word.

Are the prospects of a significant other better at IC or Cornell?

Well I don’t fucking see any of my friends swooning over Cornell girls and guys like “oh my god she’s beautiful and her parents are both incredibly successful OBGYNs. UGH! And that GPA goes on for fucking miles!” So probably not.

Steph Malmstone, 2017, Cinema and Photography

 How would you describe the typical Cornell student?

I guess hard working, a little stuck up.

What do you think of typical Cornell students?

When I first came here I didn’t have any opinion of them other than that we are sister schools, however once I went to Cornell and people found out I was from IC, they automatically looked down on me and questioned why I was at Cornell. So from my experience, unless I know someone, I typically think of them as snobby, rich, and judgmental.

Which parties are better, Ithaca or Cornell?

Ithaca parties are definitely better, Cornell parties are very selective and it’s all about exclusivity.

Worst interaction with a Cornell student?

I was walking from my cousins apartment and I was wearing a sweatshirt, sweatpants, and had a backpack. This drunk girl at one of the frat houses started screaming at me and making fun of me because she thought I didn’t have a bra on. And then her friends kind of joined in and were making rude comments. I just didn’t say anything and I kept on walking.

Unagh Frank, 2019, Documentary Studies and Production

What is the first word that comes to your head when you hear Cornell?

Smart.

How would you describe the typical Cornell student?

Proud that they go to Cornell. It’s not a secret/ surprise that they go there.

Which parties are better, Ithaca or Cornell?

I’ve never been to a Cornell party so I can’t say… but I want to go to one, I imagine they’d be really fun!

Best interaction with a Cornell student?

I went to a concert at Cornell and all the student staff were very friendly and helpful.

Are the prospects of a significant other better at IC or Cornell?

Ithaca is smaller and easier to meet people I imagine, so unless you were already dating someone at Cornell dating prospects are probably better at IC. Although, when I’m on tinder, I do match with more Cornell boys 😉

Ryan Harvey, 2019, English and Writing

How would you describe the typical Cornell student?

They can be privileged, rich, intelligent, a little pretentious, diligent.

What do you think of typical Cornell students?

They can be really awesome to talk to, but harder to relate to at times.

Best interaction with a Cornell student?

At the new voices festival I had some great conversations about novels with some students from Cornell.

Worst interaction with a Cornell student?

I was hanging out with a friend and a Cornell boy she had met and the drivel coming from his mouth was so pretentious it hurt to listen to it.

Anonymous, 2018

What is the first word that comes to your head when you hear Cornell?

Ivy League.

Which parties are better, Ithaca or Cornell?

Cornell but its apples and oranges, not a fair comparison real greek vs faux greek.

Best interaction with a Cornell student?

My homie is in a small frat and had a dope social one night.

Are the prospects of a significant other better at IC or Cornell?

Cornell, cause Ithaca girls are fucking annoying (I also don’t want a significant other, but it’s slim ass pickings at this school). But then again, Cornell girls could be too. Different equals better. I’d probably be just as bored over there.

Sarah Krieger, 2017, Communications Marketing and Design

What is the first word that comes to your head when you hear Cornell?

The worst driving conditions in Ithaca….cobblestone, hills, people crossing the street and NEVER looking, a hard time to find parking etc.

What do you think of typical Cornell students?

There is no “typical” Cornell student unless you are talking about certain departments like hotelies for example but overall students there are ready to work hard and party harder.

Which parties are better, Ithaca or Cornell?

Often times people try to one up each other and impress you, but I usually roll my eyes once they try to start bragging about themselves. At the end of the day everyone has strengths and weaknesses.

Best interaction with a Cornell student?

I’m not sure one interaction stands out amongst the rest since I’m here half of the week to either go to the class I take, go to see my boyfriend at his frat, or do something in the Jewish community….things that happen at the parties can sometimes be funny especially when people start to make snacks at the end of the night and they have interesting food combinations.

Worst interaction with a Cornell student?

I’ve been out a few times to Cornell frats without my friends who go here or my boyfriend and they gave me and my other friends a hard time, but after talking for a bit let us in.

Are the prospects of a significant other better at IC or Cornell?

I guess I’m biased since my boyfriend does go to Cornell, but I think it really depends what you are looking for and there are unique, interesting people on both hills.