Author: Nicole Biton

Hosting a prefrosh can seem like a lot of pressure. While they are nervously scrambling to make a decision about their academic future, it’s your responsibility as their host to sell your school and show them everything that makes it great.

To make your life easier (and a little more fun), here are some tips to showing your prefrosh the best time and helping them fall in love with Cornell:

1. Go on a walk around Beebe Lake.

Your prefrosh might not be a nature junkie, but there really is no better way to understand the natural beauty of Ithaca than to experience it firsthand. Once they see how amazing the environment is, they’ll understand part of why Cornellians are just so #blessed to go here.

2. Take them to your favorite study spot.

Prefrosh might not want to think about studying as they finish off their senior year, but the reality is, if they come here, they will likely spend a lot of time in the library. Take your pre-frosh to Mann or Olin to give them a sense of what the working atmosphere is like, or be touristy and take them to the A.D. White Library for a pic. Maybe your study spot is less conventional — take them there too!

3. Hit up CTB.

On the real, I think my decision to come to Cornell was half-based on CTB and how in love with it I am. CTB is a great and low-key place to check out both the lunch culture and the social environment of Collegetown. Come here for lunch or stop by after a night out. If nothing else, it will give you an excuse to get the $8 coffee that you love but really can’t afford.

4. Take them for ice cream at the Dairy Bar.

Because how cool is it that we have our own ice cream parlor on campus with Cornell-branded ice cream? Also, ice cream.

5. Go to an on-campus show.

If your prefrosh is interested in dance, a cappella, improv or any other type of performance, then go to a show together. You can give them a taste of what other types of extracurricular activities are offered here while supporting student life.

6. Take them out on the town.

If your prefrosh is up for it, take them out! Social life is such a critical part of the college experience, and while the social atmosphere here is so multifaceted, it is important for prospective students to see all that is available to them. Plus, they could end up having a really fun time!

7. …then cap it off with some mozz sticks from Nasties.

Because if you live on North, the night isn’t complete without a late-night Nasties run. And if you don’t live on North, it’ll give you a reason to come back and get that midnight snack you’ve been craving since the end of your freshman year.

8. Show them around Ithaca.

One of my least favorite misconceptions about Cornell is that it is located in the middle of nowhere. This is simply not true; in fact, we live in a little hub of culture with so much to offer. Take them to the Commons for lunch or a tour. If the weather is nice, you can even go to the Farmer’s Market. Wherever you go, show your prefrosh what makes Ithaca such a unique and amazing place to live.

There are so many reasons why Cornell is awesome that it’s hard to imagine anyone visiting here and not completely falling in love. But your guidance can help make seeing those attributes a whole lot easier. Plus, no matter what you do with your prefrosh, your enthusiasm for Cornell will speak for itself. Passion speaks volumes, and if you can express even half of what you think makes our school great, your prefrosh will have an amazing experience here too.