By Paulette Machuca & Dani Kellner
Senior year is a weird time in your life. You’re relentlessly preparing to make your debut into the real world, but you’re simultaneously trying to make the most out of the time you have left here at Cornell. And, to be honest, that time is getting shorter and shorter by the day. We know–so scary.
With one semester left here on the hill, completing the 161 Things list may seem a little daunting, if not completely impractical. The good news is, we don’t think all of those things are actually necessary to having the complete Cornell experience. In honor of the Class of 2016, we’ve rounded up the top 16 things seniors actually really need to do before they graduate.
1. Give to the Senior Class Campaign
Did you know that your tuition only covers 60% of your education? The rest comes from gifts given by alumniand the university endowment. Leave one last legacy as a class by giving to the Senior Class Campaign. You can give back to an organization that shaped your Cornell career, your college, or just the general annual fund to ensure future students will get to have the same awesome experience at Cornell you did!
2. Make it up the Clocktower
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You’ve probably heard it a million times but the quintessential Cornell right of passage is to climb those 161 steps. After 4 years of walking up and down Cornell’s hills your calves will definitely be ready for the challenge. Plus, the view from the top will take your breath away.
3. Eat one last RPCC Brunch
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Freshman year may seem like a lifetime ago, but one thing we can never forget is RPCC Brunch. Feel the nostalgia and reminisce about your days as a newbie on North while you scarf down bacon and M&M pancakes.
4. Go to the Cornell-Harvard Hockey Game
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Whether you’ve been to every game or you’ve never stepped foot in Lynah Rink, find yourself a ticket and feel the Cornell school spirit. You need to be able to tell your grandchildren that you threw fish on the ice to defeat the Crimson.
5. Go to the Johnson Museum
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Be cultured for once, and check out some cool art and the sick view at Cornell’s very own art museum.
6. Go sledding on the Slope
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We’ve all experienced the struggles of climbing up the slope in the winter. You may have even spent your entire Sophomore year braving the climb. This year, have some fun once Ithaca enters its cold snowy tundra and sled down the entire slope.
7. Eat bagels and drink sangria at all three CTB’s
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Ithaca is home to three Collegetown Bagels, all within a 5 minute driving distance of each other. Although you may be loyal to CTB on College Ave, take a trip to all three to get a feel for all the different atmospheres. Maybe even find a new study spot for the rest of senior year!
8. Explore the gorges and hiking trails
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They say ‘Ithaca is Gorges’ for a reason! Soak in Ithaca’s beautiful natural scenery while you still can.
9. Take a picture with the Cornell sign
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Your Insta (and your mom) will thank you for years to come.
10. Visit the Plantations
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With 25 acres of botanical garden to explore, embrace your inner flower child and take a stroll through the parts of Cornell you may have never seen before.
11. Take a road trip during break
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Before you leave Ithaca and Upstate New York for good, take advantage of some of the things that you can experience here in the middle of nowhere. Go to Niagara Falls, Canada, or the Adirondacks for Spring Break. Chances are, you won’t be getting any closer to these places than you already are now.
12. Go to the Dairy Bar
Unless you’re an animal science major, you probably aren’t strolling towards the dairy bar all that often. Make sure to take a trip here to get some of Cornell’s famous ice cream before you’re stuck with just 16 Handles for the rest of your life.
13. Study in the Law School library
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Stop simply going to Olin or Mann and discover new library spots. You’ll be surprised at the amount of locations that you’ve never even stepped foot in. It will be worth it once you find that perfect spot that you regret not going to for the past 3 years. The proximity to Collegetown will literally change your life.
14. Compete in Moonies Pong Tournaments
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Nothing says “I’m finally legal” like playing pong at Moonies. Well, except for maybe…
15. Apply your knowledge from HADM 4300 to your Wine Tour
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Now that you’re FINALLY twenty-fun, you can do a wine tasting without worrying the sommelier will figure out you’re underage–hallelujah! And, now that you’ve taken Cornell’s famous Wines course, you know all about the different grape varietals that grow in the Finger Lakes. (Hint: Riesling is king). Impress your friends with all your viniculture knowledge!
16. Enjoy every moment while you still can.
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Sometimes you feel like you’re ready for the next chapter in your life, but in your heart, you know it’s never going to be as good as it is right now. While you’re still here at Cornell, be present, have fun, and make as many memories as you can.
This post is sponsored by the Senior Class Campaign. Whether it’s giving a gift to the University, volunteering to help in the community, or organizing fellow students, the Campaign aims to improve Cornell and strengthen seniors’ relationship to the University. Learn more about SCC and how you can contribute by giving a gift to Cornell here.
