Author: Nicole Biton
It is universally agreed upon that Cornell has one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. But in addition to being a “gorges” place to live and learn, it also provides us Cornellians with an even more important service: enhancing our Instagram presences. Sharing pictures of the campus on Instagram gives us the opportunity to celebrate our school while double-tapping our way to Insta-fame. In our opinion, here are the top 8 most Instagrammable locations of Cornell:
1. The Clock Tower
Aside from being one of the most iconic images on campus, the clock tower has become one of Cornell’s favorite Instagram subjects. Unlike you or your bestie, the clock tower has no bad side, so it looks great photographed both from way down on West Campus or from windows on the upper floors of Olin. If you’re feeling especially adventurous (or sadistic, in my opinion), climb the 161 steps to the top of the tower and take a pano of the entire campus. The likes-on-likes you are sure to receive will make the aching in your legs oh-so worth it.
2. The Arts Quad
Regardless of the college they belong to, Cornellians agree that the Arts Quad is one of the most beautiful places on campus to ‘gram. The vast lawn criss-crossed by footpaths enclosed by stately buildings looks beautiful under both the rare Ithaca sunshine and the not-so-rare blankets of snow. While you’re there, be sure to stop and take a selfie with one of the OGs of Cornell: Ezra Cornell and A.D. White.
3. Gorges/Waterfalls/Beebe Lake
If the beauty of Ithaca’s famous gorges isn’t enough to make you want to stop and snap a pic for yourself, do it to make your friends at other schools jealous. How many of them can say they walked by a freaking WATERFALL on their way to class? Bonus points if you manage to catch a rainbow in your pic. And don’t forget to add the hashtag #gorges—because if you don’t, do you even go here?
4. The Slope
So much dread has been caused by actually walking on the Slope that we tend to forget what a dope view it offers. Instagramming the Slope, or from it, is a great way to not only capture the beautiful landscape of Cornell, but also to celebrate surviving the climb and yet another unavoidable leg day. Between West Campus, Cayuga Lake and the mountains, the Slope and its view are sure to (literally) take your breath away.
5. A.D. White Reading Room, Uris Library
Who said studying couldn’t be fun? This room is probably best known to Cornellians as the Harry Potter library, since it looks like it was taken right from the movie set. Procrastinate the next time you study there by taking an aerial view pic from the upstairs stacks. Your followers won’t know whether you still go to Cornell or have transferred to Hogwarts (even though they’re the same thing, really).
6. The Frat Houses
You do it for the geotag. End of story. #picsoritdidnthappen
7. Collegetown Bagels
Okay, so CTB is technically not an on-campus location, but it’s about time we annexed it. This Cornell hotspot is the perfect place for any foodie to show off their #baegel and delight their followers with some tasteful food porn. (Pro Tip: if you recently got a manicure, kill two birds with one stone by holding your sandwich to show off your fresh AF nails.)
8. The Plantations
Again, not exactly a part of campus, but it’s close enough that you can brag through social media that your school has a botanical garden. Take your parents here for a bonding activity (aka family photo shoot) or bring bae and take a nauseating couples photo. If that’s not for you, then just Insta the scenery and caption, “Nature on fleek #nofilter.”
With so many awesome places to choose from, you are sure to up your Insta-game here at school. And even if Instagram is not your thing, take some pictures of campus anyway (even though there is so much beauty and life that cannot be captured in a photograph)! But when you’re feeling nostalgic, you’ll be happy you have these little snapshots of campus to look back on.
