While students are asked to provide initial course requests at the time of application, this early step does not constitute course enrollment. Accepted students receive information about enrollment once admitted to Cornell. Any change in the enrollment timeline will be communicated to students. 

Class Roster: Course descriptions appear in the class roster. The roster for the appropriate semester may not be available when you're completing your application, so consult the previous year's roster for your intended semester (select the semester on the right side of the roster). The roster for the semester you'll study at Cornell will be available before your enrollment time. 

Syllabi: Students typically receive course syllabi on the first day of class. In some cases, syllabi appear in the roster from the previous term.

Be Flexible: Exchange and visiting students register for courses with regular, full-time (matriculated) Cornell students. It is important to be flexible with your course selection and schedule. Work with your home institution for course approval, including alternative options. 

When you enroll, you may find that certain courses that interest you are closed or full. We cannot guarantee enrollment in any course, including independent research/study. Enrollment permission is subject to class size limitations, the consent of instructors, and demonstrated academic qualifications in the form of prerequisites.

Graduate Courses: Exchange and visiting students may enroll in 5000-6000 level classes only if they have met the prerequisites. These are traditionally graduate-level classes. Often instructor and college permission will be needed, and it is solely your responsibility to inquire with the professor and college in advance of enrollment to find out if you can join the course.

Exchange and visiting students are supported by an advisor in the Office of Global Learning throughout their time at Cornell. You will also be assigned an advisor in your home college for academic matters. Depending on the college, you may have a faculty advisor, as well.

Exchange and visiting students on F-1 visas are required to maintain full-time status while studying in the United States. Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credits per semester during the academic year and six credits during the summer.

Most exchange students enroll in 14–16 credits per semester. Exceeding 16 credits is not recommended.

Course changes are possible during the first two weeks of classes, in advance of the “add” deadline. Students may officially drop courses until the "drop" deadline later in the semester. Speak with an advisor before you drop any course.

The official university grading system is composed of letter grades with pluses and minuses. Passing grades range from A+ to D-; F is failing.

Students must order their own official transcript after the completion of studies to be sent to their home institution.

All exchange and visiting students are enrolled in Cornell’s Student Health Plan. Participation is mandatory. Students can't waive the coverage unless covered by an acceptable U.S. employer-based health insurance plan.

All incoming students must show proof of immunization as part of the new student onboarding process. 

Healthcare services available on campus include care for students' physical and mental health, lab testing and X-rays, pharmacy, physical and occupational therapy, nutrition counseling, sexual healthcare and gender services, immunizations, and more. Cornell Health partners closely with the local hospital, Cayuga Medical Center.

Cornell eateries provide a delicious variety of options at all hours, and the convenience of eating on campus can't be beat. We recommend purchasing a full or partial dining plan. Restaurants and groceries are available in the Collegetown neighborhood near campus and by bus.

Recreational Services encompasses the Cornell Fitness Centers, Helen Newman Bowling Center, and Intramural Sports. Visit Hours & Facilities page for more information. Cornell Outdoor Education is the largest collegiate outdoor ed program in the country. From the Lindseth Climbing Center, to outdoor physical education classes, a team-building and leadership center, and courses in Wilderness First Aid, COE offers a perfect complement to your studies in Ithaca.

Exchange and visiting students are eligible to participate in a range of campus activities. Cornell offers many ways to get involved in campus life through student groups, club sports, community service, and more. 

Cornell is famous for its student clubs. With 1,000 student clubs across the university, there is something for everyone. Cornell is a leader in public engagement with a focus on community-based initiatives. Find out ways to get involved.

The Office of Global Learning offers special orientation for exchange and visiting students and additional programming throughout the year.

Cornell provides an array of IT services, including collaboration software, network printing, and computer labs.

Diversity and inclusion is a focus of the Dean of Student’s Office and multiple resource centers, including the Asian and Asian American Resource Center, LGBT Resource Center, Center for Student Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging, Gender Equity Resource Center, and Office of Spirituality and Meaning-Making. Many affinity groups and clubs are also active on campus.

Cornell is committed to providing an inclusive and successful educational experience for all students. The Student Disability Services Office is part of Cornell Health.

If you need accommodations for disability, medical, or religious reasons, please reach out before you arrive at Cornell. To get the most out of your experience, you should also inform your home university’s exchange administrators about any academic or physical accommodations you expect to need while at Cornell.

Global Cornell connects Cornell with the world! Our organization is led by Cornell's vice provost for international affairs. Here are some of the internationally engaged units that make up Global Cornell:

The Office of Global Learning has two staff teams that support different campus populations. Education Abroad manages incoming exchange and VIS and also supports undergraduates studying abroad. International Services provides immigration services to international students, faculty, and staff from more than 120 countries on visas sponsored by Cornell.

The Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies brings together faculty and students interested in global research, world cultures and languages, and public engagement. Regional and thematic programs offer many free events, including lectures and seminars.

Pick a favorite study spot and do your course projects at Cornell's famous A. D. White Library or one of more than 20 campus libraries. Cornell has the 16th largest library in North America! 

The Cornell Police provide 24/7 emergency services information for students on campus. Cornell maintains a robust Emergency Management website with information and contacts to address many types of emergencies.