There's more to college than studying, and Cornell is no exception. Coffeeshops, bookstores, and sports venues dot the campus.

In Collegetown, dance clubs, a tea shop, and an arcade offer late-night amusements. Then there are the local Ithaca attractions: more than 150 restaurants (including Cajun, Thai, Vietnamese, Viennese, and Lao, not to mention Italian, Chinese, all-night diners, and fast-food joints), 16 bookstores, and more than a dozen cinemas.

Outdoor destinations include waterfalls, nature preserves, and several state parks within a 30-minute drive of campus.

With winter's approach, students wax their skis, sharpen their skates, and practice the cheers they'll chant at hockey games in Lynah Rink. In spring and fall, a farmer's market on the Cayuga Lake Inlet provides a change of scene and excellent snacking.

Throughout the year, campus publications, intramural sports, and more than 500 student-run organizations make it easy to find companions with similar interests.