As the new academic year begins, we asked alumni to share what helped make their time on the Hill exceptional, and what they think students should be sure not to miss during their Cornell years. The responses were broad-ranging—from “Get ice cream at the Dairy Bar,” to sharing which winter boots a new student should bring, to advice for prioritizing mental health and discovering new, unexpected passions by taking classes outside major requirements.

"You are beginning on a journey that can continue throughout your life," says Richard Ahlfeld ’68, MBA ’70.

Read all of the sage advice alumni have shared with incoming students for making the most of their time at Cornell.