How to Tour Ithaca College

Ithaca College, founded in 1892, sits atop South Hill in Ithaca, New York. The campus overlooks Cayuga Lake in the state's Finger Lakes region. This private college is selective, non-denominational and co-educational. Ithaca College and Cornell University anchor the city of Ithaca like two towering bookends. The small urban setting hums with the energy of college students.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Take an online tour by visiting the school's website. You can click on different areas of the campus to read about each building, get a 360-degree view and see what students have to say about their school.
2. Call to reserve your spot in a tour at [phone]. Tours take place during the academic year when school is in session. Monday through Friday tours run at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. If you're in town for the weekend, catch a Saturday tour at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., or 11:00 a.m. All tours depart from Job Hall.
3. Make a more comprehensive visit by catching one of the "Ithaca and You" tours offered several days each year. Check the website for date listings. The tour runs all day starting at 8:30 a.m. From 9:00 a.m. to noon, an academic fair is held to acquaint you with the programs Ithaca has to offer. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., lunch is served for all visitors in one of Ithaca College's dining halls. Call ahead or register online to reserve your spot.
4. Visit during an open house session. These dates, listed on the website, occur mostly in the fall. In the morning, starting at 9:00 a.m., your tour begins. At 10:45, you can watch a video about Ithaca College and get more information about the school. At noon, you'll have presentations detailing the academic programs and tours for students interested in seeing the facilities of the different academic departments. You can get information about financial aid and residential life or catch a second tour beginning at 1:30 p.m. The final tour takes place at 2:30 p.m.
5. Accept the college's invitation to visit after you're admitted. Certain schools within the college invite accepted students to attend a day of information, discussion, tours and lunch.
6. Get there by car, bus or plane. Ithaca has a small airport and a bus station, too. The campus itself is 60 miles north of Binghamton up Route 96, and 60 miles south of Syracuse.
7. Dress for the weather. The pictures may not always show it, but Ithaca often endures cold weather and several wet days. Check out the forecast before you go and bring the appropriate clothes. Pack your comfortable shoes as well. Ithaca College and the city itself are extremely hilly. Expect to get a workout walking to classes.

Tips & Warnings

• Downtown Ithaca is one funky place. The city is packed with places to grab a bite, edgy art galleries and distinctive shopd. Spend some time in the valley to get a feel for the community. Both Cornell and Ithaca College work hard to stay connected with their city.