Students Learning, Studying, and Uphill Hiking: The Academic Year Begins Stories You May Like A Big Red Welcome: Move-In and Orientation 2026, in Photos Back to School, Amid an Ithaca Chill Remember Arriving on Campus? Now, Move-In Is a Major Event A photographic look at the first day of classes in fall 2026, as new and returning students fill classrooms, cafés, libraries, and labs By Cornellians Staff Photography by Alexandra Bayer, Sreang Hok & Jason Koski Students began classes for the fall 2026 semester beneath balmy August skies, with nary a hint of the autumn color and colder days to come. Following Move-In and Orientation for new students (including the 3,681 members of the Class of 2030), Cornellians once again congregated on campus pathways, found their way to and from classes, discovered friends old and new, sought out study spots, and hung out outdoors and in cafés. University photographers covered the day, capturing the excitement of a new semester. Backpacks and Big Red swag were ubiquitous—and while laptops are now de rigueur in classrooms, old-school pens and paper were also spotted. Scroll down for a "first day of classes" photo tour! Stories You May Like A Big Red Welcome: Move-In and Orientation 2026, in Photos Back to School, Amid an Ithaca Chill Published August 26, 2026 Comments Jon Vinograd, Class of 1968 6 Sep, 2026 I walked up “libe slope” for two years in 1965 and 1966 when I lived in downtown Ithaca and parked below the dorms. Other than the first week or two when my muscles rebelled , I never found it difficult. I did it again during my 55th reunion. “WHOA,” is the only comment I could say that is printable! Reply Michael Eric George, Class of 1968 12 Sep, 2026 Had similar experience. I lived below campus for 5 years and the climb to an 8 o’clock class was a mental struggle not a physical one after the first week. Thank goodness for the stairs leading up to the law school. Made the climb much easier. Reply Fred Chanania, Class of 1970 15 Sep, 2026 I too battled Libe Slope in Fall 1966 as a freshman residing in University Hall #2. We will see how this new class does when the sidewalks on Libe Slope ice over in winter. I distinctly remember crawling on my hands and knees up the last 20 or so feet several times. I also remember someone who dropped a textbook near the top, watched it slide all the way down to the bottom, and let loose a F**k so loud that Ezra himself probably heard it. Good luck Class of ’30 and welcome to Libe Slope. Reply Leave a Comment Cancel replyOnce your comment is approved, your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Class Year Email * Save my name, email, and class year in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ Other stories You may like Alumni Lox, Stock, and Barrel: Hotelie Runs Fourth-Generation Food Firm Cornelliana 100 Years of Hospitality Education on the Hill: Fascinating Facts Cornelliana Remembering Dave Nulle, Big Red Hockey’s Beloved ‘Zamboni Guy’