Campus Life at Cornell

Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) link

TCAT is a regional bus network centered on Ithaca Commons that radiates out to surrounding areas. You can view the schedule and service routes on the official website; printed timetables are also available on the bus, and you can download an app to track bus movements in real time—apps such as Ithaca Transit – Live Tracking, Transit App, myStop Mobile, or use Google Transit and Trip Planning.

• Common bus routes passing through the Cornell campus include: 10, 30, 31, 32, 51, 70, 72, 81, 82, 90, 92, and 93. Some routes change numbers after arriving at Ithaca Commons; for example, Route 32 may switch to Route 15 to continue serving Ithaca’s shopping district. For detailed route information, please refer to the “Shopping” and “Housing” sections.

• There is a bike rack directly in front of the bus that can hold two bicycles.
• Generally, drivers will stop as long as they see someone waiting; no special signal is necessary. However, remember to press the stop button before you get off. Some local bus stops are not clearly marked, so feel free to ask the driver if there is a stop nearby where you wish to disembark.
• Fares are charged by zone. Ithaca is divided into Zone 1 (central area) and Zone 2 (outlying area), and the fare depends solely on the zone of your boarding stop. In Zone 1, the adult (ages 18-59) fare is $1.50 per ride (no change given). Most shopping districts, Cornell University, and other frequently visited sites are within Zone 1. You may pay with coins or use a stored-value card when boarding. When transferring, the next segment is free; however, whether you use a stored-value card or cash, remember to ask the driver for a transfer slip at the time of boarding the previous bus segment.
• Cornell student IDs serve as stored-value cards. In the first year, you can ride unlimited times; after the first year, unlimited rides are available only on weekdays after 6:00 PM and throughout weekends. For other times, you must preload your card or purchase unlimited ride privileges for $200. For details, please see here.
  If you do not have a student ID, information on where to purchase stored-value cards can be found here (for example, at Wegmans, Tops, or the Cornell Store).

Taxis link

Major Providers link

• Collegetown Cab (607) 588-8888
• Ithaca Dispatch (607) 277-7777

When calling ahead, you can ask for a price quote. In areas farther from downtown, there may be a wait. From the airport, Ithaca Mall, or around Walmart to the Cornell campus, fares are about $10-15. Tipping is not mandatory, but if you appreciate the driver’s service, you may tip $1-2 (or about 10-15%).

• Uber or Lyft: Use the app to call a ride – you must register in advance and provide a credit card number.

Arrival Before Classes Begin link

If you arrive in Ithaca before classes start and do not yet have a student ID to ride the local bus, you can purchase a pay-per-ride bus card: $20 for 15 rides (a “15 Ride Card”). These bus cards can be bought at places like The Cornell Store. Once the balance is used up, you can add credit online. For further details, please refer to the official website.

• Be sure to contact your landlord and settle into your new home; see the “Housing” and “Move In” sections.
• Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Note: Not everyone is eligible for an SSN. Some may need to obtain an Individual Taxpayer ID (ITIN) instead for tax filing purposes if they do not have an SSN.

Getting a Mobile Phone link

• If you bring your phone from Taiwan and only wish to use the local number, then GSM-based carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile, as well as their virtual network operators (Google Fi, Mint, etc.), are more suitable. If you plan to purchase a new phone along with setting up a phone number, you may also consider other carriers such as Verizon.

You have two options:

1. Sign Up for a Contract Plan

   • The most common choice is AT&T. You can get an AT&T SIM card for free at an official store; you only need to pay the monthly fee (currently, 9GB data for $35 per month). The store staff will help set up your phone on-site to ensure it can make calls and access the internet. (Location: 748 S Meadow St Suite 200, Ithaca, NY.)
   • You can also join or form a Family Plan with several people to share a fixed rate and data allowance, though this option may not always be the most cost-effective.
   • Virtual carriers (subscription online) such as Google Fi offer family unlimited plans at $25 per person per month, and Mint. With Google Fi, if you have a U.S. VPN, you can activate your account via eSIM from Taiwan.

2. Purchase a Prepaid Plan (Pay-as-you-go)

   • With prepaid plans, you pay a fixed amount each month without signing a contract. You only need your own phone. You can purchase these types of prepaid SIM cards on Amazon or at many retail stores, and then add credit online. Prepaid plans from virtual service providers are often more cost-effective; for a list, see here.
   • A flexible option from a physical store is H2O Wireless (SIM cards can be purchased from Best Buy or Target in northern areas). Although H2O Wireless might be less well-known, it actually uses the same network as AT&T. H2O Wireless’ Pay-As-You-Go plan starts at $10 per three months, which is suitable for light usage of calls and data; there are also Monthly Unlimited Plans available for $20, $30, or $40.
   • It is advisable to purchase a U.S. prepaid SIM card (or activate an eSIM) while still in Taiwan so that you have phone service and internet as soon as you land.

Opening a Bank Account link

• Bring your passport and your enrollment documents (e.g., I-20, DS-2019). An SSN is not required, but not having one may impose many limitations when applying for credit cards.
• When opening a bank account, check whether the online banking service requires an SSN (for example, after a recent change, CFCU’s online banking now requires an SSN).
• You can choose a large national bank in the U.S., but regional banks offer advantages such as more convenient branch locations and ATMs. In downtown Ithaca, there is one national bank and six larger regional banks:

1. National Bank

   • Chase – Located in downtown Ithaca, it is currently the only large national bank in Ithaca. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment to open an account as soon as you arrive; otherwise, you may experience long wait times (during the busy months of August–September, there may be more than 500 account openings per month)! There is a Taiwanese staff member, Ms. Chen (shu-chang.chen@chase.com); contact her if needed.

2. Regional Banks

   • CFCU – Branches available at locations such as the Cornell Store and East Hill.
   • Tompkins Trust Company – Branches at the Cornell Store, East Hill Plaza, and Commons.
   • M&T Bank – Branches at Triphammer and Commons.
   • Key Bank – Branches at Triphammer and downtown.
   • Elmira Savings Bank – Branch at Triphammer.
   • Chemung Canal Trust Company.

• If you need to produce proof of entry/exit (Form I-94), you can print it here.
• To schedule a TB screening at Cornell Health (formerly known as Gannett Health Center), note that due to the effective date of your health insurance, you can only make an appointment after classes begin.
• Don’t forget to register for classes, submit your transcripts, attend new student orientation, and pick up your student ID. Also, participate in departmental welcome and briefing sessions to officially kick off your new life at Cornell!