Community Events for Incoming Students
The Big Red Barn Graduate and Professional Student Center will provide connection opportunities for all incoming students. Registration is not required for any event; just attend.
Big Red Barn New Student Orientation Programs
Grad Tours: Big Red Barn (Graduate Student Center)
Monday, August 18, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Are you a first-year graduate student? Are you serving as a peer mentor this semester? Do you simply want to know more about the Big Red Barn? We welcome all your new program peers and the entire graduate and professional student body to our first orientation week event: a tour of the Big Red Barn! Our Barn coordinator will provide a presentation, answer questions, and give out some goodies from our little slice of central campus. We hope to see you all there!
New Student Trivia
Tuesday, August 19, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Join your friends at the Big Red Barn for our annual new student-themed trivia! Questions will be curated around Cornell fun facts, including Ithaca topics, famous alumni, and more! Bring a team or come alone, and we will match you with one. We’re excited to welcome you all to the Barn!
Letterbox I.R.L.: 2025 Media Discussion
Wednesday, August 20, 4 – 6 p.m.
What better way to make connections than through a shared love of genre! The Big Red Barn is excited to pilot a new event idea, where students of any kind are welcome to come and discuss their favorite iconic moments in 2025 media! Organized by vibes (also known as genres), discussion can range from cinema, TV series, the Met Gala, pop culture moments, and more! All opinions shared are welcome and encouraged, while maintaining a kind and safe environment.
New Student Ice Cream Social (Co-Sponsored by the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly)
Thursday, August 21, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Did you know that Cornell makes its own ice cream? Grab another new student and join the Barn staff and the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GPSA) leadership for this fun and tasty social event. Learn more about how to get involved with GPSA and the Barn!
Grad Student Orientation TGIF (Tell Grads it’s Friday)
Friday, August 22, 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Looking to kick back and make some friends? Come celebrate with us as we welcome old and new graduate and professional students back to Cornell for the Big Red Barn’s signature event. Snacks, music, and drinks!
New Student Mixer
Friday, August 29, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Come gather at the Big Red Barn, meet fellow new graduate students, and get to know people from programs across Cornell’s campus. Open to new graduate students only. Light snacks will be provided.