Living in Ithaca

Ithaca is beautiful, fascinating, and friendly...

Ithaca Culture

Despite its small size, this thriving community is home to a diverse and multicultural population. Ithacans enjoy restaurant cuisine from around the world, a fantastic selection of visual and performing arts, and year-round outdoor adventure amidst some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the country. Of course, the city wouldn't be complete without the roughly 26,000 students who attend either Ithaca College or Cornell University; they make sure there's always something exciting going on!

Living costs
Your monthly out-of-pocket expenses will vary based on your lifestyle. To get the most out of your experience at Ithaca, we strongly encourage all students to live on-campus. Please refer to Tuitions and Fees page to view the basic cost of attendance at Ithaca College. While costs vary and depend on your major and course selections, on average Ithaca students spend approximately $450 each semester on required course materials/books.

Climate
The weather in Ithaca is ever-changing. Hot summers provide a great opportunity to enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in Cayuga Lake and the various streams and gorges around town. Snowy winters mean great skiing, skating, and ice climbing. Spring and autumn are incredibly beautiful, with mild temperatures and plenty of color. Visit the Weather Channel online for more detailed information.

Housing at Ithaca College

Learn about on-campus and off-campus housing at Ithaca College:

Residential Life