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Move-In Monday: Lingo, Tips, and Tradition

Elmira, NY (08/06/2018) — Our summer "Move-In Monday" series continues with tips and tricks for the incoming Class of 2022. Today, the Residence Life team shares some of the lingo and traditions unique to Elmira College, along with some general tips and terms specific to college life.

Uniquely Elmira:

  • The "Puddle" is the pond in front of Cowles Hall.
  • Get ready to sing your heart out! Elmira College has many traditional college songs that new students will learn during Orientation.
  • Special traditions and events like Mountain Day, Holiday Banquet, and Candlelight await you.
  • The Mark Twain Study, located near Cowles Hall, is the study in which the famous author penned Tom Sawyer and other iconic works.
  • Cowles Hall sits atop Prospect Hill, which was once covered by irises. This is why the iris is a symbol at EC, and also why purple and gold are the College's official colors.
  • Octagons are also a symbol at Elmira College. The shape was popular when Cowles Hall was being built and now can be found in architectural and design elements all over campus.
  • The Soaring Eagle mascot pays homage to the city of Elmira, known as the "soaring capital of America."

College Life 101:

  • A dorm is called a residence hall.
  • Instructors are professors not teachers.
  • Make sure you have everything you need for college life by checking out the pack list from the Residence Life team.
  • The "Freshman Fifteen" can be a very real thing for all college students. This term refers to the 15 pounds or more new students might gain as they transition to college life, so be sure to make healthy food choices, stay active, and utilize the fitness center in Speidel Gymnasium.
  • Try not to wear your lanyard student ID card around your neck. It is an easy way to lose it.
  • Take a walk to find buildings and classrooms BEFORE classes start. This will ensure a smooth first day of classes and keeps sheepish glances at the campus map to a minimum.
  • Leave plenty of time to get to classes and avoid being late.
  • Get involved on campus. There are more than 80 student clubs and organizations at Elmira that will help make the transition to college life easier.

Have questions? The Residence Life team is always here to help.

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Elmira College has some lingo and traditions that are uniquely Elmira, like the Radical Raft Race on The Puddle.

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