There is no doubt that Cortland is an exciting and fun place to be as a college student. What students often forget is that Cortland is a community filled with families, working adults, and respectable people. Here’s a list of things to be mindful of in order to help respect our community.
DON’T LITTER
Littering is just a terrible thing to do in the first place, but as college students who walk around at night with cans and cups, you are making the community look bad. If you take a walk down any of the streets in Cortland on a Saturday or Sunday morning, it is truly disgusting how much garbage you will see in people’s yards and on the streets. So, have some respect and throw out your garbage. Not to forget that the Cortland Police Department patrols the streets and will ticket you for this, so also just avoid getting in trouble.
DON’T PEE IN PUBLIC
Public urination is illegal and you will get a ticket if caught, and it’s gross. I know the lines for the bathrooms at the bar can be long or they don’t have toilet paper, but it’s better than peeing in someone’s front yard or on the street. Nobody wants to see you do that and it’s just disrespectful.
KEEP THE FURNITURE INSIDE
We get it. It’s funny to put a couch in your front yard and sit out there for a day with all of your friends, but bring it inside after. The weather in Cortland is very unpredictable and outdoor furniture never usually makes sense. After it rains, who wants to sit on a musty-smelling living room sofa in the front yard? Nobody. So keep your yards looking nice and bring the couches inside.
RESPECT THE LOCALS
Try to remember that people in this community have lives too. On the weekends, they go to the bars just like other people. Yes, there are some that we all know and love and will joke around with everybody but just always remember to be respectful to everyone you meet.
BE MINDFUL OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS
Between Main St. and campus there are a lot of off-campus houses. Did you know a lot of professors live in this area and families too? Wouldn’t it be a little awkward if you didn’t realize you were rolling around screaming in your Biology teacher’s yard at 3 a.m.? A lot of students and adults have to wake up early to commute to their jobs so just try to be aware of your surroundings, not knock on random doors, or walk home screaming.
These are just a few things to try to remember when you’re out having fun in Cortland. The City of Cortland’s population is around 18,000 and when college is back, it gets pretty busy. Overall, have fun while being safe and respectful.