Study Hard. Play Local.
Welcome back, Red Dragons!
Whether this is your first semester in Cortland or you already have your go-to coffee order and favorite Main Street spot, there’s plenty to discover beyond campus.
Red Dragon Central is your guide to things to do around SUNY Cortland, from places to eat and live music to outdoor adventures, events, local shops and ways to spend a free afternoon. Consider this your starting point for getting to know the place you’ll call home this semester.
New here? Start with a local.
Not sure where to start? Take it from someone who's been there.
We asked a fellow SUNY Cortland student to put together a day in Cortland with some of their favorite places to eat, explore and hang out. It’s an easy way to get beyond campus, find a few new favorites and see Cortland through another Red Dragon’s eyes.
Go-To Foodie Guide
EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH CORTLAND
Coffee before an 8am class. A quick lunch between lectures. Pizza with friends. Somewhere to take your family when they come to town.
Cortland has plenty of student-friendly places to eat, many within walking distance of campus and downtown. Find your new regular spot, or make it your goal to try somewhere new this semester.
Your Fall Cortland Bucket List
New semester, new reasons to get off campus. How many can you check off before the first snow?
Live Music Lives Here
YOUR OFF CAMPUS SOUNDTRACK
There’s more live music around Cortland than you might expect.
Catch local and touring artists at venues throughout the county, from smaller downtown shows to concerts at Rose Hall and the Center for the Arts. Keep an eye on the calendar throughout the semester, there's usually something worth leaving campus for.
When You Need Something to Do
No plans? No problem. A few ways to get off campus, round up your friends and make a night (or afternoon) of it.
Trivia Nights
Put your random knowledge to good use at weekly trivia nights at Cortland Beer Company and The Rock Sports Bar & Grill. Grab a team and see what you actually remember from all those Gen Eds.
Get Creative
Make something of your own at Forged from Ashe Studios or try a hands-on workshop at Maslin’s Guarden. No artistic experience required.
Get Outdoors
Trade the classroom for some fresh air. Hit the trails at Lime Hollow Nature Center or grab some friends and play a round at one of Cortland County’s golf courses.
Get Reading
Need a break from the textbooks? Browse your next read at All My Friends Books, an independent bookstore in downtown Cortland.
Experience Beyond the Classroom
PART TIME HUSTLES & RESUME BUILDERS
Looking to earn some extra cash or build experience while you’re at SUNY Cortland? Local restaurants, attractions, hotels, event venues and other tourism businesses are often looking for part-time, seasonal and internship help.
Not sure where to start? Reach out to the Experience Cortland team at info@experiencecortland.com. We’re happy to help connect you with local businesses and point you toward opportunities that might be a good fit for your interests and schedule.
Want even more options? Stop by the Cortland Works Career Center at 99 Main Street for help finding part-time jobs, internships, and career resources, all just a short walk from campus.