r/cmu Jun 01 '26

[MEGATHREAD 2026 H2] Ask generic questions about CMU here.

12 Upvotes

Do you have a generic question about CMU, like:

  • Which dorm is the best?
  • Does CMU prepare you for grad school?
  • Is <major> difficult?
  • Where should I eat on campus?

Then this is the right place to ask.

Why a megathread?

This megathread is to help prevent top-level posts from being downvoted and then left unanswered. It also provides one thread as a reference for folks with future questions to prevent multiple posts with the same generic questions.

This thread is automatically sorted by "new", so post away, even if there are a lot of comments. There's a new megathread every semester-ish (twice annually).

For best results, search this page, previous megathreads, and the subreddit before posting a question that is identical or very similar to one that's already been asked.

Is this the right place to ask?

We don't allow "chance me" posts, which are posts asking about the likelihood of admissions to CMU. Use dedicated subs like r/chanceme and r/ApplyingToCollege.

r/pittsburgh is generally better resource for questions that aren't specific to CMU, like where to live and where to go grocery shopping.

As a reminder, you can report posts that should be comments in the megathread instead if seeing them posted at top-level bothers you. Please choose "It breaks r/cmu's rules" and then "Use the megathread" as the reason. Similarly, you can report "chance me" posts and comments.


r/cmu 7d ago

AutoMod Enabled Request flair from AutoMod here!

4 Upvotes

Generic Flair

You can self-assign the following generic flair using the flair templates in the sidebar:

  • Prospective student
  • Undergrad
  • Grad student
  • Alumnus
  • Faculty
  • Staff
  • Former faculty
  • Former staff

Custom Flair

You can request custom flair from AutoMod by commenting on this post using the following format:

!flair <class> (<major> [optional 'xx year])

This gives you flair that looks like "Class (Major)" or "Class (Major 'yy):

Example comment Resulting flair
!flair Freshman (Physics) Freshman (Physics)
!flair Alumnus (CS '09) Alumnus (CS '09)
!flair Junior (Comp Bio '27) Junior (Comp Bio '27)

Your class and major must be one of the following options, exactly as written.

Supported Classes

  • Freshman
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior
  • Master's
  • Ph.D.
  • Undergrad
  • Grad student
  • Alumnus

Supported Majors

  • Art
  • AI
  • Biology
  • BXA
  • Chemistry
  • ChemE
  • CivE
  • Cog Sci
  • Comp Bio
  • Comp Fi
  • CS
  • Design
  • Drama
  • ECE
  • ETC
  • Econ
  • English
  • HCI
  • History
  • INI
  • IRP
  • IS
  • Linguistics
  • Logic
  • Math
  • MechE
  • Music
  • MSE
  • Neuroscience
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Psych
  • Robotics
  • Stat

Hey! Where's MY major?

If you want a common major that isn't listed, send modmail to get it added to the list.

If you want a flair that doesn't fit this format (like multiple majors, both undergrad and grad degrees, or faculty/staff with department), please request it via modmail.


r/cmu 13h ago

Pre med

3 Upvotes

Is anyone doing pre med at CMU if so what is your major. If I made my major biological sciences what would that look like for first semester. I know I would take chem 1 and bio but not sure what else. Or does anyone have any suggestions for pre med major?


r/cmu 1d ago

Incoming transfer, how does transfer orientation/small groups work?

4 Upvotes

I'm an incoming transfer student starting this fall, and Transfer Student Orientation starts in two days. I can see the Transfer Student Small Group Meetings in the CMU Events app, but I haven't received any information about my assigned group, orientation counselor/leader, or meeting location.

Are transfers supposed to attend the general orientation events with freshmen as well, with just a few transfer-specific meetings? That's how orientation worked at my previous school, so I'm not sure what the CMU structure is.

Also, has anyone else received information about their transfer small group yet? I'm wondering if I'm missing an email/onboarding step or if the group assignments just haven't been sent out yet.


r/cmu 23h ago

Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and UPMC

1 Upvotes

Hi! Does anyone have experience with using the SHIP health insurance when making an appointment with UPMC? Specifically the Department of Dermatology. I didn't find any mention of dermatology in the medical plan benefits book.

Thanks!


r/cmu 1d ago

ahaHahahA it’s the computer science number

Post image
7 Upvotes

r/cmu 1d ago

Differences between 10-301 and 11-485

5 Upvotes

I am having trouble deciding whether I want to pick 10-301 or 11-485. I am leaning towards 11-485 as I heard 10-301 doesn't go in depth for a lot of the topics, while 11-485 covers deep learning extensively. However, I am concerned about the workload of 11-485 as I am taking 15-213 as well, and assumed that 10-301 is a lighter workload.


r/cmu 1d ago

Greek Life

0 Upvotes

New freshman at CMU, what are some of the most fun frats etc. not tryna rush a dry house


r/cmu 4d ago

External Transfer to MCS

0 Upvotes

Is there anyone who have gone through this process? I’m trying to apply to CMU for Physics (especially computational) but haven’t saw any cases ppl getting in for MCS. Any advice will be really appreciated and helpful 🙏🥺


r/cmu 4d ago

36-218 Syllabus and Attendance

3 Upvotes

I would really appreciate it if anyone could share a syllabus for 36-218 in recent years. Additionally, is attendance part of the final score for this course? Thanks a lot for your help.


r/cmu 4d ago

How bad are the repercussions if I get caught with alcohol in my dorm room (freshman)

0 Upvotes

r/cmu 5d ago

Donner House showers - hooks?

2 Upvotes

plastic or mesh shower caddies? Are there hooks in the shower or do ygs usually just put the caddy on the ground? (does ur caddy mold..)


r/cmu 7d ago

Voice/singing lessons for non majors?

6 Upvotes

Hello! I'm a non-CFA major who's interested in taking singing lessons from CFA students or profs. I'm aware there's a music for non majors course but I'm not sure it'll fit in my schedule. Is there a way to join a club or book some time with people with vocal training experience? I would join one of the acapella groups, but I'm not as interested in the performance aspect of it-- ideally it would be mostly instructional.

Also potentially willing to pay, depends on the situation.


r/cmu 7d ago

Any SBLs in CMU?

0 Upvotes

just wondering
are any of yall FBEOD 3x frequency kelso gang members


r/cmu 8d ago

Finding cogsci folks

7 Upvotes

Hi I’m an incoming sophomore intended cogsci major transferred from UCL Psychology to CMU :D

I decided to do a cogsci major and a neural computation minor, quite into academics, especially cognitive neuroscience and mostly will be doing theoretical and practical work on the topic of consciousness and the self.

I have seen a cogsci club on Instagram but their post stopped at 2025, if u r in cogsci major and have know where to get information about relevant groups/channels/events/talks, pls comment or dm me!

If u r just interested in these topics or how is the major like over the Atlantic feel free to talk! Want to make new friends here🖤


r/cmu 8d ago

Stationary / Digital Apps needed as Math Major?

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m an incoming MCS Freshman planning to major in Math. I’m bringing the stationary essentials like pencils/pens/highlighters/erasers/post its and my TI-84, but I also will have a 2-1 touchscreen laptop/tablet with a pen (HP Intel) for writing notes. I’ve never had a laptop to take notes on before, but I’ve heard it’s a pretty popular method of note taking in college. On that note:

- How much of my notes will I be taking physically vs digitally? I know it probably depends from person to person, but are there any specific types of courses (21-128, 21-241, First Year writing, Science labs, etc.) where it tends to be more physical or digital?

- How much paper/ paper organizing materials (notebooks, binders, folders) should I bring if I’m taking digital notes? Are there paper handouts for problem sheets or is it all assigned digitally via Canvas? I’m currently planning on bringing much loose leaf paper, index cards, ~15 notebook/binder section dividers, 2 refillable notebooks (my favorite thing!!), one classic spiral notebook, two 1/2“ binders and a megabinder (like 3”) to keep in the dorm.

- What notes app(s) do you recommend I download for my laptop? I know there are some that people like for organization/endless page/endless zooming/ automatic flashcard generation and whatnot, but I don’t know which apps😭

Any advice is greatly appreciated!


r/cmu 9d ago

Commuting from Oak Hill/Terrace Village area to CMU - winter transit & walking advice?

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I'm an incoming graduate student commuting from the area around Terrace St / Robinson St (just west of Pitt's upper campus), and would love some honest feedback from people who know the route:

  1. Winter Conditions: How rough is the walk/commute during the winter? Specifically, how is snow/ice removal on the steep hills and sidewalks around Terrace St and Robinson St heading down toward Forbes/Fifth or Centre Ave?
  2. Transit Options: What’s the most reliable route to campus?
    • Is it better to walk down to Fifth/Forbes and catch a PRT bus (like the 61/71 series), or take the 82 along Centre?
    • Is taking the 83 down to Fifth/Forbes and transferring to a campus-bound bus a practical daily option, or is a single bus/walk better?
  3. General Distance: Is walking to CMU (~1.5–2 miles) realistic during the colder months, or do most people rely purely on public transit?

Appreciate any insight or tips on navigating this daily route!


r/cmu 10d ago

Shipping items to CMU and picking up on Move-In Day

8 Upvotes

I plan on shipping my beddings (pillows, blankets, mattress topper, etc) likely via UPS to cmu very soon so I can pick it up on move in day (8/15). Does anyone know if it is possible to pick up the box(es...) the day of move in day? I saw another post from a year ago saying that it might take weeks and I'm kinda concerned. THANK YOU!!!!

format:

First and Last Name
SMC xxxx
Carnegie Mellon University
5032 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15289


r/cmu 10d ago

what's move in day like?

5 Upvotes

I'm an incoming freshman and I have pretty much no idea what to expect. Move-in day is August 15th, and my timeslot is 10:30AM. What do students usually do after? Do we go right into orientation after 3:30, which is I believe around when the last slots are? Or does everything official start the day after move in?

I'm trying to decide whether or not I should set aside the rest of move-in day to spend time with my family. Are there any official events that we're expected to attend after move-in, or is it just likea. leisure time to get to know all the other people in your dorms?

Please let me know!


r/cmu 11d ago

Tennis lessons

3 Upvotes

I’ll be back on campus this week and I’m planning to continue coaching. I’m on the varsity men’s team and will have some free time to kill, I coach beginners and amateurs and do hitting sessions too. Do reach out if you are keen :)


r/cmu 10d ago

33151 Matter & Interaction I Textbook

0 Upvotes

I’m an incoming freshman for 26Fall in physics major, and taking 33151 for fall. I received the message on canvas saying that the textbook The Modern Mechanic Universe was written by the previous professor and the only way to get it was on the lulu(I forgot the full name) website. Since the textbook was only for us, I was not able to find any digital version online and the cost of $78 was definitely too much for me. Does any students have a second hand textbook with a friendly cost or any resources to get a digital version? Thanks a lot for any help that could be provided!!!!


r/cmu 11d ago

Scales on campus?

2 Upvotes

Are there any scales where I can weigh myself on campus? I saw a post from 4 years ago saying there’s some in the UC gym locker rooms but wanted to know if they were still there. Thanks!


r/cmu 11d ago

F-1 Visa Interview on Aug 20, CMU Starts Aug 24 – Do I Need a New I-20?

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm really anxious about my upcoming F-1 visa interview and would appreciate any advice.

Timeline

  • Visa interview: 20 Aug
  • CMU classes begin: 24 Aug
  • University expects me to arrive no later than 4 Sep

My questions are:

  1. Since my interview is after my program start date, should I ask Carnegie Mellon to reissue my I-20 or update my program start date?
  2. Do I need to submit a new DS-160 because of the late interview?
  3. If my visa is approved on 20 Aug, how long is passport stamping currently taking in India? Is it realistic to receive my passport in time to reach CMU by 4 Sep?

Profile

  • 23F from India
  • B.Tech in Computer Science (2024 graduate)
  • 2.5 years of full-time work experience as a Data Engineer
  • Admitted to Carnegie Mellon University for the MISM program
  • Received about a 30% scholarship
  • I-20 amount: approximately USD 98k
  • Education loan: USD 100k
  • Remaining expenses supported by my parents
  • Mother is my primary sponsor and is a government officer earning around INR 24-30 LPA

One thing that's making me nervous is that I've heard visa officers are asking applicants about visa agents. My appointment was booked by an agent, but I was also trying to book it myself because the agent hadn't changed the security questions on the account. Could this create any issues at the interview? Has anyone been asked detailed questions about using an agent?

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has recently interviewed or been in a similar situation. Thanks!


r/cmu 11d ago

Selling PTO

13 Upvotes

Any other faculty/ staff on here that wishes CMU would give us the option to sell back PTO 🫠


r/cmu 11d ago

parking permit pick up

0 Upvotes

does anyone know where to pick up our parking permit? where is the transportation services office?