FAQ's
What should I bring?
Can my family come with me?
Who will I stay with?
What is the role of my host?
What are the residence halls like?
What activities will be available in the evening?
What is the food like?
Where and when do I go when I arrive?
Is the schedule strict?
When do I pick up my son/daughter?
What should I bring?
Bring everything you'll need for an overnight stay, including:
- sleeping bag
- pillow
- bath towels
- toiletries (including your toothbrush!)
- photo identification (school ID, driver's license, passport)
- any prescription medications you must take on a regular basis
- recreational clothing so you can take advantage of our athletic facilities
- notebook and pen/pencil to take notes on your experiences
There will be luggage rooms set up on both Sunday and Monday, so you won't need to lug your stuff around with you all day. Remember, it's important to bring your belongings with you when you leave your host's room on Monday morning in case you aren't able to meet up with him/her again before you leave campus.
Can my family come with me?
Family members are welcome to participate in the weekend, however, we do not provide overnight accommodations for them. There are a number of nearby hotels and many of them offer free shuttle service to campus. Additional information specific for parents can be found on our Especially for Parents page. Some families split up on Sunday afternoon so that they can gather more information and others stay together throughout the day.
Who will I stay with?
We try to match participants with a current student majoring in the same intended field. Sometimes we aren't able to find an exact match, but regardless of your host's major, he/she will be able to give you a firsthand account of student and academic life on campus. If your host is not majoring in the field you're interested in, chances are he/she knows someone who is. You'll also have opportunities to learn more about your intended major through various panels, presentations, departmental meetings and by observing classes.
What is the role of my host?
During your evening on campus, your host will open his/her room to you. This is meant to give you an accurate idea of student life at Carnegie Mellon. It is important to note that these students may be busy with their own coursework and other activities, and therefore may not have as much free time as they would like to spend with you. In this case, we encourage you to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to get to know other prospective students and explore the campus with them, as there is always a myriad of activities available.
What are the residence halls like?
At Carnegie Mellon there is a variety of housing options available through our 20 different residential communities. As a Sleeping Bag Weekend guest, you may have the opportunity to stay in any number of these residence halls. Further information and virtual tours of our residence halls can be found on our Housing Facilities Web site.
What activities will be available in the evening?
You will have an opportunity to truly experience what life is like for a Carnegie Mellon student as all of our facilities will be available to you. Many students enjoy the $1.00 movie on Sunday evenings, the pool and other athletic facilities located in the University Center, art exhibitions at the Frame Gallery and much more.
What is the food like?
Dining at Carnegie Mellon is unique in that we do not have a central dining hall. Instead, we have a food court approach to meals and venues are placed across our entire campus. A wide variety of eating establishments are available including Indian, Mexican, Asian, Vegetarian/Vegan and traditional bistro-style meals. You will be provided with a special dining card, good at any of the above venues, that will grant you access to a limited number of meals during your time on campus.
Where and when do I go when I arrive?
Registration for the weekend will take place between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM in the University Center. Click here for a campus map. Welcoming remarks will begin promptly at 11:30 AM.
Is the schedule strict?
At registration a finalized schedule of events and class list will be passed out. Students/families may pick and choose what events to attend, when to end their day and even take a break to wander around campus on your own.
When do I pick up my son/daughter?
Monday's events and classes typically run until mid-to-late afternoon, though students may leave campus at any time of the day.