Housing, Food & Dining and Transportation
Where is the best place to find information about university housing?
The Housing Services COVID-19 FAQ webpage addresses questions for students.
What strategy has the university adopted for on-campus housing?
We know that residential living looks quite different this year. All students and staff have a shared commitment to ensure we can maintain open facilities to support in-person education. In particular, all of our facilities are de-densified, which, with the addition of some off-campus hotel rooms, will allow us to maintain 50% of our usual occupancy this year.
What does “de-densifying” the residence halls mean? How many students can live together?
All of our facilities are de-densified. There is just one student per bedroom and no more than three students per bathroom in semi-suites, suites and apartments, or bathroom fixture set (shower/toilet/sink) in traditional residence halls and Greek chapter houses. This means that all residents in campus housing this semester have a single/private bedroom.
How will this impact my housing for the academic year?
We are committed to offering you an opportunity to live on campus for one semester in the year ahead to provide an equitable approach to assigning our limited capacity. All first-year students, and all upperclass students with existing housing assignments, will be provided on-campus housing for only one of the upcoming two semesters, and only a very small number with special circumstances will be provided housing for both semesters. We know this is a disappointment for some students and families. We look forward to the day when we can offer our fulsome residential housing experience to all students. The extraordinary times of living through a pandemic call for our heightened and sincere commitment to your health and well-being, which we believe this approach promotes.
How will the modified self-quarantine work once I move into my spring housing assignment?
A 14-day modified self-quarantine period will be expected of all residential students upon arrival. While in modified quarantine, students may not attend events or classes on campus, or leave campus. Activities such as picking up food from a campus dining location or exercising outdoors will be permitted so long as physical distancing is maintained and a facial covering is worn. For the purposes of some limited opportunities for social interaction, first-year students will form a “pod” with members of their floor community, while upper-class students can form a self-defined “pod” of up to 10 students living in the same residence hall.
Learn more about the modified quarantine period for all students.
How will dining plans work after I move into the residence halls and before classes begin for the Spring 2021 semester?
Dining plans for first-year students living in university housing will be activated once students move in. Students will be able to use both blocks and FLEX at a select number of dining locations on campus. Blocks and FLEX used before classes begin will be deducted from the semester allotment of your enrolled meal plan.
Will residence halls remain open after Thanksgiving and during winter break for students who choose to stay?
Please visit the Housing Services COVID-19 FAQ for more information about the Thanksgiving and Winter breaks and Winter break housing.
Seating around campus, including at restaurants, is limited. Where can I eat my meal?
Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to get their meals and go back to their residence or office, sit outside or locate a “touch down” space, such as Schatz Dining Hall. Food and drink should stay out of classrooms.
Who is required to maintain a dining plan for the Spring 2021 semester?
You will be required to maintain a meal plan if you are a first-year student living in any building. Upper-class students living in university accommodations without access to a kitchen for the Spring 2021 semester are strongly encouraged to maintain some level of meal plan, but it is not a requirement.
Where can I find more information about dining?
Additional information, including details about dining plans, can be found on the Dining Services COVID FAQ website. View menus and open locations.
Is the CMU Pantry available for students?
The CMU Pantry is modifying its operations to serve the needs of our community while protecting the health and safety of our shoppers, staff and volunteers. The Pantry will now take orders through an online form and prepare food in bags for pick-up. For the time being, this will completely replace the in-person shopping experience. For more information, including online forms, pickup hours and how to support the Pantry, visit the CMU Pantry website.
How is campus transportation affected?
The CMU Campus Shuttles are committed to maintaining service but will continue to operate on reduced routes and adjusted schedules due to a decrease in demand. CMU shuttles will remain on a seven-day schedule; however, shuttle pickup times have been adjusted. Please refer to the website and the Ride System GPS app for updates.
We will maintain our relationship with the Port Authority, and access to Pittsburgh PAT buses will continue.