Housing, Food & Dining and Transportation
Last updated: 5/3/21
Where is the best place to find information about university housing?
The Housing Services COVID-19 FAQ webpage addresses questions for students.
What is the planned housing approach for the 2021-22 academic year?
The planned approach for housing in academic year 2021-2022 is an optimistic one, with conditions much closer to what our residents experienced prior to the pandemic. We have based our approach on the current assumption that, by the summer months, vaccine availability will be plentiful and the prevalence of the virus and any variants will have partially subsided.
Read these CMU Housing COVID-19 Planning FAQs about fall 2021 based on what we currently know and can presume. As conditions evolve, we will evaluate and update our plans and communicate periodic updates with residential students planning to live in our house communities. Visit the Housing & Residential Education website for additional information.
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 “touchdown” space, such as Schatz Dining Hall.
Are food and drinks allowed in classrooms?
No. Food and drinks should stay out of classrooms. Also, students and instructors are encouraged not to congregate in the classrooms between classes.
Who is required to maintain a dining plan?
You are 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 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 webpage. 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 during the pandemic?
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 remain on a seven-day schedule; however, shuttle pickup times are adjusted. Please refer to the Parking & Transportation Services 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.