Carnegie Mellon University

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve answered common questions about the Orientation program on this site. If you have other questions about the program or the start of your Carnegie Mellon experience, please email the Office of First-Year Orientation.

There are several items that incoming students need to complete during the summer in order to be prepared for First-Year Orientation and the fall semester. Please see the First-Year Onboarding Checklist to review required and recommended items and their deadlines.

First-Year Orientation will be offered in-person.

An overview of the schedule will be available on the Orientation website in June. The full First-Year Orientation schedule will be available in mid-August on the Events at CMU App which you can download from the App Store or Google Play

Residence hall Move-In for incoming first-year students, including transfer students, will occur on Saturday, August 19, 2023. Parents and family members are invited to assist their student with Move-In.

First-Year Family Orientation 2023 will be offered primarily in-person with sessions scheduled on Sunday, August 20, 2023. Family sessions will conclude and families should plan to depart campus by 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 20, as First-Year Orientation sessions for students will begin that evening.

No, new students do not need to register for First-Year Orientation. All first-year and transfer students are expected to attend First-Year Orientation. 

Students will receive meals through First-Year Orientation Sunday, August 20, through Saturday, August 26. Student meal plans begin on Sunday, August 27.

If you have dietary restrictions, submit them using this form by July 21, 2023.

Incoming first-year students at Carnegie Mellon have been admitted into one of seven colleges or an Intercollege Degree Program. Admission to other colleges or programs may be possible via an internal transfer process, but is not guaranteed. If you have concerns that the college or program that you have been admitted into is not a good fit, please contact your academic advisor prior to the start of First-Year Orientation to discuss your options.