Daily Schedule Overview
The schedule on this page is an overview of the First-Year Orientation schedule. Times and locations are subject to change. The full First-Year Orientation schedule will become available in the CMU Events App in August 2025. You can download from the App Store or Google Play on your mobile device.
First-Year Orientation will be offered in-person. All incoming first-year undergraduate students are expected to participate in First-Year Orientation.
Students will receive meals through First-Year Orientation from Sunday, August 17, through Saturday, August 23. Student meal plans begin on Sunday, August 24.
Saturday, August 16, 2025: Move-In
Move-In Day for Incoming First-Year Students is August 16, 2025.
Students will use the Housing portal to sign up for a Move-In timeslot between 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Staff and volunteers will be present to assist with your move-in. Please visit the Housing website for more information about early or late Move-In, Move-In maps, and receiving your ID card. Meals on August 16 are on your own.
First-Year Move-In
When you arrive on campus at your designated move-in timeslot, you will follow the directions available on the move-in map for your housing assignment building location's unloading zone. Staff and volunteers will be available to assist with moving.
Welcome Plaza
CMU is eager to welcome our newest first-year students and families! The Welcome Plaza will feature an opportunity for students and families to check-in, photo opportunities and activities to help build Tartan pride. Students can stop by to check-in and claim their class of 2029+ t-shirt (wear it on Tuesday!) Families can stop by to check-in, pick up resources and their family buttons.
Tartan Welcome Expo
Representatives from various campus resources and student services departments will be available to answer your questions and provide useful information and literature.
Dinner on Your Own
Students and families will eat dinner on their own on Saturday. Restaurant recommendations are available in the Events at CMU App.
Evening Entertainment
Students and families are invited to join us for exciting evening programming to conclude the night!
Sunday, August 17, 2025: Family Orientation
President's Welcome
All students and family members are invited to attend the kick-off to First-Year Orientation 2025. Join Dr. Farnam Jahanian, President of Carnegie Mellon University, Dr. Jim Garrett, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, and Gina Casalegno, Vice President for Student Affairs and the Dean of Students for this welcome address.
College and School Welcome Sessions
Join your college or school in a welcome session. Students and families can join faculty and staff to learn about curriculum and resources offered at their school. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions.
Family Orientation Lunch
Please join us for a grab and go lunch sponsored by Dining Services available to students and their families.
Orientation for Students with Disabilities and Family Members
The Office of Disability Resources will give an overview of the accommodations process for incoming first-years with disabilities and their families. We will review the process of setting up accommodations and answer common questions.
Neighborhood Welcomes
Students Only
Students Only
Meet housemates and get to know your house staff.
Monday, August 18, 2025: House Day
House Day
Become familiar with your housing community through programs and activities led by your Housefellow, Community Advisor, Resident Assistants, and Orientation staff.
Orientation Small Group Meeting and Dinner
Dinner with your Housing Community!
Playfair and Speedfriending
This is the largest icebreaker ever! Get to know your peers in the Class of 2029+. You can get to know each other, start some friendly rivalries or alliances for Carnegie Cup, find common interests, or talk about whatever you want!
Tuesday, August 19, 2025: Community Day
Community Day
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is committed to fostering an environment where all members feel welcome, valued, and positioned to thrive.
Community Collage
Enjoy the richness of community on our campus as students demonstrate the integral role that personal reflections and cultural performances have in shaping the culture of Carnegie Mellon.
Dinner
Dinner with your Housing Community!
Class of 2029+ Photo and Evening Entertainment
Join the Class of 2029+ for the first-year class photo!
Wednesday, August 20, 2025: Well-Being Day
Well-Being Day Intro & Well-Being Day Sessions
Students will meet within their housing communities to explore ideas about well-being in college and how to take care of ourselves and each other as members of the Carnegie Mellon Community. This interactive program will explore the dimensions of well-being, healthy decision-making, the standards we set for our community, and the resources available to support you as first-year students.
Wellness Samplers
As incoming students, it is important to find a wellness practice that works for you. During the Well-Being Day Samplers, the students will have the opportunity to briefly experience the different dimensions of wellness here at CMU and in the surrounding community.
Orientation Small Group Meeting
Meet with your Orientation group to review the content from the day.
Evening Social with your Academic College
Students will join their academic colleges for trips off-campus.
Thursday, August 21, 2025: Academic Day
Academic Day
Gather with your classmates to various welcome events hosted by your colleges and schools.
Convocation
Join the class of 2029+ for the formal welcome to the Carnegie Mellon community from President Jahanian and university leaders.
Orientation Small Group Meeting and Dinner
Meet with your Orientation group to review the content of the day and to play some icebreakers.
Friday, August 22, 2025
Orientation Day of Service
Make an impact and explore the vibrant city of Pittsburgh through hands-on service projects such as: beautifying neighborhood gardens, organizing donation centers, preparing meals for families and more.
Information Sessions from Campus Resources
Learn about the various resources offered to students through a series of information sessions offered across campus.
Student Organization Events
Connect with multiple student organizations on campus through a wide variety of activities.
Carnegie Cup
Field games and Puzzle Hunt
Field games and Puzzle Hunt
Join your housing community for an evening to celebrate house pride and friendly competition. Students create cheers, banners, and dress in house colors to build excitement for an evening of quirky outdoor field games or a puzzle hunt.
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Pittsburgh Connections Trips
Want to explore Pittsburgh or go whitewater rafting, horseback riding, or kayaking? Pittsburgh Connections adventures are offered on weekends throughout the academic year and are free for first-year students during Orientation.
Student Organization Events
Connect with multiple student organizations on campus through a wide variety of activities.
El Cookout: A Welcome Event from Black and LatinX Student Organizations
All are welcome to learn about the Black and LatinX organizations on campus while meeting their members. Enjoy free food and music.
First-Year Showcase
Are you ready to see amazing talent? That's right, it's the Class of 2029+ Showcase, which illustrates the most awe-inspiring talents of the first-year class!
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Student Organization Events
Connect with multiple student organizations on campus through a wide variety of activities.
Fraternity & Sorority Life Bash
Get ready to kick off the school year with the fraternity and sorority community! It's the perfect opportunity to connect with fraternity and sorority members, while diving into the fun and vibrancy of campus life.
Orientation Small Group Closing Meeting
Reflect on Orientation week with your peers and prepare for the first day of classes.