Transfer Student Orientation
Transfer Orientation will take place Aug. 19-23!
All incoming transfer students are invited to Transfer Student Orientation. This is a curated schedule of events to meet the needs of transfer students and their adjustment to Carnegie Mellon. Transfer students are assigned to an orientation group led by orientation counselors and an orientation leader who also transferred to CMU. Over the summer, transfer students will receive specialized communication about their transition and completing the onboarding checklist.
If transfer students have any questions about onboarding or orientation, please email orientation@andrew.cmu.edu.
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026: Move-In and Welcome
Transfer Student Move-In
Transfer students will sign up for morning move-in time slots for university housing. CMU community members will be present to help you move in your belongings.
If transfer students are living off-campus, please plan to arrive by Wednesday morning.
Transfer Student and Family Welcome Lunch
12:30 - 2 p.m. ET
Transfer students and their families are invited to attend a welcome lunch. Students should RSVP by Wednesday, Aug. 5. There will be remarks from university leadership and student leaders. Transfer students not living in University housing can claim their ID at this event. Please bring a form of government ID.
Community Collage
2:30 - 4 p.m.
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.
Small Group Meetings
4 - 5 p.m.
Connect with your small groups to reflect on the day's content and look ahead towards the rest of the week.
Short Cut City: Campus Tours for Transfer Students
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Transfer students will be able to explore their academic buildings as well as highlight the short cuts between buildings around campus.
Pep Rally
8 - 9:30 p.m.
Express your Tartan pride with your fellow first-year students!
Transfer Student Organization Game Night
9:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Transfer students are welcome to enjoy a game night with the Transfer Student Organization. Make connections over a variety of board games.
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026: Academic Day
Academic Day
Gather with your classmates to various welcome events hosted by your colleges and schools.
Transfer Student Panel and Lunch with Transfer Student Organization
12:30 - 2 p.m.
Transfer students will hear the experiences of fellow transfer students while enjoying their lunch. Bring your questions and hear first hand accounts from members of the Transfer Student Organization.
Convocation
4 - 5 p.m.
Join transfer students and the class of 2030+ for the formal welcome to the Carnegie Mellon community from President Jahanian and university leaders.
Transfer Student Photo
5 - 5:30 p.m.
Join your fellow transfer students by the Fence with your transfer orientation t-shirt for a snapshot to commemorate the start of your CMU journey.
Small Group Meetings
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Connect with your small groups to reflect on the day's content and look ahead towards the rest of the week.
Drag Bingo
8 - 10:30 p.m.
B-I-N-G-O! Join us for a night of entertainment, games, and prizes!
Friday, Aug. 21, 2026
Transfer Student Target Run on the Bus
10 a.m. - Noon
Need some essentials or want to learn how to ride the Pittsburgh Regional Transit? Your Orientation Counselors will show you the ropes in riding the bus.
Unlocking CMU: Your Transfer Guide to Career & Professional Success
2 - 2:50 p.m.
Meet the teams dedicated to helping you succeed beyond the classroom. This panel brings together Career and Professional Development Center, Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development, Study Abroad, and the Alumni Association to show you how to navigate CMU's powerful professional ecosystem. Learn how to plug into these resources early to help achieve your goals at CMU.
Transfer Strong: Strategies for Academic Achievement
3 - 3:50 p.m.
CMU is known for their world class academics. This interactive session will be led by the Student Academic Success Center and will focus on how to be successful in the classroom as well as resources to support you in your academic journey.
Aligning Your Stars: Wellness Experience at the Highmark Center
4 - 5 p.m.
Your well-being is the anchor of your CMU journey. Join fellow transfer students for a tour of the Highmark Center. We'll explore the comprehensive care and resources available to you, helping you integrate health into your daily routine. Learn how to map out a personalized wellness plan that keeps you grounded and energized as you find your place in the Carnegie Constellation.
Small Group Meetings
6 - 7 p.m.
Connect with your small groups to reflect on the day's content and look ahead towards the rest of the week.
First-Year Showcase
8 - 10:30 p.m.
Are you ready to see amazing talent? That's right it's the First-Year Showcase, which illustrates the most awe-inspiring talents of the incoming class! If you would like to share a talent, connect with your orientation counselor.
Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026
Transfer Student Organization’s Pittsburgh Connection Trip
10 a.m. - Noon
See the sights in Pittsburgh with your fellow transfer students on Molley's Trolly. This tour includes a visit to Downtown, the Cultural District, the North Side, Oakland, and a ride on the historic Duquesne Incline. The registration form will be delivered to the email addresses of all incoming transfer students.
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
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
All are welcome to learn about the Black and Latinx organizations on campus while meeting their members. Enjoy free food and music.
Carnegie Cup & Puzzlehunt
8 - 10:30 p.m.
Join the Class of 2030+ 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.
Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026
Student Organization Events
Connect with multiple student organizations on campus through a wide variety of activities.
Fraternity & Sorority Life Bash
2 - 4 p.m.
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.
Final Small Group Meeting
4 - 4:30 p.m.
End First-Year Orientation with a chance to ask any final questions and reflect on the week.
Transfer Student Organization Ice Cream Social
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Unwind and cool-off with Transfer Student Organization (TSO) before the start of classes. Enjoy a variety of cold treats with transfer students and members of TSO as you celebrate the end of orientation and look forward to starting a successful semester together.