Double-as-Triple (Reduced Rate) Housing Options
As demand for on-campus housing continues to grow, Carnegie Mellon has expanded bed availability by offering a limited number of “Double-as-Triple” rooms in select first-year communities. These rooms are located in Donner House and the Maggie Mo First-Year Houses, within the Margaret Morrison Street Neighborhood. Students assigned to these spaces will receive a $1,000 discount off the Traditional Triple rate for the academic year. This would equate to a discount of $500 per semester.
Each resident in a Double-as-Triple room is provided a full set of furniture: a bed, desk, dresser, and a shared closet or wardrobe. These rooms are standard doubles that have been thoughtfully configured and furnished to accommodate three students comfortably.
Donner House Double-as-Triple
Photos represent a sample set-up of a Double-as-Triple room. Flooring, furniture, lighting, etc, may vary from room to room. Closet area is shared amongst all three residents.
Donner House Double-as-Triple
Photos represent a sample set-up of a Double-as-Triple room. Flooring, furniture, lighting, etc, may vary from room to room. Closet area is shared amongst all three residents.
Donner House Double-as-Triple
Photos represent a sample set-up of a Double-as-Triple room. Flooring, furniture, lighting, etc, may vary from room to room. Closet area is shared amongst all three residents.
Maggie Mo FY House Double-as-Triple
Photos represent a sample set-up of a Double-as-Triple room. Flooring, furniture, lighting, etc, may vary from room to room. Closet area is shared amongst all three residents.
Maggie Mo FY House Double-as-Triple
Photos represent a sample set-up of a Double-as-Triple room. Flooring, furniture, lighting, etc, may vary from room to room. Closet area is shared amongst all three residents.
Maggie Mo FY House Double-as-Triple
Photos represent a sample set-up of a Double-as-Triple room. Flooring, furniture, lighting, etc, may vary from room to room. Closet area is shared amongst all three residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not find an answer to your specific question here, email Housing Services or call 412-268-2139.
Tips for living with two roommates
Here are a few tips—straight from students who’ve lived in triples—that can help make your transition smoother:
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Pack smart for move-in: If you're traveling a long distance, just bring the essentials at first. Pittsburgh weather shifts by season, so no need to pack your winter gear in August—save that for a future trip home.
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Coordinate with your roommates: Chat about who’s bringing what. You probably don’t need three microwaves or multiple TVs. Dividing up larger shared items in advance can save time, money, and space.
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Plan your arrival together: Try to coordinate move-in times with your roommates. When you arrive, talk through how you want to set up the room. Shared spaces work best when you make layout decisions together.
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Think vertically: Dorm rooms are cozy—maximize your space by using under-bed storage bins, stackable drawers, and closet organizers. The more creative you are, the more comfortable your room will be.
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Communicate early and often: Complete your roommate agreement together and keep the lines of communication open. If something’s bothering you, don’t let it build up. Have respectful, honest conversations and work through concerns together.
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Connect with your Residential Education Staff: Your Resident Assistants (RAs), Community Assistant (CA), and Housefellow (HF) are incredible resources. They're here to help you get settled, stay informed about neighborhood and building-wide events, and navigate any housing questions or concerns.
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Embrace the experience: Living with two roommates means more opportunities to study, hang out, and build friendships. Stay open-minded, bring your best attitude, and you’ll help shape a memorable first year at CMU.
What if we cannot decide on who gets what bed?
Keep in mind: the room configuration remains the same no matter who moves in first. We strongly encourage roommates to talk early and work together on deciding who will take which bed. If a mutual decision isn’t reached, we’ll use the following default system:
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The student assigned to bed space -1 will have the single (non-bunked) bed
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The student assigned to bed space -2 will have the bottom bunk
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The student assigned to bed space -3 will have the top bunk
It’s all part of sharing space and starting your CMU journey together. If you have questions or concerns about your room type, feel free to reach out to Housing Services—we’re here to help.
What if there are roommate conflicts in my Double-as-Triple room?
Is the discounted Double-as-Triple rate for the full academic year?
The discounted rate for a Double-as-Triple room is based on three students living in the space. The discount will stay in place as long as the room remains fully occupied with three residents.
Once I am assigned to a Double-as-Triple, will there be any changes after that?
Prior to Fall Move-In: Should additional vacancies arise before the start of the Fall semester, we will make every effort to de-densify Double-as-Triple rooms—meaning we may offer the option for one resident to move to another space. However, room swaps are based on availability, and we cannot guarantee that a specific room type or building will open up. If you and your roommates are comfortable with the Double-as-Triple arrangement, there is no requirement to move. Our goal is to support your preferences while managing space across campus as efficiently and fairly as possible.
Post Move-In: Once you are assigned to a Double-as-Triple room, that will remain your assignment unless you choose to pursue a room change.
What happens if one of my roommates moves out?
If one roommate moves out during the Fall semester, the remaining two residents will keep the discounted rate through the end of that semester—no changes will be made mid-term.
Looking ahead to the Spring semester, Housing Services will take one of two steps:
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The room may be converted back to a double, and the rate will be adjusted accordingly.
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A new roommate may be assigned to fill the open space, in which case, the discounted triple rate will continue.
We’re committed to making sure you’re informed and supported throughout the year. If your room situation changes, you’ll be contacted directly with any updates.
Can I request a room change while in a Double-as-Triple?
If desired, students in a Double-as-Triple are permitted to request room changes through the Room Assignments Team after the initial room change freeze is over. The room change freeze is lifted two weeks after classes start for the semester.
Please see above for more information on what happens if one of your roommates moves out.