Carnegie Mellon University

Amenities

When you live in campus housing, a number of amenities are available to make your home away from home as comfortable and accommodating as possible.  

Bicycle racks are provided in residential areas where appropriate. Please be sure to register your bicycle with CMU Campus Police and read our "housing policy — bicycles" section.

Housekeeping services are provided throughout university housing in all public areas. In traditional residence hall areas, the large community bathrooms with standard rooms are cleaned daily. Suite and semi-private bathrooms are cleaned by custodial once, during the Winter Break period, with residents being responsible for cleaning their own bathrooms throughout the semester. Residents of apartments, houses or rooms with private bathrooms are responsible for cleaning their own bathroom.

Routine maintenance is performed on all buildings. Each building has a facility coordinator who is responsible for its condition. Our maintenance request system permits students to report building deficiencies, damages and other problems from any computer. Students can also track their maintenance requests online. Damages by students may result in extra charges.

Residents have the opportunity to rent a microfridge for their room for the academic year. A microfridge is a convenient and energy-efficient microwave and mini-fridge unit that follows CMU's guidelines and policies. If rented, the microfridge unit will be brought to your room prior to move-in and removed after you move out. Please note that only one microfridge can be in each room.

If you would like more information on myMicrofridge, please go to their website and check out this informational video!

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Housing rates do not cover personal property and the university does not assume liability under any circumstances for a student's personal property.  Students are strongly encouraged to have some form of personal property insurance.

GradGuard provides both personal property and liability coverage to college students. Residents who are assigned to housing for the upcoming academic year can apply directly through the Housing Portal. (Once logged in, click on "Housing Forms.") Off-campus residents can apply by going to gradguard.com/renters

National Student Services Inc. has been providing renter's insurance to Carnegie Mellon students for years. Get a quote through NSSI's website for full information on pricing or coverage.

The two companies listed above are simply options - students are encouraged to research their options before purchasing renters insurance.

Parking and Transportation Services provides leased parking spaces around the campus and transportation resources to the university community.

All campus housing residents are provided with a University mailbox, known as an SMC (Student Mail Code) box. All reisdent mail and packages must be sent to the SMC box. 

Postal services is available in the University Post Office which is located in the basement of the Jared L. Cohon University Center.

All university-owned residences are set up to accommodate and encourage recycling. Recycling and garbage pickup are covered in the housing rates.

University Police patrols the campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The dispatcher on duty can be reached at 412-268-2323. For more information, please refer to The Word website. Emergency call boxes are located at various locations across campus, which provide a direct line to University Police. For residences with desk services, assistance may be obtained there. All department staff members are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for its residents. Students are instrumental in this effort and are encouraged to become familiar with safety practices and safety-related policies.

Parking and Transportation provides free shuttle and escort services to students with a valid Student ID card.

Full service storage

Looking for an easy way to store your stuff over the summer? Meet Dorm Room Movers. They will send you boxes and tape to pack. Their professional and insured movers will pick up your items, store them for the summer and deliver back when you return. They can also help you ship boxes to and from campus. Visit the Dorm Room Movers website to register for services.
 
Full service summer storage includes:

  • Boxes and tape to pack shipped directly to you
  • Pick-up and delivery by professional movers
  • $100 insurance per box or unboxed item
  • Climate-protected storage and 24/7 security

Local Self-Storage

There are many self-storage companies in the area and they offer a variety of services. Here are just a few of the closest options. Please note that none of the companies listed below are endorsed or vetted by the university, but are listed as a service to students and families looking for local resources.

  • Compass Self-Storage - Offers climate-controlled storage in small and medium lockers and has moving trucks available for rent.
  • Guardian Storage - Self-storage units and lockers available in Bloomfield and Shadyside
  • STORExpress - Self-storage units and lockers with some climate controlled options and free moving truck rental.