My Experience Studying Computer Science at CMU

When I first arrived at Carnegie Mellon University as an international student from Pune, I knew I was stepping into one of the most rigorous and prestigious computer science programs in the world. CMU’s School of Computer Science (SCS) has a reputation that precedes it — consistently ranked among the top, it is known for its intense coursework, groundbreaking research and an environment that fosters innovation. Now that I’m here, I can confidently say that I understand why.

Learning at CMU: Challenging but Incredibly Rewarding

The classes in SCS are unlike anything I have experienced before. Every course is meticulously designed and expertly taught, pushing students to think beyond the obvious. The depth of understanding I have gained in just a short time is more than I could have imagined. Concepts that once seemed abstract now feel intuitive, thanks to the way they are taught. The problem sets, assignments and projects aren’t just about getting the right answer — they are about understanding the process and truly engaging with the material.

One of the things I appreciate most is having undergraduate Teaching Assistants (TAs) who have taken these same courses before. Their insights and guidance make an enormous difference, whether it’s debugging a tricky piece of code or figuring out the best approach to a complex algorithm.

Surrounded by Brilliant and Like-Minded People

CMU brings together some of the brightest minds from all over the world, and being in an environment where everyone is passionate about computer science is both inspiring and humbling. I’ve met so many people who share my interests, whether it’s artificial intelligence, robotics or software development. There’s a sense of camaraderie that makes even the toughest nights in the Gates Center enjoyable — everyone is working hard, but we’re in it together.

Beyond academics, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in some fantastic organizations. I’m part of the SCS Student Advisory Committee, where I get to contribute to discussions about student life and academic policies within the school. Last semester, I joined Scotty Labs, a student-run club focused on software development, where I’ve been working on exciting projects. And just last week, I started research with a professor in AI and Computational Biology - a field that combines two of my biggest interests. The opportunities here are endless, and I love how easy it is to get involved in meaningful work.

A Tough but Incredibly Fun Experience

There’s no denying that CMU makes you work - really, really hard. Late nights in the computer labs, back-to-back problem sets and moments of frustration are all part of the experience. But somehow, amidst the challenge, it’s also really, really fun. The sense of achievement that comes with solving a difficult problem, the friends made through shared struggles and the joy of learning something new every day make it all worth it.

Everyone here, including the professors, TAs and my peers is warm, helpful, and willing to go the extra mile to support each other. That’s what makes SCS at CMU special. It’s not just a place to learn computer science; it’s a place that shapes you into a thinker, a problem-solver, and a collaborator.

I came to CMU knowing it was one of the best computer science programs in the world. Now, after living it, I understand exactly why.