My Top Five Favorite Things About CMU

There’s probably dozens of amazing things I can ramble on about CMU, plus 100 more for all my favorite people. Although it took a while to narrow it down, here are my top 5 favorite things about CMU:

#1 Academics of course!

As a top engineering university, CMU is a beacon for pushing innovation. The classes here really seek to challenge your critical thinking skills while also heavily emphasizing hands-on learning. As a Civil and Environmental Engineering major, I have the opportunity to take a CEE projects course every year. These classes are focused on hands-on learning, working with real stakeholders, team projects and construction/fabrication where we can use the on-campus makerspaces such as TechSpark, the Woodshop and many labs. The small university size also allows for personalized feedback and diligent guidance along the way. Here at CMU you’ll get the chance to learn something new every day.

#2 Clubs: Societies & Dance

CMU is home to 350 unique clubs and organizations. My personal favorites that I’m involved in are the American Society of Civil Engineers, Infra Dance Company and Dancers Symposium. Every member in each of these clubs is so incredibly dedicated and passionate about their work, which is always so inspirational! Clubs are an incredible way to explore new interests, engage in extracurricular activity and meet one-of-a-kind people that will continue to inspire you every day. I feel like I’ve definitely met some of my closest friends through joining a few orgs on campus.

#3 Community & Collaboration

Community and collaboration are huge here at CMU and are constantly encouraged. With this, I’ve grown incredibly close to my entire CEE department. We have a huge group chat with every CEE student in our class and have all hung out together over Spring Carnival, Thanksgiving, most days in the CEE student lounge and painted the fence. I truly feel this community is built on support where everyone from professors to advisors and fellow students all want you to succeed.

#4 Campus Traditions: Spring Carnival & Booth

One of my favorite activities to participate in at CMU is the booth competition that takes place during Spring Carnival in April. In addition to the rides, food, games and buggy event, Booth also takes place where student orgs built 1-2 story structures centered around a theme. Previously, I’ve competed in doghouse and blitz booth, which are smaller versions of these large structures. Last year, I built a blitz booth with the ASCExTPEG centered around the game Roller Coaster Tycoon. It featured a simulated motion platform and projector screen to replicate the feeling of being on a roller coaster.

#5 Pittsburgh & CMU are so pretty!

Both Pittsburgh and CMU are incredibly unique in terms of their culture and architecture. I really love the diversity of greenspace, buildings, people and history. One of my favorite activities is biking along Point State Park in downtown where I can explore around the main rivers and under many of Pittsburgh’s bright yellow bridges!