My Carnegie Mellon Journey: A Senior Reflection
Cat R.
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Undergraduate Admission
Student & Community Blog
Hear from current students & community members as they share their authentic stories about student life, academics and the full college experience at Carnegie Mellon.
Owen, MCS '29
"Being a successful student isn’t just a function of how hard you study, you have to make sure you’re also focusing on your mental and physical health."
A Guide to Carnegie Mellon’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS)
Yara, CFA '26
"Lunar Gala is such a good way to tap into the creative community at CMU. Models met during the process who are now going on to do DJ sets together, make music together, design lines and work on other really cool projects."
Behind the Scenes at Lunar Gala
Orli, BXA '29
"This diversity of interests is what I think really makes the BXA program so strong."
Highlighting the BXA Intercollege Degree Program
Marissa, MCS '26
"At CMU, mentorship has not only supported my academic success but has also taught me how to cultivate community, confidence and compassion in return."
My Mentorship Experiences at CMU
Ray, CIT '28
"It’s an incredible bonding time, all building excitement for the big weekend."
The Road to Carnival: Behind the Scenes of Buggy and Booth
Sonali, CIT '27
"Looking back, I’m really glad I took the initiative to reach out and pursue research opportunities."
Getting Involved in Research at CMU
Rowan, CFA '29
"The combination of academics, opportunities and wonderful people at CMU have made me confident I made the right choice."
Why I Chose CMU
Anna, IS '28
"Before coming to CMU, I hadn’t been in Pittsburgh for more than a day, so once I arrived, I was determined to explore the city."
5 Pittsburgh Attractions You Can't Miss
Tiffany, DC '28
"Dietrich events are more than just a break from the books — they’re a chance to celebrate the lifelong bonds we’ve built at CMU."
Celebrating Community at the Dietrich College Great Gatsby Ball
Riyan, IS '29
“The IS Sphere has been one of the most impactful parts of discovering what information systems really means at CMU.”
Spotlighting the IS Sphere Program
Samhita, CIT '27
“The mentorship I’ve received from connections I made at these fairs has been unparalleled.”
Exploring Career Fairs at CMU
Sai, DC '29
"TartanHacks is for anyone who has an idea and wants to bring it to life."
My Experience at TartanHacks
Cindy, DC '27
"College is a great place to challenge the kind of person you think you are and take risks in an environment that’s really friendly to doing so!"
What I Wish I Knew Before Starting at CMU
Maile, CIT '27
“From baking Wookie cookies to building a life-sized BB-8, the CMU Star Wars Club turns fandom into unforgettable campus experiences.”
Why I Love CMU’s Star Wars Club
Esha, CFA '27
"Every time I visit the North Shore, there’s something new happening: a concert, a festival or just a quiet sunset on the water. It’s one of those places that reminds me why I love being in Pittsburgh."
Exploring Pittsburgh's North Shore Neighborhood
Sofia, IS '27
"Between great food, good friends and small adventures around the city, I’ve realized that the moments outside the classroom often become the ones that matter most."
What I Do Outside of the Classroom
Alycen, CFA '26
"Wintertime and the holidays are my absolute favorite time of year, and Pittsburgh truly transforms into a winter wonderland during this season."
Winter in Pittsburgh: What to See, Do and Experience
Angella, CIT '28
"The best part of learning is putting myself in environments where ideas can flow, and I can connect with others beyond the classroom."
The Best Study Spots on Campus
Natalie, CIT '28
"There's something uniquely rewarding about taking equations and code and turning them into physical prototypes. With over 16 different makerspaces on campus, nothing ever feels impossible to create."
My Favorite Makerspaces at Carnegie Mellon
Cat, DC '26
"CMU has formed a culture dedicated to understanding and appreciating art not only in the classroom, but outside as well."
Exploring the Frame Gallery
Edie, TSB '28
"I love staying in touch with art through museums because visiting galleries and exhibits help me relax in between my busy course load. "
Discover the Art Pass Program
Bridget, MCS '27
"CMU homecoming is one of my favorite weekends during the fall semester."
Homecoming at CMU
Jonathan, CFA '28
"You can’t go wrong with any of our housing options. From first-year to upper-class residence halls, each community offers a unique experience."
On-Campus Communities at CMU
Lydia, CIT '28
“My favorite way to get exercise is through club and intramural sports. These activities give me a consistent schedule, help me carve out time to see friends, stay active and have fun."
My Favorite Club and Intramural Sports
Sruti, BXA '25
“I’m certain there’s no place else I’d rather be in the fall. Pittsburgh has so much to offer outside of Carnegie Mellon’s campus."
What to Do in Pittsburgh During Fall Break
Cindy, DC '27
"Scotty Saturday is definitely one of the highlights of fall semester for me – whether you and your friends or family like arts and crafts, sports, music or games, there’s always something fun there for you."
What I Love About Scotty Saturday
Hannah, TSB '28
"The Cut, Buggy and Booth represent just a few pieces of the unique lingo and traditions that shape campus life at CMU."
Learn CMU Lingo
LiLi, DC '26
"CMU’s club fairs are such a great place to see all the different clubs CMU has to offer."
A Guide to the FAIR
Katie, CIT '25
"I am so glad I joined; as it was a good way to stay active, meet friends early and continue with a sport that I am passionate about."
Being a Student Athlete
Gina, CIT '28
"I’ve truly enjoyed the meals I’ve had here and I genuinely believe students will find great options that fit their tastes and make them feel at home."
My Favorite Places to Eat on Campus
Brian, DC '25
"This holistic approach — treating every commitment, including self care, as its own “course” — is what keeps me thriving at CMU and beyond."
Balancing Part-Time Work and Academics
Sruti, BXA '25
"Volunteering at the shelter has been so fun and I can’t imagine my college experience without it."
Volunteering in the Pittsburgh Community
LiLi, DC '26
"Like all resources at CMU, ODR is here to support and ensure that you are part of a community that strives for inclusivity and accessibility for everyone."
Accommodations at CMU
Harshitha, CFA '27
"What I love most about the music scene here is that it’s not just about big names — it’s about the whole community."
Exploring Pittsburgh's Live Music Scene
Alycen, CFA '26
"We truly made that traditional double in Donner our home."
Tips for Living with Roommates
Sydney, CIT '25
"One of my favorite things about CMU is how easy it is to branch out beyond your major."
My Experience Studying Engineering at CMU
Indu, IS '28
"It’s your time to explore campus, find your favorite study spots, meet your housemates and just have fun before classes begin."
Advice for Move-In Day at CMU
Rebecca, MCS '25
"One of the most rewarding aspects of my time in MCS has been the opportunity to engage in research and lab classes."
My Experience Studying in MCS at CMU
Peter, DC '26
"The Dietrich College General Education Program is a fantastic program that helped me find my concentration.."
My Experience Studying in Dietrich College at CMU
Ray, CIT '28
"It was a surreal moment, almost like a trial run of what was to come just over a year later..."
My Summer Pre-College Program Experience
Sofia, IS '27
"I’ve had so many opportunities to explore different career paths, gain hands-on experience and meet incredible people along the way."
My Experience Studying Information Systems at CMU
Miriam, MCS '28
"Making your dorm feel like a home is more important than people realize!"
What I Packed for my First-Year Dorm
Angie, TSB '28
"Our learning in class integrates conversations that bring in other areas like how technology aids business operations."
My Experience Studying Business at CMU
Samhita, CIT '27
"Even though I’m a Pittsburgh native, I’m still surprised by all this city has to offer."
Exploring Pittsburgh's Shadyside Neighborhood
Ronav, SCS '28
"The classes in SCS are unlike anything I have experienced before."
My Experience Studying Computer Science at CMU
Ryan, TSB '28
"On an average day, I have four classes, starting around 9 am and ending around 1 pm or so."
A Day in My Life as a Student Athlete
Esha, CFA '27
"From the very first year, we are encouraged to think critically and experiment"
My Experience Studying Architecture at CMU
Aaron, CIT '27
"Classes can be challenging, but that doesn’t mean you can’t excel with some hard work and planning"
Study Tips
Wen Hui, CIT '25
"Coming here, my experiences met and exceeded my expectations!"
Why I Chose CMU
Rohit, CIT '26
"Carnegie Mellon Racing isn’t just my favorite club at CMU—it’s my home on campus."
My Favorite Club at CMU
Eric, TSB '25
"I still fondly remember my first year here like it was yesterday"
Reflecting on My First-Year as a Senior
Sanya, CIT '27
"Our goal is to push the boundaries of what’s possible"
Hands-On Research Experience
Leo, TSB '27
"Just remember that we all have your back here at Carnegie Mellon"
Finding Mentors at CMU
Abby, DC '25
" Being part of Scotch’n’Soda during Carnival isn’t just about putting on a show, it’s about the community."
Participating in Scotch'n'Soda
Samantha, CIT '26
"There’s probably dozens of amazing things I can ramble on about CMU, plus 100 more for all my favorite people."
My Top Five Favorite Things About CMU
Kei-Li, DC '26
"I’ve found a lot of great support systems both at CMU and within myself."
Balancing Academics and Mental Health
Annie, SCS '26
"If you had listed my involvements to me before I started college, I never would have believed you."
Organizations on Campus
Katherine, CIT '25
"For me, being a woman in STEM at CMU has been an incredibly rewarding journey"
Women in STEM at CMU
Selena, TSB '27
"I have made lifelong friends who help me grow personally and academically."
My Experience Joining Greek Life
Cynthia, DC '25
"Always remember that you belong at these institutions, advocate for yourself and for others"
My Experience as a First-Generation College Student
Wanetta, CIT '26
"Performing and competing with like-minded individuals encouraged me to audition, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made in college!"
Why Counterpoint is my Favorite Club at CMU
Michelle, SCS '25
"My academic journey here has been thoroughly supported by CMU’s extreme breadth of offerings both inside and outside of SCS."