The First Semester

Carnegie Mellon supports first-year students and their families with robust and individualized resources and a strong ethic of care.

We are here to help your student thrive during their Carnegie Mellon journey and to help you provide support for your student.

The transition to college life will include learning and excitement, challenging moments and uncertainty, highs and lows, and everything else in between. There are some areas where family support is helpful, especially during the first semester.

Adjusting to the Pace and Rigor of College Courses

Many CMU students graduate at the top of their class and excelled in their high school academics. Even so, the academic demand at Carnegie Mellon can be an adjustment. Students may experience “imposter syndrome” or the feeling that they aren’t meant to be here, that their acceptance was a fluke or that they aren’t “cut out” for CMU. Imposter syndrome is common among college students at academically rigorous institutions. In these moments of doubt, assure your student they were admitted to CMU on their own merit and that both you as family members and Carnegie Mellon believe they can be successful here. Remind them also that it takes time to adjust to new academic expectations.

Encourage your student to connect with the Student Academic Success Center, which offers academic support and skill building opportunities including tutoring, supplemental instruction, communication workshops, and academic coaching for study skills and time management.

Navigating Newfound Independence

First-year students are meeting new people, experiencing increased responsibility for decision-making, and exploring independence and new boundaries. There is a lot of excitement and growth in building new community and connections, but students are also adjusting to the changing relationship dynamic with high school friends, family members and significant others.

Students who move to campus may experience homesickness, even if this isn’t their first time away from home. Homesickness is normal and it’s important to validate your student’s feelings. Remind them that it can take some time to feel at home in a new place and that there are so many ways to get involved on campus and hundreds of different communities to join.

Encourage your student to engage with peers in their classes and their resident assistant and to attend a student organization meeting or event. Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) provides a safe and confidential environment for students to talk about their transition to college and any other personal concerns. Developing Multicultural Competence

Carnegie Mellon embraces diversity in people and perspectives and promotes equity and inclusion in all that we do. Your student will meet and engage with peers, faculty, staff and others with life experiences, identities and values different from their own, and they may seek to find connections with community members from similar backgrounds, identities and interests.

Our community promotes civil discourse and the open exchange of ideas within a safe environment guided by our belief that every person at CMU should feel that they belong here. It’s important for our students to explore and celebrate their own backgrounds and identities, to share their journey with others and to learn from others as well.

Encourage your student to engage with the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion to find an affinity group, attend an event or training session or to connect with staff and student leaders committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive CMU.