This section will guide you through the transition to Carnegie Mellon University in Silicon Valley, from finding housing and getting around, to what to expect during your first days on campus.
Joining the CMU-SV community
Starting grad school is a big step. For many of you, it also means moving to a new city or country. That kind of change can feel overwhelming, but you’re not doing it alone. We’re here to guide you through the transition, help you get settled, and support you during your time here.
CMU-Silicon Valley is a small graduate campus located in Mountain View, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. We’re part of NASA Ames Research Park and surrounded by some of the most innovative companies and thinkers in the world. This is a unique place to study, grow, and launch what’s next. You’re joining a community that’s collaborative, welcoming, and ready to help you succeed. We’re excited to welcome you into the community!
What to expect before you arrive
Once you’ve enrolled, you’ll get access to our onboarding course in Canvas. This course will walk you through key resources, action items, and timelines to help you prepare for your time at CMU-SV.
You’ll also receive communication from your academic department and other CMU offices like the Office of International Education. These messages will include important program-specific requirements and deadlines.
We don’t expect you to keep track of everything all at once. The information will come when you need it, and we’ll help you stay on track.
CMU-SV onboarding timeline
Moving to Silicon Valley
Where to go from here
Explore the following pages when you're ready. Each page is designed to help you start strong and feel more at home before you even arrive on campus.