<p>I know that Carnegie Mellon is one of the toughest schools out there, but I hear people repeating just how “burning up,” it is and how much it deprives you of any possible social life or leisure time. Is it really that bad? For the people that already go there, how much leisure time do you typically get? Do you at least get enough time to experiment on non-academic interests of your own? How often? I’m REALLY excited to go, but I also want it to be a liberating experience, not primarily books, lectures, and studying.</p>
<p>I’m going in Information Systems, by the way, and just might pursue a minor in art - just assuming it mostly depends on the major.</p>
<p>Most IS kids I know seem to have enough time to hang out and have fun. Your classmates, however, might be a different story. I’d recommend befriending some other HSS kids, since we seem to have the most free time on campus. My roommates in MCS/CIT/Design would be up at all hours of the night finishing work when I’d be going out for ice cream or something with my fellow creative writing friends. </p>
<p>Going off your username, I’m going to assume you like video games. If that’s the case, you’ll find literally TONS of kids who love games of all kinds. Yes, that includes women, and playing games with girls who practice hard is a pretty “liberating experience.” You should definitely look into joining Game Creation Society ([Game</a> Creation Society](<a href=“http://gamecreation.org%5DGame”>http://gamecreation.org)) if you have any interest in making games yourself - it’s an awesome amazing club!</p>
<p>computer science freshman fall left plenty of time on the weekends to do other activities. spring was… much harder… and it became more about the necessities: study, sleep, shower, shave.</p>
<p>I’m going into IS as well and I want to also minor in German. It’s a good idea to pursue a minor or additional major especially in H&SS as it’s rather easy to do and also it will keep you busy.</p>