University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Top Questions

Sports are very popular here. Our basketball games are hard to get tickets to and operate on a "loyalty points" system. Dorm life is very social and friendly, if not loud. We just had Spike Lee visit campus and tons of people came. Pitt is always hosting great events and fun things to do. Greek life isn't huge but it is prevalent, which is nice because the school isn't "run by Greeks". Friday and Saturday nights get crazy, but people are spread out across Oakland so you never feel boxed in with the party crowds. If you don't want to drink, you can always hang out with friends or hop on the bus to go shopping.

I started at Pitt as a junior because I transferred form Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). In one of my classes I met one of my good friends named Dave. We had Human Resource Management (HRM) together. We became friends at first by studying for exams together, and then we started partying together all over campus. The parties here kick ass by the way. There is literally a party every night of the week so whatever your schedule may be you can fit it in. Anyways, I needed to find a place to live because my plans fell through and I needed something fast. I saw on facebook that my friend Dave was looking for roommates, for a 6 bedroom house in North Oakland. I jumped on the opportunity knowing that Dave was a responsible kid who liked to get down and party whenever he had time. The rest is history; we live with four other students who are all cool people. I really enjoy the diversity of Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh, and my house. Also the nightlife for someone over 21 is amazing. There is the Southside (so many bars), Station Square (sick clubs), North Shore (Clubs and Bars), Squirrel Hill (some bars), Shadyside (get dressed up and bring some dough), and so much more (it's crazy). You can go to the opera if you don’t like to party (Civic Light Opera at the Benedum is beautiful), 5 museums, and of course Penguins, Steelers, and Pirates games. I could go on all day, but you just need to know that there is something to do for everyone even if you don’t like to party as hard as me.

As a student, I was a member of the Pitt Outdoors Club, which is how I met most of my closest friends. Student organizations were very popular. I think because of that, Greek life is not as important at Pitt as it is at some other schools. The frats and sororities are definitely there, and they throw a lot of parties, but the majority of students are not a part of that scene. Pitt has a pretty strong athletics program. Our football team doesn't have the same support it used to. The stadium is sort of a pain to get to. The university does provide shuttles, but not all that many students go. Although tailgating for the games is pretty popular. The field is great since it's where the Steelers play. Season football tickets are only about $25 for students. Pitt basketball has a huge following. The school has a pretty big party scene. During the first few weeks of school, you can wander down into South Oakland and find house parties all over the place. The bars in Oakland are pretty tight about checking ID's so most of the partying for younger students happens at houses and apartments. Since the school is in the city, you have access to all sorts of things. There is decent shopping and several movie theaters nearby.

Hell, even if all you like is football and partying, go to Penn State, OSU, WVU or even Rutgers. They have better athletics and social scenes. You won't get mugged and probably will get a better education to boot.

Things to do on a Saturday night that don't involve drinking are going to Pittsburgh's sights like the inclines or the light shows. You can go sledding when it's wintery on the hills near the cathedral of learning. You can eat at one of the many fine restaurants near campus or in southside. You can take a bus or drive to the malls that are near school. Also checking out squirrel hill or shady side is a good option.

Pitt has something like 300 groups/organizations/teams on campus. There's definitely something for everyone. Making friends is pretty easy and there are a lot of opportunities to do so. For the most part, parties are a Thursday/Friday/Saturday thing. If you don't like partying, there are a ton of other things to do at night.

Pitt's most popular team is probably the basketball team, however, the football team generates just as much hype. So, during the fall and winter many students are at some type of sporting event. Also, the sororities and faternities are fairly popular around campus. Most weekends (when you are younger) are spent up at the faternity houses. However, it is not required for you to join one in order to have things to do, there are just as many things to on the weekends without joining.

I have not gotten involved in any activities at Pitt besides attending sporting events. However, Pitt offers a wide range of activities so there is something for everyone if you are interested.

There are always parties but there is also always something fun to do, like a movie in the union that has not been released on video yet or free food events.

The student life at Pitt is pretty cool. Greek life is pretty big and everyone can rush. There's an organization for anyone (if you don't find what you like, it's fairly easy to start one). Museums, libraries, theatres, cinema, discount venue tickets and weekend trip tickets are all either free or at a severly discounted rate (the difference picked up by the school). The Study abroad, Semester at Sea and alternative spring break programs are amazing! Freshman are required to live in dorms...which helps to meet people and most of them are pretty nice. They just built three new mid-rise buildings. There's always a party somewhere...just need to meet the right people. There's a nightlife on the South Side, which is an area just across the river filled with everything anyone can think of. For non-drinkers, there's a lot to do as well.