You\u2019ve just arrived on campus. But you\u2019ve probably already met dozens of people, there\u2019s likely a stack of flyers and informational packets on your desk, and you have a packed schedule for the week ahead. Did we mention that classes haven\u2019t even started?<\/p>\n
College can be overwhelming at first, so the Pittwire team put together this guide to help you meet your personal and academic goals during your first year on campus \u2014 while taking advantage of all Pittsburgh has to offer.<\/p>\n
Did we miss an essential Pitt experience? Send your suggestions for first-year students to pittwire [at] pitt.edu, and they may be included in a future story.<\/p>\n
In your first week<\/p>\n
\tParticipate in as many Welcome Week activities<\/a> as possible \u2014 it\u2019s your chance to meet new people, find clubs and organizations to join, and explore all the resources the University offers.<\/a>\u00a0Plus, make sure you grab some Pitt swag at the Hail to Possible tent<\/a> until 9 tonight. In your first month<\/p>\n \tJoin a club or campus organization<\/a>, one of the best ways to make friends, uncover new passions and gain real-world experience outside of your studies. Get a head start at the Involvement Fair<\/a> on Aug. 23, 1-4 p.m. In your first year<\/p>\n \tCheer on your Pitt Panthers at a sporting event \u2014 may we suggest catching the dominant women\u2019s volleyball team<\/a> at its next match? Students can attend any Pitt sporting event, besides football and men\u2019s basketball, for free with their ID. Learn more about ticketing<\/a> and joining the Student Panther Club.
\n\tDon\u2019t be late on your first day of class: Study the Pittsburgh campus map<\/a>, walk your schedule and make sure you have enough time to get around between courses.
\n\tFollow Pitt Official on all your favorite social channels: Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, LinkedIn<\/a> and YouTube<\/a>. And check out even more essential Instagram accounts<\/a>.
\n\tCheck out a new neighborhood by catching a free ride on Pittsburgh Regional Transit<\/a> or taking an (also free!) <\/a>POGOH bicycle<\/a> for a quick spin.
\n\tMake sure your Meal Membership<\/a> works for you, whether you\u2019re taking advantage of all-you-care-to-eat meal swipes, Meal Exchanges<\/a> for on-campus retail locations or refillable Dining Dollars<\/a> for select off-campus merchants. Any changes must be made by the end of the add\/drop period on Friday, Sept. 4.
\n\tDownload the PittSAFE app<\/a> and ensure you\u2019re signed up to receive alerts from the University\u2019s Emergency Notification Service<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n\tGo to office hours<\/a> \u2014 it\u2019s a time to ask course-related questions, yes, but also to explore your interests, build your academic <\/a>network and establish open communication with your professors.
\n\tBreak a sweat at the Recreation and Wellness Center<\/a>. With group fitness classes, outdoor excursions and equipment rentals, a Stress-Free Zone, esports lounge and a rock-climbing wall, the nine-story facility offers much more than gym equipment.
\n\tBuild a budget. If you aren\u2019t sure where to start, the Financial Wellness Center<\/a> has tips on building savings, establishing credit, borrowing student loans and preparing for any financial issues that may come up on your academic journey. You can make an appointment or check out online resources.
\n\tExplore a Pittsburgh attraction<\/a> with your Pitt ID: As a student, you can visit seven city museums for free and get free or <\/a>cheap tickets to local ballet, opera, symphony orchestra and theatrical performances.
\n\tHammock on the library lawn, next to Schenley Plaza \u2014 but make sure you don\u2019t harm trees<\/a> with your setup.<\/p>\n
\n\tGet crafty at all three Center for Creativity<\/a> locations. The staff <\/a>regularly host workshops where you can learn to knit, make a print on a vintage hand press and create your own journal, to name a few. But you can also drop in anytime to work independently or get help from the centers\u2019 helpful staff members.
\n\tMeditate at Heinz Memorial Chapel<\/a>. The soft, stained-glass lighting makes the nondenominational chapel an ideal place to reflect and practice mindfulness, and there are guided sessions every Monday at noon.
\n\tGet involved in the community. Pitt Serves<\/a> offers plenty of ways to serve the Oakland neighborhood, Pittsburgh and beyond \u2014 from Signature Days of Service throughout the year to Alternative Spring Break programs. You can also see the University\u2019s community engagement work in action at its Community Engagement Centers<\/a>.
\n\tGet out of Oakland: It\u2019s one of just one of 90 Pittsburgh neighborhoods, each with their own unique personality and history, so take advantage of your free bus pass to explore all the city has to offer. Some of our favorite things to do include discovering a renowned local playwright at the August Wilson House<\/a> in the Hill District, kayaking downtown<\/a> with Venture Outdoors and exploring Steel City history at the Carrie Blast Furnaces<\/a> in Homestead.
\n\tCatch the sights\u00a0<\/a>from the 37th floor of the Cathedral of Learning. There\u2019s a view of Oakland and downtown Pittsburgh from the windows of the Rees Commons room in the David C. Frederick Honors College. Bonus points if you take the stairs!<\/p>\n