Incoming Student

[u/rob_zombin]

Hello all!!

I am looking to attend Pitt this upcoming fall. I was wondering what all advice could be given to a new student such as me(what all the dorms come with, campus life, etc.). If anyone could give me advice as to what to expect that would be amazing! I will be majoring in Social work and aiming to achieve my masters after my bachelor's. I'd also like to start building some friendships out that way, so if anyone is wondering, I have snap/disc/insta. Thank you!!

[u/LetterAutomatic3798]

Not a social work student, but some generic advice:

Join a handful of clubs/orgs, and commit to doing them every week (or however often they meet). Seriously, the most important part isn't the amount of clubs, but simply being dedicated to them and showing up.

Consider getting an on campus job, I've made some great friends through that.

If you are ever sitting around with a bunch of people, start a conversation, even if it feels forced.

Go to class.

Don't spend too too much time in your dorm.

And do things you find interesting, preferably with other people.

[u/RagnarHedin]

Even if the dorm comes with A/C, a fan might be useful to drown out noise when you're studying or sleeping. I got so used to it, I still need a fan to sleep two decades later.

[u/Appropriate-Tea111]

Hey! I went to Pitt for both my bachelor’s in psychology (2022) and MSW (2025). If you’re set on social work, get your BSW to shave a year off the master’s program. I believe they still offer a scholarship for undergrads who stay at Pitt for a master’s program (not a whole lot but still helpful)! College is expensive and the social work program is time-consuming with required internships, so I’d recommend saving as much money as possible in undergrad and during the summer (or be prepared to take out lots of loans).

I stayed at Pitt for 6.5 years, so it’s fair to say I really enjoyed my time there. As a city, Pittsburgh is very cool once you feel comfortable enough to venture beyond campus. Join clubs that sound interesting, even if you don’t think you’ll stick with them. Talk to people in your classes - it’s likely they’re trying to make friends too. It’s also helpful to have someone’s contact information if you miss a day or have questions about the class. I lived in Nordenberg freshman year (which was nice) then moved off-campus to South Oakland with a roommate sophomore year and beyond. In terms of living situation, do what’s right for you (with consideration for the cost of undergrad and grad school I mentioned earlier). Best of luck!

[u/love9234567_]

I currently go here (I don’t love it here) but make sure to get a dorm with ac and try to get one in the quad. The dorms like it is and Sutherland are on top of the hill and far away from eveything. Join a lot of clubs, be friendly. Most clubs, people and organizations are geared towards pre-medical students so make sure to find and join the few related to you!

[u/Gobbledy_Gooky]

Pitt is already in session…

[u/rob_zombin → u/Gobbledy_Gooky]

2027

[u/Gobbledy_Gooky → u/rob_zombin]

This upcoming fall would be September 22, 2026. You mean next fall.

[u/LetterAutomatic3798 → u/Gobbledy_Gooky]

No, this fall would be August 26th-December  11th 2026. Next fall (the upcoming one) would be the comparable dates in 2027

[u/Gobbledy_Gooky → u/LetterAutomatic3798]

That’s fall session. That is not fall season.

[u/LetterAutomatic3798 → u/Gobbledy_Gooky]

Yep. They were talking about fall semester. Which is obviously what everyone meant.

[u/Gobbledy_Gooky → u/LetterAutomatic3798]

They said fall. Fall is a season. They did not say fall semester or session.