6 things you should do in your first week, month and year at Pitt

You’ve just arrived on campus. But you’ve probably already met dozens of people, there’s 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’t even started?

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 — while taking advantage of all Pittsburgh has to offer.

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.

In your first week

• Participate in as many Welcome Week activities as possible — it’s your chance to meet new people, find clubs and organizations to join, and explore all the resources the University offers. Plus, make sure you grab some Pitt swag at the Hail to Possible tent until 9 tonight.
• Don’t be late on your first day of class: Study the Pittsburgh campus map, walk your schedule and make sure you have enough time to get around between courses.
• Follow Pitt Official on all your favorite social channels: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. And check out even more essential Instagram accounts.
• Check out a new neighborhood by catching a free ride on Pittsburgh Regional Transit or taking an (also free!) POGOH bicycle for a quick spin.
• Make sure your Meal Membership works for you, whether you’re taking advantage of all-you-care-to-eat meal swipes, Meal Exchanges for on-campus retail locations or refillable Dining Dollars for select off-campus merchants. Any changes must be made by the end of the add/drop period on Friday, Sept. 4.
• Download the PittSAFE app and ensure you’re signed up to receive alerts from the University’s Emergency Notification Service.

In your first month

• Join a club or campus organization, 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 on Aug. 23, 1-4 p.m.
• Go to office hours — it’s a time to ask course-related questions, yes, but also to explore your interests, build your academic network and establish open communication with your professors.
• Break a sweat at the Recreation and Wellness Center. 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.
• Build a budget. If you aren’t sure where to start, the Financial Wellness Center 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.
• Explore a Pittsburgh attraction with your Pitt ID: As a student, you can visit seven city museums for free and get free or cheap tickets to local ballet, opera, symphony orchestra and theatrical performances.
• Hammock on the library lawn, next to Schenley Plaza — but make sure you don’t harm trees with your setup.

In your first year

• Cheer on your Pitt Panthers at a sporting event — may we suggest catching the dominant women’s volleyball team at its next match? Students can attend any Pitt sporting event, besides football and men’s basketball, for free with their ID. Learn more about ticketing and joining the Student Panther Club.
• Get crafty at all three Center for Creativity locations. The staff 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’ helpful staff members.
• Meditate at Heinz Memorial Chapel. 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.
• Get involved in the community. Pitt Serves offers plenty of ways to serve the Oakland neighborhood, Pittsburgh and beyond — from Signature Days of Service throughout the year to Alternative Spring Break programs. You can also see the University’s community engagement work in action at its Community Engagement Centers.
• Get out of Oakland: It’s 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 in the Hill District, kayaking downtown with Venture Outdoors and exploring Steel City history at the Carrie Blast Furnaces in Homestead.
• Catch the sights from the 37th floor of the Cathedral of Learning. There’s 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!