University of Pittsburgh--Pittsburgh Campus

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Students Say - Academics
Students at the University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus call their school an "under-recognized treasure of opportunity and scholasticism," with "brilliant professors doing fantastic things in their fields." As a large research university, some students say that "Administrators are generally unavailable for 'normal' students." However, others laud the effectiveness of the school's "Deans' Hours" where "students can ask questions and administrat[ors] can better learn of the needs of the student community" which "can help you get around the red tape." "The advising system isn't super strong, but is sufficient for someone [who is] relatively independent." Nevertheless, "Administrators and professors are both surprisingly eager to involve students and are sincerely interested in our happiness and success." In large lecture courses and in classes that meet general education requirements, "you have to go to office hours to get to know the professors"; however, if you reach out they will "push you to bring out the best of your abilities." In essence, "Pitt provides all the resources of a large research university (which it is), but [it] also retains a small college atmosphere with its Honors College to provide the best opportunities for its students." One of the benefits of being a major research university is that research opportunities abound and "there is definitely a professor willing to take on pretty much anyone." The in-class experience gets mixed reviews, with accolades for "brilliant" professors that are "passionate" about their fields coupled with concerns about those "who leave [students] behind" and aren't as focused about teaching. The key to avoiding the duds, "like at any other institution," "is to do your research."

Students Say - Campus Life
Pitt offers a great balance between a college environment "that offers a lot of opportunities for fun," and a medium-sized, affordable city "with a ton of places to eat and shop." As one student observes, "Something that unifies Pitt students is passion-be it [for] Pitt's renowned medical program, Division I athletics, copious quantities of clubs, or [for] the many internships available." On the weekends, "most students [go] to frat parties or house and apartment parties in Oakland." Oakland is also home to a "lively" college bar scene for Pitt students of age, and "There are a lot of informal get-togethers within the dorms." Even though "typical students study hard, party harder," "there are so many alternatives for things to do because of being in the city." Pitt (both the campus and the city) is home to "major sports teams [that] are also a big source of involvement and pride." So it's no surprise that participating in intramurals or watching sporting events-"college and professional"-are major pastimes. A "variety" of clubs and activities offer opportunities for any interest. Taking advantage of hometown Pittsburgh's many offerings is also easy, convenient, and free with a Pitt ID. "There are opportunities to do everything...for a reduced price," including attending professional sporting events. Moreover, "PittArts provides...free arts activities on weekends." As one sophomore sums up, "Pitt is the smallest big school, and the campus is truly the city."

Students Say - Student Body
Roughly three-quarters of Pitt students are from Pennsylvania, and overall, students are "middle-class" and "personable and accepting." "You're going to find slackers at every school, but the majority of people [here] work very hard and have heavy workloads." Going to Pitt is about "being in the middle of everything with the greatest people you can find." Beyond that, Pitt's large size and diverse student body means "we're big enough that there's a group for everyone" and that students "can develop a group of friends" while still being "accepted with open arms" by the larger student community. Says one Pitt student, "There are many atypical students when considering backgrounds, ethnicity, and beliefs, but a common interest in positive academic pursuits and community development brings us all together." While "there are different cliques," "the interaction of so many cultures and student groups...leads to awesome exchanges and education for the student body.

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