University of PittsburghFacilities Summary

Written by Courtney Vock

Courtney Vock

Hometown

Pittsburgh, PA

Major

Creative Non-Fiction Writing

View all previous student authors

If you're looking for first-rate athletic facilities, you won't be disappointed by what Pitt has to offer. The Petersen Events Center, a state-of-the-art basketball and recreation arena, boasts a number of cardiovascular machines and a large free-weight area, as well as racquetball courts and eateries that work on Pitt's meal plan. This is also where important University ceremonies are held such as, freshman convocation and graduation. The Pete also hosts a number of concerts and athletic tournaments. There are additional athletic facilities that are older but also offer pools, track arenas, and other indoor practice and weight rooms. The main residence halls also have smaller gyms attached, but the equipment is older and can only be accessed by residents of that dorm.

The Hillman Library, the University's primary collection, has four floors and enough hard-copy and online volumes to make research convenient. The library staff is very knowledge and always willing to help. If you need something specific, you can access smaller, subject-orientated libraries that are located around campus. Pittsburgh' Carnegie Library is available to students and is located less than a block from the HIllman. The William Pitt Union, a recently renovated student center, offers a food court and plenty of activities. Unlike at many schools, the Union has not become a hub of student life but is starting to move more in that direction with the renovated "Nordy's Place" which houses a lounge inspired coffee bar, TV area, and the Gig's Game Center that has a number of PC and XBOX 360 games.