University of Pittsburgh Reviews

People Are Friendly

I have spent time in the city of Pittsburgh in the past and always marveled at how it was an eastern city with a midwestern charm. People here are much friendlier in general than those in New York, Philly, Boston, or Baltimore/D.C.

Free busses

The transportation at pittsburgh is INCREDIBLE. you get free busses and they are constantly coming

Oakland is pretty safe. Sometimes...

Oakland is pretty safe. Sometimes you hear about people getting mugged, but I've never felt a dangerous vibe. Pittsburgh is generally pretty safe. There are only a few neighborhoods where most of the violent crime is concentrated.

Pittsburgh is a much nicer city...

Pittsburgh is a much nicer city than most people think. Tthe only downside is that it's not very large, and a little less socially open than most coastal cities. There's still tons to do, and it's all super cheap.

Greek life is not big at Pitt at...

Greek life is not big at Pitt at all. There’s so much other stuff to do off campus, from partying to clubbing and bar hopping. If you are really into the whole frat thing, then it’s a great experience. You will probably develop long-lasting friendships and a sense of family on campus. But you do not need a frat or sorority to feel at home on campus.

On such a large, diverse campus,...

On such a large, diverse campus, Greek life is regarded as more of yet another student option, rather than a popularity or recreation must.

The Greeks have something going on...

The Greeks have something going on almost every weekend. It does not necessarily dominate the social scene, but if Greek life is your thing, there is always something going on.

I’m not into drugs, but there’s...

I’m not into drugs, but there’s always a way to find what you’re looking for.

I have a great sense of pride in...

I have a great sense of pride in my school—I love the University of Pittsburgh, and I always will. I think it is an excellent school with a wide range of fields of study and an immense number of job opportunities in every line of work. No matter what major you choose, you can always walk away with a well-rounded education and great experiences. From partying with friends, to cramming for finals, I wouldn’t trade my time at Pitt for the world. Hail to Pitt!

Overall, I would do the Pitt...

Overall, I would do the Pitt experience all over again. I just graduated and am moving on. I received a very good education, met my fiancé here, made some great friends, always had something to do, and had many opportunities to get involved. I got out of the school what I was willing to put into it.

I’m not in a frat—I’m just not...

I’m not in a frat—I’m just not into the whole thing, but I go up to the houses occasionally, and it’s not a bad time. Frats are pretty big on campus, but not huge—you do not have to be in one to have a social life.

Frat parties are pretty much every...

Frat parties are pretty much every weekend. The frats are located in upper campus, and the sororities are all in one dorm near the rest of the dorms. I wouldn’t say they dominate the social scene. They are there if you want to participate. If you don’t, you can still go to the frat parties.

Going Greek has been great for me....

Going Greek has been great for me. One of the most important things about it is that you are having all this fun, but you also help out the community. A lot of the Greek events are fundraisers to benefit a different non-profit each year, and it’s also a good way to become a leader on campus. Greek life doesn’t consume Pitt’s campus, but it’s big enough to be worth it if that’s what you’re interested in.

The Greek life at Pitt is good...

The Greek life at Pitt is good because if you want to be Greek, you have ample opportunity, and the Greeks do a lot of good things on campus. However, if that isn’t your cup of tea, you can remain active on campus through the other 300 organizations.

You could never get bored in this...

You could never get bored in this city. There are always a million and one things to do! With Duquesne and Carnegie Mellon on either side of Pitt, there are plenty of other campuses to interact with. However, sometimes it’s a little overwhelming to try and fit in all the things you want to do!

There really isn’t much...

There really isn’t much interaction between Pitt and the surrounding campuses. I would say if any mixing occurs, it’s with Carnegie Mellon. A lot of girls I know go over there for frat parties because they’re nicer than the ones at Pitt, and they say the guys over there are nicer. We don’t really see many kids from Duquesne, Carlow, or Chatham.

The city is great. It’s small and...

The city is great. It’s small and easy to navigate. Not only do you have downtown, and the many cultural experiences it provides, but if you head toward the suburbs, there is even more to be found—especially in the way of shopping! There is never a loss for something to do in this city, which is why when many people graduate, they don’t ever leave.

The worst thing about this city is...

The worst thing about this city is the rough areas. If you make one wrong turn, or get lost driving somewhere, chances are you’ll end up in a not-so-nice area. Don’t get me wrong, most of the time nothing will happen to you if you stumble across these areas; however, they can make you very uncomfortable until you find your way out.

Some of my classes are huge, and...

Some of my classes are huge, and some of my classes are tiny. We are definitely a large university, but in so many ways, I don’t feel like the numbers are as high as they are. You always have access to someone who can help you one-on-one—either your professor, TA, or a tutor—it’s hard to get lost.

Generally, I think the professors...

Generally, I think the professors do a good job of trying to keep the classes interesting and engaging. Some of them are a little bit out there, but I’ve never had trouble with a professor being unhelpful or disagreeable when you try your best.

Classes are completely hit or...

Classes are completely hit or miss. Sometimes you get an amazing professor who makes you want to come to every single class, and sometimes you get a professor that makes you wish that they didn’t require your attendance. But let me tell you, the ones you wish you could take every class with not only outnumber the ones you dislike, but they make the ones you dislike somewhat more bearable.

All of my teachers have been...

All of my teachers have been great, except for one or two. I have larger classes, so it takes more to get to know mine. I make an effort by attending their office hours and e-mailing them. Most of my friends have smaller classes, so they can meet with their teachers regularly without any hassles.

The quality of the professors sort...

The quality of the professors sort of depends on which subject you want to major in. Most of them are willing to meet with you if you need help. As long as you show an effort to get in contact with your teachers, they will be helpful. They have office hours when you can visit and ask questions, and they usually give you e-mail addresses and phone numbers to their offices. Even in large classes where you interact more with the teaching assistant, it’s still pretty easy to get in touch with the professor if you try.

Most of the professors I’ve had...

Most of the professors I’ve had were really cool and helpful, but some weren’t. It’s a lot like high school, but the teachers get paid more.

Eating on campus is okay. I...

Eating on campus is okay. I recommend using your Pitt funds on restaurants off campus, because the stuff on campus can get old really quickly.