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Life in Pittsburgh

Off-Campus Housing

The University of Pittsburgh does not offer housing to graduate students, post-docs, scholars, or doctural students. You are responsible for finding your own off-campus accomodations. The Office of International Services is un-able to aid you in your housing search.

Apartments in the Pittsburgh area are plentiful and you should have no probelm finding one within your first week here. Pittsburgh has a number of different communities in which to live.  Many students choose to live in Oakland, Squirrel Hill or Shadyside because they are conveniently located close to the University.  There are a number of other inexpensive, nice areas to live in if you don’t mind a longer commute time to the University.  Check out the Cool Pittsburgh website to learn about the communities in Pittsburgh.

Before you sign any lease or pay a security deposit, please make sure you understand the contract and what your legal responsibilities are and what your landlords legal responsibilities are.

Here are some resources to aid you:

When you arrive in Pittsburgh, you need to arrange for temporary housing while you search for an apartment. Look here for some resources to aid you.

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On-Campus Housing

Housing on campus in Residence Halls is available only for first time freshmen students. On campus housing is extremely limited, therefore, there are no facilities on campus for graduate students.

If you are a first time freshmen you will receive an email from the Office of Housing soon after you pay your deposit, to secure your housing for this coming year.  You should be able to arrive on campus and stay in your housing prior to the day of Orientation. 

If you have questions about housing please visit the housing website or email Jessica Larson at jll31@pitt.edu.  Please note that there may be a charge from Housing for early arrival.  All other students should contact Housing if they are interested in a room on campus and your options will be explained to you.

In order to sign up for housing you must read the email sent to you by the Office of Housing carefully and then follow the “instructions for freshmen online” which requires you to go to the website my.pitt.edu and log on using your University username and password.  If you do not have this information, please call the technology help desk at 412-624-HELP or helpdesk@pitt.edu for information on how to obtain your username and/or password. 

Special Note for First Time Freshmen:

  • The earliest you will be able to move into your assigned residence hall will be Thursday, August 20th. 

    Please try to arrange for your flight to arrive on Thursday, August 20th or earlier and register for the airport pick up service. See dates below.

  • If you arrive prior to August 20th, you are responsible for reserving temporary accomodations at an area hotel.

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Utilities

Services such as heat, water and electricity that may or may not be included in the amount of rent paid for an apartment. Check with your landlord to see what utilities are included in the monthly amount you pay for rent.  Cable (television stations), telephone services, and Internet are usually not included.

Cell Phones

Many people in the United States, ranging from the young to the old own a cell phone.  Many people chose to have a cell phone instead of a phone in their home because it is often cheaper and more convenient. Americans will talk on their cell phones almost anywhere, although it is considered rude to talk on one’s phone when making a purchase in a store or watching a movie in a theater. There are a number of cell phone providers in the United States and most operate on a contractual basis, though some do offer plans that allow you to ‘pay as you go.’ 

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Transportation/Parking

There are a number of ways to get around in Pittsburgh.  All Pitt Students and some employees (ask your department if you are included) qualify for free rides on the Pittsburgh buses and T system. 

The University of Pittsburgh also has it's own shuttle system to transport you throughout the Oakland and surrouding areas.

Here are some resources to aid you:

Parking at the University of Pittsburgh is very limited and can be expensive. If possible, it's best to live somewhere within walking distance or use the bus and shuttle system.

If you must drive into Oakland and need to inquire about parking, please visit this website.

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Banking/Money

Carrying Money to the U.S.

Initial Settling Expenses: You should arrive in Pittsburgh with sufficient money to cover your first month's personal expenses. The amount needed is approximately $1,100. At least $500 of this amount should be in traveler's checks. You will need this money for your first month's rent plus one month's security deposit on a room or apartment, books, and arrival expenses such as a hotel, transportation, food, and other personal needs.

  • Traveler's Checks: It is the most secure way of carrying a large sum of money. It is advisable to keep the traveler's check numbers in a separate place in case of loss so that lost checks may be cancelled to prevent misuse.
  • Credit Card: Credit cards made in foreign countries are generally accepted in the U.S. though it is not always the case. Be aware of the fee and the amount of money that your credit card plan allows you to make purchases or draw from on a daily or monthly basis. The University of Pittsburgh does not accept VISA cards as a form of payment for your tuition expenses.
  • Cash Money: We encourage you bring some cash money with you as well for the immediate needs such as transportation and food. Traveler's checks may not be accepted in some small shops.

Checking Account

A checking account makes it convenient to pay for items without carrying around a large amount of cash.   With a checking account you are issued checks and often a debit card which can be used to make purchases in most stores.  Many banks, such as PNC, offer free checking accounts to students. 

Savings Account

A savings account allows a person to put money they will not need right away on reserve.  The money then draws interest.  Interest rates vary from bank to bank and depending on how much money you place into the account.  The money placed into a savings account is not as easily accessed as money placed into a checking account.

Debit Card vs. Credit Card

While a debit card and a credit card look similar, the way in which they work is very different.  A debit card is usually issued with a checking account and is a way for you to access money that you already have in a checking account.  A credit card is usually issued by a credit card company and allows you to pay for things with money you do not yet have.  Credit cards usually involve an interest fee that is charged on purchases you make.

To set up a checking and savings account when you arrive in Pittsburgh,
visit PNC Bank.

 

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Driver's License/State ID Card

If you will be in the U.S. for more than one year and plan to drive while here, you should apply for a Pennsylvania driver’s license.  If you will be in the U.S. for less than one year (i.e. the expiration date on your I-20 or DS-2019 is less than one year away), you are not eligible for a driver’s license.  However, you may drive with a valid home country license and international driving permit.

There are three exams required as part of the process: a medical exam (to be completed prior to going to the driver’s license center), a written exam (given at the driver’s license center), and finally a road test, where a Pennsylvania state police officer will evaluate your driving ability.   Those with a valid license from another U.S. state may be exempt from these exams.

You must take the following documentation with you to the driver’s license center:

  • Driver’s License Letter from OIS (available during our walk-in hours)
  • Passport, I-94, and I-20 or DS-2019
  • Social Security card OR letter from the Social Security office stating you are not eligible for an SSN
  • Two documents verifying your Pennsylvania address (e.g., lease agreement, electric bill, cable bill)
  • Driver’s license application form with medical exam section completed

Those who do not plan to drive, but will be here for more than one year, may wish to apply for a Pennsylvania state ID card.  The card is a convenient, government-issued form of identification that you can use while in the US.  The documentation required is the same as above but there no exams.

Please see the Deparment of Motor Vehicles website for the latest information on Pennsylvania driver’s licenses or state IDs.

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Family Resources

Pittsburgh City Schools

Pittsburgh Public Schools is the second largest school district in Pennsylvania.  It serves approximately 28,000 children on a yearly basis.  Children are usually in the public school system from age five to eighteen.  City of Pittsburgh residence can send their children to Pittsburgh Public Schools free of charge.

View the comprehensive guide to the Pittsburgh Public School System.

You can call the parent helpline at 412-622-7920 if you have any additional questions.

Pittsburgh Private Schools

If you choose to send your school to a private school, there are many excellent options in the city of Pittsburgh with various cirriculum and tuition options.

Day Care Services

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Adjusting to Life in the U.S.

Culture Shock

Everyone going to live in a new environment will experience culture shock to some degree. They will also be offered the opportunity to learn and grow in unique and exciting ways

The term refers to the stresses and strains which accumulate from being forced to meet one’s everyday needs (e.g. language, climate, food, cleanliness, companionship) in unfamiliar ways.

Effects of Culture Shock:

  • Frustration
  • Mental Fatigue
  • Disorientation about how to work with and relate to others
  • Boredom
  • Lack of Motivation
  • Physical Discomfort

If these symptoms become severe, please contact the University's Counseling Center.

Keep in mind the Cultural U-Curve for Cultural Adjustment.

Cultural U-Curve

 

Food & Healthy Eating

Some people relocating to the United States may find it difficult to eat as healthy as they had in their home countries.  Even with its countless fast food restaurants, the United States still offers a number of healthy alternatives. Healthy eating is a priority to many Americans and as a result many restaurants, including fast food places such as McDonald’s, offer healthy alternatives on their menus.  Popular throughout the United States is the food pyramid which offers suggestions on the amount of different varieties of food an individual should eat on a daily basis.  If you are struggling with knowing what to eat, the University’s Student Health offers students the opportunity to visit with a dietician for free. 

 

 

Slang Usage

Slang is informal language consisting of words and expressions that are not considered appropriate for formal occasions.  Slang usage is very prevalent among college kids.  If you hear a word spoken that you do not understand and cannot find in a dictionary, it is most likely a slang word.  Do not be afraid to ask others what a certain word means, as it may be important that you understand the exact definition of a word in order to avoid certain situations.  There are a number of websites that will provide you with a list of regularly used slang words—though they are by no means comprehensive as there are always new words being created and used.

Personal Hygiene

People in the United States usually bathe or shower at least once a day and put on fresh, clean clothing and deodorant after each shower or bath.  To be clean and neat is more desirable than to have a wardrobe of expensive clothing.

If you are invited to an event you should ask your host/hostess or another person about appropriate dress from the occasion.  If you are going to someone’s home or to speak to a group, your national dress is usually appropriate or appreciated.  You may be asked a lot of questions about the garments of your national dress, since dress is a good conversation topic.

Schedule Etiquette

Americans tend to be very time conscious and place high value on promptness.  If you are going to be more than ten minutes late for an appointment or meeting, you should telephone ahead to let the other party know.  

Tipping/Gratuity

In the United States it is customary and expected to tip your service providers as a way to show appreciation for their service. It should be kept in mind that tips are a way of expressing satisfaction and are given because many people, including servers and bartenders, do not make as much money as other employees because their pay is to be supplemented with the tips they make. Larger tips should be left for those who provide extraordinarily good service; smaller tips or no tip at all should be left when service is poor. All percentages are out of the entire price of what you are buying.  

Waiter/Waitress in a Restaurant 15-20% of total bill
Food Delivery Driver 15-20% of total bill
Bartender 15-20% of total bill
Taxi Driver 15% of total bill
Hair Dresser 15% of total bill

                   

You should never tip police officers, physicians, government or University employees.  It may be interpreted as a bribe, which is illegal.  You do not tip bus drivers, theatre ushers, museum guides, salespeople, employees at fast food restaurants, or hotel clerks.

 


  Useful Websites:

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Entertainment/Recreation

Pittsburgh is filled with fun and often inexpensive activites. Part of your experience of studing in the U.S. should include getting out and about and exploring your new city!

Pittsburgh has a thriving cultural district with world class museums, art galleries, music symphony and more.

If you are a sports fan there are many options for you including both professional sports teams and college teams. Or if you choose to be more active and participate in sports, we have that too!

One of Pittsburgh's main advantages is all of the outdoor and nature activities that it has to offer. It's four seasons, hilly terrain and proximity to mountains and rivers offer endless outdoor activities.

In addition to these resources there are thousands of other activities to do in Pittsburgh if you just look around you. You can visit historic Kennywood Park, or Idlewild Park. In the summer, cool off at Sandcastle. Learn about Pittsburgh's famous city steps, or simply take a walking tour of a Pittsburgh neigborhood.

The opportunities for fun in Pittsburgh are never ending!

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University Resources

Campus Resource List

Office

Location

Telephone Number
Academic Resource Center (ARC) G-1 Gardner Steel Conference 412-648-7920
Campus Police 3412 Forbes Ave. 412-624-2121
Career Development 224 WPU 412-648-7130
Counseling Center 334 WPU 412-648-7930
Cross Cultural and Leadership Development 617 WPU 412-648-9523
Dental Clinic 3189 Salk Hall 412-648-8616
Disability Resources and Services 140 WPU 412-648-7890
English Language Institute (ELI) 2816 CL 412-624-5901
Hillman Library Forbes & Bigelow 412-648-3330
Off Campus Living 127 North Bellefield 412-624-6998
Panther Central,
Pitt ID Center 		Litchfield Towers Lobby 412-648-1100
Pitt Arts 929-931 WPU 412-624-4498
Registrar’s Office 220 Thackery Hall 412-624-7640
Residence Life 203 Bruce Hall 412-648-1200
Student Employment and Placement Services 200 WPU 412-383-HIRE (4473)
Student Financial Services G-7 Thackery Hall 412-624-7520
Student Organizations (SORC) 883 WPU 412-624-7116
Student Government Office 848 WPU 412-648-7970
Student Health Service Medical Arts Building 412-383-1800
Student Life 140 WPU 412-648-7830

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Learn About Pittsburgh

Point State ParkWelcome to Pittsburgh!

Pittsburgh is a truley diverse city in so many ways. It's unique landscape, diverse neighborhoods, history and contributions and long standing traditions make it one of America's Best Cities to live in!!

  • Pittsburgh City Guide (pdf): What things are there to do in Pittsburgh?
  • Weekend Getaway Guide (pdf): Pittsburgh is 500 miles away from half of the U.S. population.
  • About Pittsburgh: Learn about exciting events happening in Pittsburgh.
  • Cool Pittsburgh: Live, eat, play and shop in Pittsburgh.
  • Pittsburgh City: Your Resources for the City of Pittsburgh government offices.
  • Pittsburgh History: From steel town roots to technology and medicine leader, find out how Pittsburgh got to where it is today.
  • Pittsburgh Bridges: Pittsburgh is often called the "City of Bridges" with more bridges than even Venice, Italy!
  • Pittsburgh Climate: Pittsburgh has four distinct seasons throughout the year.
  • Pittsburgh Map: Check out the different neighborhoods, find where you're going!
  • Pittsburghese: What did they just say? Pittsburgh has it's own dialect and sometimes vocabulary!

 

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