We have tried to anticipate your every need—from PittStart to Pittsburgh—but we know that some of you may want and need more information. Please take some time to look through the ‘frequently asked questions’ we have put together for you. As always—e-mail us at pittstart@oafa.pitt.edu or call 412-624-7488 if you cannot find the additional information you seek!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who attends a PittStart session?
A: Attendance at one session is required for all newly admitted, undergraduate freshman students.
The traditional PittStart session is not designed for graduate students, relocating students or transfer students. These individuals must register directly with the schools and programs to which they have been admitted, and will be contacted regarding any applicable orientation events.
Q: When can I register for my PittStart session?
A: You can register for your PittStart
session about three to five business days after the Office of Admissions and
Financial Aid receives and processes your $300 enrollment
fee.
Q: How do I register for my PittStart session?
A: You can register for your PittStart
session online at www.pittstart.pitt.edu.
Once you enter the student section of the PittStart website, please click on “Register”
and follow the prompts. If internet access is not available to you at
your home, school or local library, please contact us at 412-624-7488
and we will be happy to assist you. You will need your student ID number to register for a PittStart session; this number was sent to you in the registration mailing and email notification.
Q: What is the $100 PittStart session fee used for?
A: $100 of your $300 enrollment
fee is your non-refundable, non-transferable PittStart session fee. This
covers placement exams, programming and student meals and receptions
for the duration of the session.
Q: How long is my PittStart session?
A: The length of your PittStart session is dependent upon your school and whether or not you need to take any placement
exams. For the School of Arts and Sciences, College of Business Administration and School of Nursing, if you need to take placement exams, you
will be on campus for two days. If you do not need to take placement exams, you will only need to be here for the second day of your PittStart session.
If you are a student in the School of Engineering, you will be here for two days.
Q: When will my PittStart session be over?
A: The last item of business at your PittStart session is to register for your fall term classes. Registration appointment
times are ONLY given out on the second day of your PittStart session. Registration appointments occur between 11:00 AM and 7:30 PM on Day Two of PittStart. Since appointments will not be assigned beforehand, all students must be available for advisement and enrollment until the evening hours. Please keep this in mind when making travel arrangements.
Academic and registration appointments end times:
Arts and Sciences: 7:30 pm
College of Business Administration: 5:30 pm
School of Engineering: 5:00 pm
School of Nursing: 4:00 pm
Q: Which placement exams do I need to take?
A: Every school has different requirements for placement exams. In order to determine which required and/or optional exams apply to you, please click on the “Placement Exam Information” button on this website. Calculators are not provided during placement exams.
Q: Is it necessary for parents to accompany their students to the PittStart session?
A: No. The PittStart session focus primarily
on the student’s transition into college life. Taking placement
exams, speaking to academic advisors and registering for classes will
be done by the student. However, if parents do decide to accompany
their student, the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid will host some
parent programming to answer questions and introduce guardians to the PittStart
staff, Freshman Peer Counselors and, most importantly, other parents. We invite parents to check out more information by returning to the PittStart homepage.
Q: Who are the Freshman Peer Counselors (FPCs)?
A: The FPCs are carefully selected upperclassmen assisting with the planning and running of the PittStart sessions. These students are present to ensure the proper running of events and engage new incoming students. They are a resource for you as well! We fully encourage you to address your questions regarding academics, extracurricular activities, living on campus and other areas.
Q: Am I required to stay on campus during my PittStart session?
A: If you live locally and would like to commute to campus for your PittStart session, or you would prefer to stay with your parents in a local hotel, that is up to you. We will have different activities hosted by the FPCs (www.fpc.pitt.edu) in the evenings, so even if you don’t stay on campus, we hope that you will still come and hang out!
Q: Where should I park my car while on campus?
A: The most convenient parking site is the Soldiers and Sailors garage located on the corners of Fifth Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard (with an estimated cost of approximately $15.00 per an 8-10 hour timeframe). There are also numerous meters close to Alumni Hall where one quarter earns you 15-30 minutes of parking time. Another option, if you are staying at a hotel close to campus, would be to park your car at your accommodations location and use the hotel shuttle services to get to and from campus. You may inquire about this transportation option by using the hotel information listed under the "Hotel Accommodations" section. Please note that the university does not validate parking.
Q: When do I register for classes? When do I meet my academic advisor?
A: You will meet your academic advisor and register for fall classes on Day Two of your PittStart session. There is a lot to know and it seems a bit intimidating, but with the help of your advisor and FPC, you will have the process down in no time! Please note that registration appointments will be assigned ONLY during the PittStart session.
Q: Are meals provided during my PittStart session?
A: A small continental brunch will be available during PittStart Check-In on Day One of your PittStart session, between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. A complimentary PittStart dinner will also be provided at 6:30 pm for students on Day One of your PittStart session. If you are staying in the overnight accommodations, you will receive a breakfast meal on your student ID card to be used on the morning of Day Two at the Common Grounds Coffee Cart (located in the Litchfield Towers lobby).
ALL students will also receive $7 of Panther Funds on their student ID to use at participating dining halls or restaurants for lunch on Day Two of PittStart.
Q: Where do I get my student ID card?
A: You may obtain your student ID card by visiting Panther Central which is located in the Litchfield Towers lobby. A form of photo ID must be shown prior to a student receiving his or her card. You will need this card to access residence halls, eat meals and to take city transportation.
Q: Is there a Pitt Computer Discount Program?
A: Yes. Pitt announced the establishment of a program to offer discounts on computers available to students, faculty and staff affiliated with the
university. Four manufacturers-Apple, Dell, Lenovo and Gateway-have agreed to participate. To see the wide range of equipment available under this program,
visit www.pitt.edu/computer.
Pitt does not endorse any specific vendor or specific equipment;
transactions and purchases made through the program are between the individual and the manufacturer, and do not involve the university. Individuals are encouraged to compare the prices available
via the Pitt Personal Purchases Program with other programs that might be offered by the same manufacturers.
Q: When is Orientation?
A: New Student Orientation begins on
Wednesday, August 22nd and runs until Sunday, August 26th. Although Orientation is not mandatory,
we highly recommend attending. The Office of Student Affairs is working
hard to put together a great program. Mailings explaining the schedule of events should be sent out in mid-July by the Student Life staff members. Visit http://www.studentlife.pitt.edu/orientation/ for more information.
Q: What is the difference between a PittStart session and Orientation?
A: Your PittStart session is more academic while Orientation is more social. While there will be social activities at your PittStart session, the main point of PittStart is completion of placement exams, meeting your advisor (and FPCs) and registering for classes. Orientation will have a small academic element, but mostly you will be having fun! Visit http://www.studentlife.pitt.edu/orientation/ for more information on Freshman Orientation.
Q: When do fall classes actually start?
A: Classes begin on Monday, August
27th.
Q: When is Freshman Family Weekend?
A: Freshman Family Weekend will occur Friday, October 19th – Sunday, October
21st, and coincide with Homecoming festivities. You can check out detailed information regarding this event on the
Division of Student Affairs' website.
Q: What are some important things to bring when I move into college?
A: Below we have listed common items that students may forget to bring when moving into their residence hall in the fall. Think of your needs and use this helpful list as a reminder for common items that could prove useful. Please realize that this list is not exhaustive and you may want to look to vendors, older siblings and friends for additional recommendations.
Alarm Clock
Backrest
Batteries
Bulletin Board
Calendar
Coffee/Travel Mugs
Desk Lamp
Detergent (Dish and Laundry)
Earplugs
First Aid Kit
Ice Cube Trays
Laundry Basket/Bag
Light Bulbs
Mirror
Paperwork (Forms, Schedules, etc.)
Quarters for Laundry
Soap Holder
Shower Shoes
Shower Tote
Slippers
Storage Containers
Q: Who is required to have a meal plan?
A: All students living in a residence hall are required to purchase a meal plan. Students living in apartment-style housing (Bouquet Gardens, Centre Plaza, Oakwood Apartments and Forbes Craig Apartments) are not required to have meal plans but may purchase any plan. To see a list of meal plans and prices, please visit www.pc.pitt.edu/dining/mealplans.html. If you decide you selected the wrong meal plan, you have a grace period at the beginning of each term to change plans. You can change your meal plan for the fall and spring terms any time before the add/drop period ends.
Q: When will I hear about my fall term housing?
A: Approximately three weeks after a student has paid his or her $300 tuition deposit, a housing information packet will be mailed to him/her with directions for completing the online housing contract. Students will be alerted of their residence hall and roommate assignments (if applicable) in early to mid-July. For more information regarding fall term housing, please visit Panther Central’s website.
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