@AshLaur, I would call Panther Central and see if they can help you. Another student might prefer a single room and could maybe trade with you.
But I must say that it might not be so bad to have your own space. You can still meet people and make friends and then if you need some peace you can go to your room. Might be better than not knowing what kind of roommate you might get.
And be polite in your request.
@AshLaur, this exact scenario happened to my son’s girlfriend last year (and she even specifically requested a roommate who requested her as well). She was placed in a dorm she didn’t request in a single room. Panther Central was able to switch her to one of her requested dorms with the requested roommate. 
Good luck to you!
What is the layout of closet space like in the Sutherland suites, specficially in the 8-person suites? The videos on Youtube aren’t really helpful.
Sutherland closet is an open closet, with those white closet organizer things - so there is a shelf below and above the bar to hang clothes. You can bring a shower curtain to cover the closet if you want. here’s a better video from Pathfinders last yr which you get a quick glimpse of the closet. Each student in a double gets their own closet space as well as a dresser. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-GiMH97LdQY
I am currently filling out my application for Pitt. I’m planning to major in engineering and if possible in German. In any case, I am deadset on taking German classes in college. My problem is that I will be applying to the Swanson school of engineering. How do I go about making sure that I am able to take German classes? Do I need to apply to another school?
@LukeK15, You do not have to apply to a different school. Engineering majors do have a number of Social Sciences and Humanties electives. You can get more information here: http://www.engineering.pitt.edu/First-Year/First-Year/Advising/Approved-Electives/
If you are accepted and do ultimately enroll at Pitt, your academic advisor will be able to work with you to help you with your interests/goals.
Best,
A Pitt Admissions Staffer
@Lukem35, just be advised, the first two levels, German 1 and 2, are 5 credit classes. I think as an engineering student you might already be taking close to 14 credits with engineering specific classes.
But maybe you have AP credit, to use for Calc I and II or other required class, or can place into upper level German, which is 3 credits. I’m sure your academic advisor can help you craft the best plan/schedule for your situation and goals.
I know this isn’t important to academics (I’m only asking this question because I know the academics there are outstanding), but how is the social life? Is it easy to make friends? How about parties and things to do on the weekends? Do a lot of kids hang out on the weekends?
Does anyone know which building the Appreciation of The Arts LLC is housed in?
@rdeegan17 I would not worry about it! People double majoring across different colleges has become a lot more common now and once you get accepted call and talk to someone about the details. If you decide to attend, your advisers will be more than happy to make sure you take the right classes in the right colleges for both majors.
@rdeegan17, There is an Arts and Sciences/Business Dual Major program at Pitt. It shouldn’t be any trouble for you to make that happen if you enroll at Pitt. You can find more information about the dual degree and a webinar with some College of Business Administration staff going over the double degrees on their site: http://www.cba.pitt.edu/academics/double-degrees
Best,
A Pitt Admissions Staffer
@rdeegan17, Yes, you will work with an academic advisor to initiate the dual degree process once you arrive. You can get more information here: http://www.cba.pitt.edu/sites/default/files/businessdualmajor.pdf
Best,
A Pitt Admissions Staffer
@rdeegan17, You will probably want to at least mention it to your advisor as soon as you start, just so they can help you plan out your path and make sure you will be graduating on time.
Best,
A Pitt Admissions Staffer
How rigorous is Swanson’s engineering? I am extremely interested in having a Spanish major, but it seems as though the engineering coursework leaves little room for flexibility… Is this feasible to do and still graduate in 4 years?
It probably depends on your level of Spanish coming in. The first two levels of foreign language are usually 5 credit classes. Intermediate level 3 credits. A minor might be more attainable. You should talk to an engineering advisor. Yes, the engineering curriculum is rigorous and if you wanted to do study abroad for the language, and also co-op for engineering, you might not be able to graduate in 4 years.
I will more than likely test out of all “preparatory” classes for the major. It seems as though summer classes will be the most plausible pathway for me, thanks for the response!
My daughter is currently a freshman engineering student living in Sutherland (she’s an Honors student) and got her room assignment for next year at the Centre Plaza Apartments, which is quite a distance from the Upper campus where most of her engineering classes are held (1.2 miles from Benedum Hall). Does anyone have any experience with the Centre Plaza Apartments? She’s quite disappointed as she wanted to be closer to where she is this year. I contacted Panther Central and their response was “Unfortunately, we don’t really have any other options for your daughter as far as housing goes right now. At this point since we just concluded selection, almost all of our housing is booked so we don’t really have an availabilities for her to switch into.” Does anyone have any pointers or tips or “back door ways” for switching housing?
@OhBoyChoboy I’m sorry she didn’t get what she wanted. My daughter and her future roommates also went through some hassles with Panther Central and I know how stressful it can be. I don’t have any suggestions for changing, but I really don’t think 1 mile is that bad. It should take about 20 minutes at a normal walking pace. Some schools have campuses that are that large. Also, is it on the bus route? There seem to be buses running all the time so maybe in bad weather she can just hop on one for a few blocks.
Sorry your daughter didn’t get what she wanted. As a data point, my S ‘14 lives at Centre Plaza this year and quite likes it. He has a huge bedroom with an attached bath. The room is about 12’ x 25’. He will be moving to an apartment next year that is much smaller.
The Port Authority buses go by all the time; it is about 10-15 minutes to campus. There is a Giant Eagle (market district) within walking distance and a Whole Foods a little further away. For more affordable options, Aldi and Trader Joes are short bus trips away.
A few issues to look out for:
Noise from the train tracks on the back of the building. S uses earplugs (but always has.)
Sunlight on the back of the building. Blinds are not enough. S uses black garbage bags to make blackout curtains.
Internet connectivity is provided by Comcast/Xfinity. You will need to bring a router (if slightly tech savvy) or wait for an appointment.
I know this doesn’t really address your question, but I hope it helps.
@me29034 You make some valid points. A perfect example is both Penn State and Michigan State. Those campuses are massive and you can have much more than a 1 mile walk depending on where your dorm is and where your classes are. And yes, as you can see by @Dave_N response, the buses do go by all the time. Thanks for taking the time to respond.
@Dave_N Thanks so much for all the detail. And yes, her Mom is kind of thinking this will end up being a blessing in disguise with the much larger living area and the grocery stores in the area, which will end up saving us a lot on a meal plan. And I can certainly hook up a router for her and her roommate. Thanks again for your time – you’ve certainly helped put her Mom’s mind at ease.