¿Pitt next year?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pittsburgh
1

<p>Hey! </p>

<p>I've read most threads on Pitt and really like it. Aside from some darkish reviews some people have made on the surroundings, all the imput has been quite positive. Since I'm paying for my degree on my own, I was really looking for a "value" school.. one that could give me a great education without walking out bankrupt. I want to study international relations, and I've looked it up and it seems to be a rather newish degree, but very hands on and interdisciplinary--which I'm loving. I haven't heard that many people studying this major in Pitt, but I'm looking for a combo of strong/good academics, good school resources, internship/related job opportunities but in a good environment (people and city) in which I can feel confortable and happy --you know "fit" :)
Although it's a little far from DC (where I really wanted to go in the start, epicenter for intl relations majors), Pitts really grown on me.</p>

<p>Anyways, just to reassure myself I'd like for you all to give me your feedback:</p>

<ol>
<li>I'm OOS so I know I'll be paying a bit more, but then again it's less than most equally ranked schools. Would you define it as a best value university?</li>
<li>If anyone is actually undergoing the Intl Relations major- please let know what you think about it.</li>
<li>I've read most people are nice and friendly, are they really? Yes..everyone is different and stuff, I know. But how is the overall vibe? I like down to earth yet positive attitude people. </li>
<li>How is the housing overall? I don't need royal chambers or anything. But a clean -not soooo crowded- space.</li>
<li>How would you rate for "academically challenging"?</li>
<li>I'm 20 years old, but would apply to attend next year, how is the 21+ population? Scarce, mild or regular. </li>
<li>Internship opportunities? </li>
<li>Ohhh..I'm a vegetarian and where I'm living it's tough to find good veggie food. Would I starve to death eating in school or would I survive? I mean more than regular pasta with tomato sauce or vegetable soup. I know some schools really include vegetarian meals in their dining places.</li>
<li>If you could choose again, would you have attended Pitt anyways?</li>
<li>Any recommendations would be highly appreciated:)</li>
</ol>

2

<p>Isn’t international relations a graduate degree at Pitt? I don’t see an undergrad degree.</p>

<p>Also, if you’re out of state, the tuition is going to be pretty high. We just got our statement for next year, and each semester is more than $11,000. Then you’ll have room and board, books, various fees, etc. </p>

<p>My daughter loves Pitt and I’m a big Pitt booster, but don’t neglect cheaper options if money is a factor. If you’re looking for value, and you are smart to do that, your in-state public might be your best bet.</p>

3

<p>Did they already set the new tuition rate?</p>

4

<p>You can do an international relations field focus as a political science major -
<a href=“http://www.pitt.edu/~politics/PS.pdf[/url]”>http://www.pitt.edu/~politics/PS.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Pitt also has an undergraduate certificate program in Global Studies - <a href=“http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/global/undergrad.html[/url]”>http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/global/undergrad.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

5

<p>Yes, apparently the new OOS tuition rates are set: $11,521 a semester, for a total of $23,042.</p>

6

<p>@quakerstake: i just checked the poli sci major and it’s looking good. </p>

<p>But anyways, I though I’d send you a link of the degree I’m aiming for, and maybe you can tell me what you think about it:</p>

<p>[Bachelor</a> of Philosophy in International and Area Studies (BPhil IAS)](<a href=“http://www.honorscollege.pitt.edu/bphil/bphil-ias.html]Bachelor”>http://www.honorscollege.pitt.edu/bphil/bphil-ias.html)</p>

<p>@LurkNessMonster: I’ve actually been living abroad for several years now because of my parent’s job… so I don’t really qualify as instate anywhere. I’m not really sure how that works, but that’s what I’ve been told. Wish I did though, several public schools are top notch. You said your daughter and you really love Pitt, maybe you could share with me why :)</p>

7

<p>That is the Global Studies track in the Honors College. It looks good. If you don’t make the Honors College, you can still fashion a similar education through Poli Sci and the Global Studies certificate program.</p>

8

<p>This link explains the residency requirements. [Student</a> Payment Center](<a href=“http://www.bc.pitt.edu/students/tuitionguide.html]Student”>http://www.bc.pitt.edu/students/tuitionguide.html)</p>

<p>If you’re under 22, your parents’ domicile still applies to you. Was your family PA resident before moving abroad? Are they working for the US government? If so, that could be your loophole.</p>

9

<p>Hey! I’m OOS too, and thought I could help answer some of your questions too!</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Best value is hard to say, but I definitely think I get my money’s worth and more at Pitt. They have a ton of extra add-ons if you know where to look (counciling, writing and math labs, speech labs, clubs, etc). Take advantage of everything. Don’t be shy!</p></li>
<li><p>I’m not, sorry :(</p></li>
<li><p>Hmm…this too is difficult to say. You hit the nail on the head, saying that everyone is different. I would say that the overall vibe, at least in my experience, is very nice but not super-open (people will always help, but people sometimes keep to their own “group”), but everyone loves to have a good time. Especially if you meet people in clubs, everyone is really nice. I dunno - it’s best to “feel out” a campus for yourself. </p></li>
<li><p>I lived in Tower B and saw all of the Freshman dorms (through my friends) at least once. I can really only speak for Tower B though, so here we go: Tower B’s hallways and bathrooms are cleaned by a professional staff every weekday, M-F. The weekends are not. Which sounds fine, but then you remember what freshman do on the weekends: drink and get sick :stuck_out_tongue: However, if someone “gets sick” all you have to do is tell your RA or Panther Central and they’ll send someone to clean it up. The same would go for any sort of super-gross health hazard. The showers are clean, but always wear flip-flops (though my friend never did and never had any issues…I don’t suggest this.) Mainly, the point is that the school keeps up the dorms well, but it’s also up to the students to treat it with respect. There will be gross things, but that kind of goes with the territory.
As for being crowded, you’re living with about 30 other people on your floor, give or take. It’s not that bad. The rooms aren’t either - it depends on how you and your roommate arrange the room (some arrangements lead to more floor space, but less personal space). I typically appreciate a lot of space, and I had no issues with the dorms, if that helps.</p></li>
<li><p>Pitt offers a lot of challenges - depending on the class. Some classes are challenging for no other reason besides the teacher is unclear and the tests are stupid hard. But mostly, the classes make you think, the teachers aid you, and you learn a lot. </p></li>
<li><p>I can’t speak for this too well (I’m 19), but as for coming in fresh at 20-21, there seem to be a fair amount of people that do that. The classes tend to be mixed up in age, and many people start later.</p></li>
<li><p>Can’t speak well for this either, sorry.</p></li>
<li><p>I’m vegetarian. Market Central has a vegetarian area called Tutto Fresco. It has a cooktop that absolutely no meat has ever been cooked on. It serves healthy meals and tasty meals, including things like pasta with special sauces and artichokes and whatnot, quesidillas, veggie burgers, rice and beans, and lots more I’m forgetting. Also, there is 360, which is a make-your-own Asian hibachi place. You can pile on veggies and noodles and rice and whatever you want. There’s also a pasta place where you can do the same. Also, a subway-styled sandwich place, where again, you can leave off the meat. Then there’s Magellan’s, which has premade foreign-inspired dishes, which are sometimes vegetarian. Then there’s also a pastry bar (bagels, bread, cookies, etc). Not to mention french fries at a diner-type place. And all of that is only at Market Cental. So, yes, there are a LOT of options at Pitt. </p></li>
<li><p>Yes. 100%. Even though I pay OOS and sometimes I don’t like it for one reason or another (the weather can suck…) I would 100% choose it again.</p></li>
<li><p>Recommendations for what exactly? Hm. How about, as for more vegetarian cuisine in the area, there’s a local Oakland farmer’s market through November (I think) every year. Also, there’s the Red Oak Cafe which has healthy and vegetarian fare, down towards Forbes Hall. Pretty much every dining hall or area has at least basic vegetarian options.</p></li>
</ol>

10

<ol>
<li>Would you define it as a best value university? Pitt is in the middle if you are a full-pay student. It does, however have some nice merit scholarships.</li>
<li>My daugther is studying a language (Japanese) and is very happy with the department. Pitt also offers a guaranteed admission to its graduate program in international relations if you are a top student and maintain a good GPA in undergraduate.</li>
<li>I’ve read most people are nice and friendly–you have read me stating that. As a very freindly parent, I find the people of Pittsburgh very friendly and helpful. Of course, students come from all over. DD has lots of friends and says that she thinks the students are in general happy and love Pitt. This generalization is based on a small sampling.</li>
<li>How is the housing overall? To follow a bit what Lee says above…Keep in mind that if you are in a suite, you clean it yourself. DD’s suite mates started the first two weeks of school with swine flu. (DD did not get it.) I thought the girls did a very poor job of keeping the bathrooms clean even though they supposedly had a schedule to clean them. A good dose of bleach would have done wonders–another topic.</li>
<li>How would you rate for “academically challenging”? DD was a top student in high school (NM Scholar, Cum Laude Society, had plenty of college choices). In addition to the language, she is studying applied math/physics and I haven’t heard her say anything is easy. She took a Russian lit class for fun and loved it, too. With the dual major, she has not had a lot of options for electives.</li>
<li>Can’t help you on the age thing or internships. </li>
<li>8. DD is not vegetarian, but she does not eat much meat. She likes a noodle place that I think is on Craig. A current student might be able to say what it is. Sushi is available near campus as well.</li>
<li> My daughter loves Pitt and I think she would choose it again. She has been very surprised by how much she enjoys being in a city and getting around on her own.<br></li>
</ol>

<p>Good luck with your decision, twinkle, twinkle.</p>

11

<p>MD Mom - That noodle place is on S Craig is called “Lulu’s Noodles.” Delicious smoothies too!! A campus favorite. (For the record, Craig street has some pretty good eating places.) There’s a sushi bento place near Towers on Oakland Ave (I forget the name; I’ve never eaten there but it is pretty popular, and my coworkers eat there all the time.) Also, there’s a gyros place (Leena’s) and a good but expensive FroYo place on Meyran (Sweet Berry).</p>

<p>Not to mention homemade ice cream at Dave and Andy’s. <em>drool</em> </p>

<p>Sorry to go off on a food tangent…I’m a huge foodie! :D</p>

12

<p>@quakerstate: I agree both major options are great. I will have to look into pros and cons of each. As for residency requirements, I am hoping that I’ll at least get a part time job or similar and eventually earn residency on my own. Parents were working for the government but are now retired and just pay federal taxes. Thanks for the link!</p>

<p>@Leesamurmur: incredibly helpful as we seem to share similar situations and you have been able to answer very well most of my questions. Specially the meals… sure is a pro. Funny you mention hating the weather sometimes because I’m currently living in a hell-hot tropical country where the weather combo is heavy rain/tons of hot humidity or sunny/hot/no wind at all… so I’m thinking I’m into some serious adjusting, but I’m up for the challenge. But anyways the fact you would still attend Pitt, really says a lot!</p>

<p>@MD Mom: yes, I’m quite sure I did read you saying people were friendly and nice. And yes, unclean bathrooms are a concern: buy bleach, note taken:) I also love sushi so that’s a plus. I like the guarantee to grad school, and I’d think that like your daughter I would really enjoy the city scene. Oh, and thanks for your good wishes!</p>

13

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<p>I think that place is called Oishi. It’s really good food for the price you pay and my parents always eat there when they come to Pittsburgh.</p>

14

<p>Here’s how to establish residency for the purposes of tuition:</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.bc.pitt.edu/students/tuitionguide.html[/url]”>http://www.bc.pitt.edu/students/tuitionguide.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

15

<p>I’m not sure what all else was said, but I wanted to chime in real quick :)</p>

<p>You asked about the 21+ population. Many of the people I have met at Pitt are amazing (keep in mind, though, I’m in high school. My older siblings work/go to school at Pitt). They are normally very nice and helpful, but like any other place, there are a few bad apples. The are a LOT of 21+ people on campus (there are thousands of students…), and i’m not just talking about professors. Grad students and undergrads are included in this too.</p>

<p>Hopefully that helps you rest assured a bit. Good Luck!</p>