<p>While I can’t comment on the poly sci, I can comment on other things.</p>
<p>First off, basketball is big. I (personally) don’t care for the sport, but SO many people do here at Pitt. The Oakland Zoo is truly awesome, and everyone kept up with March Madness. When Pitt holds a game, it’s a big deal. NBA isn’t huge from what I can tell, but college definitely is.</p>
<p>Now, music is a big thing for me too. The music school at Pitt is kind of a joke, but I play a few instruments and know that it’s never difficult to get a practice room at the music hall when you want (it has a piano and a chair and a stand, and is decent) - if you play an instrument that is. </p>
<p>Also, my friend is WAY into concerts, and me and him often go together. There’s some great concerts that come through Pittsburgh, but you may have to travel around the city to get to them. PittARTS should always be your first stop - I’ve gotten great cheap (or free!) tickets to certain shows (Ben Folds, RENT, a lot of Pittsburgh Symphony, Cirque du Soleil, etc). There is also the annual FallFest and Bigelow Bash (the spring version of it) where they bring in live music entertainment (this year it was Cute Is What We Aim For and Jack’s Mannequin respectfully).</p>
<p>Then I’ve gone to shows like Company of Thieves, Shinedown, Cage the Elephant, Civil Twilight, Motion City Soundtrack, Lacuna Coil, Disturbed, Relient K, Paramore, etc in the city on my own money. A lot of people play at smaller bar-type venues in the city, so you have to keep up with them, but as I said, the city is decent for it. My friend always complains that it would be better to live somewhere like Boston, and of course it would, but between what the school brings in at the fall and spring festivals, PittARTS, and the city itself, you’ll see more here than at, say, PSU. :)</p>
<p>So while some shows may pass you up here in the Burgh, the selection is generally ok. I’ve noticed that sometimes the crowds tend to be younger or not as “peppy” as in some other cities, but it depends on what types of shows you go to (obviously, the bar venues tend to be older crowds than others, so I prefer those). For me, it’s been really easy to find shows - but harder to find the money/time :P</p>
<p>As for the city, and I know I’m about to get yelled at for this…it’s not the most “happening” city. I’ve lived in San Fran and Atlanta, and Pittsburgh just doesn’t compare (not that I love Atlanta either…but that’s another story!). Pittsburgh tends to be slightly…quieter? I’m not sure of the word, but a lot of things close at 6PM, and the nightlife, while not bad, isn’t fantastic. There also isn’t a TON to do, compared to other cities like San Fran, but there IS still a lot (or at least, enough to keep the college kids interested for the most part). I’ve heard some people refer to Pittsburgh as a “stater city,” and I’d say this is correct. </p>
<p>If you’re looking for the classic city experience, like, say, San Francisco or New York, you’ll have to go to one of those cities. If you’re looking for a city that’s still fun, busy, and sports-oriented, Pitt is great. I’m very happy with my choice. Hope this helps!</p>
<p>PS - Lady Gaga in August!</p>