first-year Archives - The Pitt News

A Good Hill to Die On // Fixer Upper

By Sierra O’Neil, Staff Writer • April 10, 2025

In the second-to-last edition of “A Good Hill to Die On” for the semester, I talk about the question many soon-to-be Pitt first-years are pondering.

Note to Self // First year recap

By Morgan Arlia, Staff Writer • April 10, 2025

In the seventh edition of Note to Self, Morgan Arlia reflects on her first year ending at Pitt.

Opinion | Five things I wish I knew as a new student

By Delaney Rauscher Adams, Staff Columnist • August 8, 2024

Here are five things that made my college experience the best time of my life and are essential lessons for anyone going into their first year to make the most out of their college years.

Opinion | First year isn’t as bad as it seems

By Emily O’Neil, Senior Staff Columnist • August 7, 2024

People tell you that college is going to be the best time of your life, which can make it seem like this big, ominous thing that you have to do correctly. I’ve learned that “doing college right” is not a real thing.

Opinion | Your first-year roommate is one of the most important people you will ever know, both good and bad

By Grace Harris, Staff Columnist • April 10, 2024

First-year roommates, both good and bad, are some of the most important people we will meet in our lifetimes. I am lucky to say that my roommate has become one of my best friends, and I probably would not be in the place I am today if it weren't for her.

Opinion | The college experience does get better, trust me

By Irene Moran, Staff Columnist • February 26, 2024

My first year, I felt like I wasn’t super connected to the city of Pittsburgh, but the people that I have met and became friends with made me fall in love with it.

Students celebrate 101st Lantern Night with an outdoor celebration

By Suln Yun, Staff Writer • August 30, 2021

Students carried glowing lanterns across the Cathedral Lawn — lighting up the starry night sky overhead at Sunday night’s 101st Lantern Night.

Editorial | 10 tips for first-year students

By The Pitt News Editorial Board • August 27, 2021

The first-year experience — a time for self-discovery, newfound freedom and plenty of missteps. Luckily we’ve all lived it, and can pass down our wisdom to a new generation of Pitt students.

Opinion | It’s OK if you haven’t found your friends yet

By Leah Mensch, Opinions Editor • March 30, 2021

Being a first-year is hard. It's OK if you haven’t found friends you feel a deep connection with yet.

Satire | What not to do as a first year

By Genna Edwards, Senior Staff Columnist • July 23, 2020

Don’t drink from the Cathy water fountains. They’re, like, oddly warm.