first-year Archives - The Pitt News

First-year overenrollment shifts new students into a hotel and fraternity complex

By Madeline Ward, Senior Staff Writer • October 8, 2025

Record first-year enrollment this year forced the University to house students in a hotel, former fraternity housing units and off-campus apartments.

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.