Back to School 2024

Embrace the excitement and the challenges of heading back to school with this collection of tips and stories to help you prepare for life at ChathamU

Know before you go

Get a head start immersing yourself in Chatham’s culture— and on packing your bags for back to school season.

Pulse Stories
Meet Your 2024 Orientation Leaders
Meet Your 2024 Orientation Leaders

Chatham’s head orientation leaders discuss their experiences during orientation, as well as what new students can expect.

A Chatham Professor’s Guide to Help International Students Thrive
A Chatham Professor’s Guide to Help International Students Thrive

Lei Wang drew from her own memories, plus her experience as a counselor, to create a “workbook” for international students in the U.S.

The “Stuff” to Bring to College
The “Stuff” to Bring to College

We’re counting down some of the college essentials, from dorm must-haves to mental and emotional tools.

A Glossary of ChathamU Terms
A Glossary of ChathamU Terms

Looking for a one stop shop to learn as much as you can before you arrive at Chatham? Check out our glossary of student terms.

Your Student ID Bucket List
Your Student ID Bucket List

Now that you’re officially a Chatham student, make the most of what your student ID has to offer on campus and around town.

Meet the Residence Halls of Chatham
Meet the Residence Halls of Chatham

Explore what living at Chatham can be like and get to know our one-of-a-kind residence halls.

Adjusting to college life

Navigate life on campus with advice on roommates, time management, homesickness and more.

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On-Campus Resources to Help You Study, Work, and Have Fun at Chatham
On-Campus Resources to Help You Study, Work, and Have Fun at Chatham

Who do Chatham students go to for resumé help? Where can they exercise? How do they get their grades back on track? Look here for the answers.

Have You Used These Resources at the JKM Library?
Have You Used These Resources at the JKM Library?

“You realize there are so many things here that can help and make you feel more comfortable doing your research, homework, or simply hanging out,” said one student worker.

Three Reasons to Sign Up for RISE
Three Reasons to Sign Up for RISE

“RISE was intentionally looking to connect people of color. There was space to have hard conversations and be honest about what we were experiencing,” said one student.

Meet Toyaii Rutherford, Chatham’s JXS Project Coordinator
Meet Toyaii Rutherford, Chatham’s JXS Project Coordinator

Rutherford came to Chatham to help coordinate the JXS Project, which aims to prevent student suicide as well as drug and alcohol abuse.

A Guide to the new resources at Student Health Services 
A Guide to the new resources at Student Health Services 

Get a student perspective on the helpful new resources offered at Student Health Services

How the AFC Can Get You Up and Moving
How the AFC Can Get You Up and Moving

Yoga, swimming, weights, and martial arts are just a few of the free offerings available at Chatham’s Athletics and Fitness Center.

How the Office of Student Engagement Gets Students Involved
How the Office of Student Engagement Gets Students Involved

Student-led groups, time-honored traditions, and a 24-hour lounge—the Office of Student Engagement oversees all of them.

Making Time for Self-Care This School Year
Making Time for Self-Care This School Year

Read on for tips and resources to strategize around self-care for the new school year.

Adapt to Residence Hall Life with Your Resident Assistant
Adapt to Residence Hall Life with Your Resident Assistant

We caught up with two veteran RA’s to get their insider answers to some of the most common dorm room anxieties that first year college students face.

Pittsburgh Living

Explore Pittsburgh even before you arrive with these articles on the Steel City’s offerings and opportunities.

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What to Do on a Weekend in Pittsburgh
What to Do on a Weekend in Pittsburgh

Concerts, birds, football, and more— there’s plenty to see on a weekend in Pittsburgh.

How to Get Around Pittsburgh with Your Free Bus Fare
How to Get Around Pittsburgh with Your Free Bus Fare

Don’t miss the bus! Get the most out of Pittsburgh Regional Transit with your Chatham ID.

Free Activities in Pittsburgh? There’s More Than You Might Think.
Free Activities in Pittsburgh? There’s More Than You Might Think.

Historic neighborhoods, miles of trails, library cards, and more— choose your own no-cost Steel City adventure.

Your Guide to Pittsburgh: Neighborhoods
Your Guide to Pittsburgh: Neighborhoods

We spotlight some of Shadyside campus’s nearby neighborhoods, including East Liberty, Squirrel Hill, Oakland, and more.

Guide to Pittsburgh: Museums & Cultural Institutions
Guide to Pittsburgh: Museums & Cultural Institutions

Our city is rich in art and culture—just look at these shining examples.

Guide to Pittsburgh: Parks & Trails
Guide to Pittsburgh: Parks & Trails

What’s one great way to unwind from the whirlwind of starting a new semester? Spending time in Pittsburgh’s green spaces!

How to Have a Quintessentially Pittsburgh Summer
How to Have a Quintessentially Pittsburgh Summer

The days are long and the nights are warm—make the most of summer in the Burgh!

Your Guide to Pittsburgh: Need-to-Know Culture
Your Guide to Pittsburgh: Need-to-Know Culture

Study our cheat sheet to 446 bridges, three major sports teams, and one thriving arts culture, and prepare yourself to fall in love with the Steel City!

So you’re here… now what? Check out these tips for the first few weeks of student life.

Settling in

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Say Hello to Some of Chatham’s New Full-Time Faculty
Say Hello to Some of Chatham’s New Full-Time Faculty

Some of Chatham’s "new" faculty might have familiar faces, while others arrive after distinguishing themselves at higher-ed institutions elsewhere.

Make Music with Chatham’s Vocal and Instrumental Ensembles
Make Music with Chatham’s Vocal and Instrumental Ensembles

Musicians and singers of all skill levels and backgrounds are welcome in Chatham’s choir, jazz ensemble, and concert band.

OAAR Could be Key to Your Academic Success
OAAR Could be Key to Your Academic Success

The Office of Academic and Accessibility Resources can help you study for a big exam and more.

What is Chatham Student Government?
What is Chatham Student Government?

Making positive change on campus is possible through Chatham Student Government. How can you get involved?

Major, Minor, Double Major: The Pros & Cons of How You Declare
Major, Minor, Double Major: The Pros & Cons of How You Declare

Need a quick rundown on the differences between majors, minors, and double majors? We’ve got you. Check out our breakdown of these academic need-to-knows.

10 Tips for First Years from a Senior
10 Tips for First Years from a Senior

Your four years as an undergraduate student are a time of growth and discovery. Senior Irina Bucur shares 10 tips about student life she learned over the years.

Explore these resources for even more info