Back to School 2025

This collection of tips, lists, and stories will help you prepare for life at ChathamU

2025 Orientation Schedule

Know Before You Go

Start immersing yourself in Chatham’s culture while you pack your bags for back-to school-season.

Pulse Stories
Introducing Some of Chatham’s New Full-Time Faculty
Introducing Some of Chatham’s New Full-Time Faculty
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 your free rides on Pittsburgh Regional Transit with your Chatham student email and the Ready2Ride app.

The Glue of Any Residence Hall: Resident Advisors!
The Glue of Any Residence Hall: Resident Advisors!

“I really enjoy building community,” said Rea House resident advisor LJ Varley ’27. “I’m a people person.”

Five Courses To Spice Up Your Schedule This Fall
Five Courses To Spice Up Your Schedule This Fall

Little bit of this, little bit of that! Balance out your schedule this Fall Term with some of these cool courses.

Lights, Camera—Chatham!
Lights, Camera—Chatham!

Walk the red carpet as Pulse takes you through five movies and TV shows filmed on Chatham’s campus!

Adjusting to College Life

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

Pulse Stories
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

Pittsburgh Living

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

Pulse Stories
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 your free rides on Pittsburgh Regional Transit with your Chatham student email and the Ready2Ride app.

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.

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.

Settling In

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

Pulse Stories
Is Chatham’s Honors Program for You?
Is Chatham’s Honors Program for You?

Research opportunities, academic conferences, and cultural outings await those who apply for the rigorous academic program.

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.

Explore these resources for even more info

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