Pittsburgh Living

Maintaining an academic career in the health sciences—particularly a clinical and/or biomedical research career—can be a noble calling. From graduate or medical school on, students, researchers, and faculty often feel as if there just isn't enough time in the day or week to do it all. Yet, as we all know, scientific and research careers can be among the most rewarding—personally, intellectually, and professionally.

With an eye toward creating and supporting your career and life balance, here are some links to help you get the best out of working—and living—in Pittsburgh. In fact, as is often noted, the city is indeed "surprisingly" livable. No longer solely defined by its industrial past, present-day Pittsburgh is safe and affordable and offers numerous cultural and entertainment options, first-rate educational and medical resources, and easy access to sports and recreational opportunities. The city has also dedicated itself to achieving a bright business future, particularly in biomedical research.

University Resources for Living in Pittsburgh

The Alumni Association supports the University in its pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and public service and enriches the lives of alumni worldwide. It is a life long social, educational, and employment resource for graduates of the University.

The Department of Athletics is home court and field to Panther men's and women's sports events.

PITT ARTS sponsors a wide range of cultural events to connect University of Pittsburgh students to the cultural life of Pittsburgh. Discounts are only available to registered students (a benefit provided through the assessment of a student activities fee) but all health sciences community members can benefit from the ART LINKS feature of their Web site—a comprehensive guide to Pittsburgh's visual and performing arts.

The LifeSolutions Program, (replacing the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program) provides confidential counseling services to University of Pittsburgh faculty, staff, postdoctoral trainees, and members of their households. The LifeSolutions, Worklife Services offers resources that are tailored to specific life needs, providing you with the right tools to help you through a wide variety of life's challenges.

The Housing Resource Center is available to help faculty, staff, postdoctoral trainees, and students find the type of housing best suited to meet their needs.

Parking, Transportation and Services has links to help all members of the health sciences community get around campus and the local Pittsburgh area.

The Pittsburgh feature of the University Web site colorfully captures the essence of the city of Pittsburgh as our extended campus.

Student Affairs houses a directory of important student information and highlights resources to enhance your personal and professional student experience at Pitt. These links to resources, activities, sports organizations, volunteer opportunities, political and social advocacy groups, clubs, and everyday necessities make it easy to live life at Pitt to the fullest. Additional student services information is available through each school's student affairs office: dental medicine, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, health and rehabilitation sciences.

The Student Counseling Center provides personal and academic counseling to undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Pittsburgh. The center is staffed by psychologists, counselors, social workers, consulting psychiatrists, and predoctoral interns, and the services rendered to students are free and confidential

The Volunteer Pool provides ample opportunities for all members of the health sciences community to join organized community service efforts and make a difference within our larger Pittsburgh community.

The Wellness Program provides faculty, staff, postdoctoral trainees, and students the tools and support to improve their physiological well being. Wellness education is provided through seminars, workshops, courses, and special events.

"The purpose of our lives is to be happy."
—Dalai Lama

UPMC Resources for Living in Pittsburgh

UPMC Hospitals provides directions and maps to UPMC hospitals and other facilities providing skilled nursing, retirement, and long-term care.

"I have a simple philosophy: Fill what's empty. Empty what's full. Scratch where it itches."
—Alice Roosevelt Longworth

Community Resources for Living in Pittsburgh

The official City of Pittsburgh Web site features city news, maps, parks and recreation information, local government, city services info, and much more.

Pittsburgh.about.com is another great resource to city living full of interesting facts, things to do, and places to go.

Pittsburgh.com, brought to you by WPXI Channel 11 News, includes up-to-the-minute news headlines and an extensive directory of city events and activities, and features an array of public services.

Pittsburgh.net is a regional online directory featuring an eclectic mix of information as diverse as the city itself. You can also use this site to explore Pittsburgh's neighborhoods and ethnic communities, learn interesting Pittsburgh facts, or send free postcards of the city to family and friends.

Pittsburgh Real Estate Online provides real estate buyers with a wide range of listings of area homes that include photos (some with extra interior shots), pricing, and descriptions.

The Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT) provides public bus service throughout the metropolitan Pittsburgh area.

VisitPittsburgh.com is a site full of fun and surprises whether you're brand new to town or a long-time local resident.