Starting at Pitt is a lot. New campus. New schedule. New everything. The last thing you need is to show up without the digital tools you need to hit the ground running. This checklist walks you through exactly what to set up — and when — so you're ready to log in, connect, and go from day one.
Work through it section by section and you'll be ahead of the game before classes even start.
📅 1–2 Months Before Move-In
Get Your Laptop Ready
If you haven’t picked out a laptop yet, Pitt has negotiated discounts with Dell and Apple, which can help save you money when purchasing a new device. And once you have your device, make sure it’s ready for the new semester:
- Update your operating system, browser, and apps.
- Clean up your device and cloud storage so you have room for your coursework.
- Leave the printer at home. Pitt Print stations are at over 70 locations across campus, so you'll never be far from one.
Check Your Pitt Email
Your Pitt email is where all the important stuff lands — housing info, class notifications, University announcements. It starts before you even arrive on campus, so make sure you're already in the habit of checking it.
Log in at my.pitt.edu and search for Pitt Email. Select it as a Favorite for easy access moving forward. You can also personalize your email address to create an alias that’s easier to share with family, friends, and future employers. Just remember that creating an email alias will not change your username for the purposes of logging into Pitt services and systems.
📶 1–2 Weeks Before Move-In
Set Up Your Wi-Fi
Before you head to campus, make sure your Wi-Fi is ready for you. There are two different Wi-Fi networks to be aware of if you’re living on campus.
- PittNet covers academic buildings, administrative spaces, and select outdoor areas across campus. Most devices detect it automatically, and you can login using your Pitt username and password — the same login you use for your email.
- Residence Hall Wi-Fi (MyResNet) covers your room and nearby dining halls. You’ll need to create an account and register each device you're bringing — laptop, phone, gaming console, or whatever else you might need. Full instructions are available at Getting Started with MyResNet.
Download Your Must-Have Apps
You have free access to a lot of software with your Pitt credentials. A few to keep in mind:
- Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Teams)
- Duo Mobile for multifactor authentication — you'll use this every time you log into Pitt services
- Pitt Mobile for campus maps, dining menus, shuttle schedules, and more
- Pharos Print App to manage your print queue from your phone
Running low on storage? Most Pitt software is also available through the Virtual Computing Lab, so you can access it remotely from any device without downloading a thing.
Want to learn more about student software? Check out The Student Tech Perks You’ve Been Missing.
🏠 Move-In Day
Know Where to Get Help
Pitt Digital has extra support available during move-in week because we know how hectic it can be to get connected. If you hit a snag or can't figure out why your laptop won’t cooperate, try:
- Drop-In Support at the University Store on Fifth and the Hillman Library's room G65. Before you visit, check out our hours.
- Technology Help Desk by chat, phone (412-624-HELP), or ticket at services.pitt.edu — available anytime.
🎓 Your First Month
Organize Your myPitt
myPitt is your home base for every Pitt service you’ll use. Spend a few minutes favoriting the ones you’ll need most: Pitt Email, Canvas, Microsoft 365, PeopleSoft (for grades and registration), and the Virtual Computing Lab. Once they’re favorited, you'll find them instantly instead of searching every time.
Complete Your Cybersecurity To-Do List
Security training isn’t optional — all incoming students are required to complete it in their first month. While you're at it, knock out the rest of your cybersecurity setup:
- Complete security awareness training through KnowBe4.
- Set your security questions at accounts.pitt.edu > Login & Security > Update Security Questions, so you can reset your password online if you ever need to.
- Set up Duo properly — when you approve a Duo push from your personal device, check the “Remember me” box so it only prompts you once per day per trusted device.
- Use a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords for every account you have.
Get to Know Generative AI @ Pitt
As a Pitt student, you have free access to a suite of secure generative AI tools from day one. Generative AI @ Pitt includes Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, Google Gemini, NotebookLM, and Claude for Education — all protected by enterprise data agreements that keep your conversations private and secure.
All GenAI tools should be used in accordance with your professor’s course policies, which you can find in the syllabus or by asking your professor directly if you’re unsure. GenAI can be a powerful tool, but it’s one that should be used responsibly.
✅ Welcome to Pitt, Panther
A little prep now means fewer headaches once the semester gets going. We’ve compiled all of our best student tech tips in our Digital Survival Guide series, which you can reference at any time. And if anything goes sideways, the Technology Help Desk is always just a chat, call, or ticket away.
Now, let’s start the semester off right. Welcome to Pitt!
— Pitt Digital
