Starting college is exciting but let’s face it, it can also be overwhelming. Between finding your classes, meeting new people, and learning how to do laundry (finally), technology might not be the first thing on your mind. But trust us, it should be!
Pitt has tons of tech tools and support resources that will make your life a whole lot easier. Whether you're navigating your first week or getting ready for midterms, this guide will help you feel right at home (digitally speaking).
🛠️ Check Out These Essential Tools First
Before you even unpack your stuff, set yourself up with these free, Pitt-provided resources:
Pitt Mobile App
Your one-stop shop for class schedules, campus maps, bus tracking, laundry machine availability, and more. Seriously — you’ll love this app.
Microsoft 365 (FREE!)
There’s no need to pay for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Teams. Install any Microsoft 365 app you need on up to five devices.
Duo Mobile App
Pitt uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) for security. You’ll need the Duo app to log in to nearly all Pitt websites and services.
Pro tip: If you’re using a personal device, select Yes, This Is My Device the first time you sign in and check Remember Me on the login screen to reduce how often you need to verify.
LinkedIn Learning
As a Pitt Student, you get access to thousands of online courses. Whether you want to learn Excel, Photoshop, or time management, there’s a course for that.
💻 Connect to Wi-Fi Like a Pro
No one wants to be stuck buffering during a Zoom call or streaming session. Use PittNet Wi-Fi (not Guest Wi-Fi) for the fastest, most reliable connection on campus. You’ll log in with your Pitt credentials the first time, and you’re good to go.
Heads up: There are separate networks for academic and administrative buildings versus residence halls. If you’re in a classroom, library, or campus building, connect to PittNet Wi-Fi. In the residence halls, use MyResNet, which is managed by a third-party provider but included in your housing. Both networks are secure and high-speed — just make sure to connect to the right one depending on where you are located!
🖨️ Where to Print, Charge, or Get Help on Campus
You’ll thank yourself later for knowing this stuff now.
Pitt Print
Print from your phone, laptop, or lab computer and pick it up from any Pitt Print station on campus. Each student gets a print quota, so you won’t need to worry about paying out of pocket.
Mobile Charging Stations
Forgot your charger? No worries! Free mobile charging lockers and towers are located around campus — including Hillman Library, the WPU, and Benedum (there’s even an interactive map to help you find them).
Drop-In Support Locations
Get help with Wi-Fi, software, Duo, and device troubleshooting from Pitt Digital experts — no appointment needed.
📍 Start at digital.pitt.edu for everything tech related — including on-campus support locations, student tech resources, software downloads, and more.
🔐 Stay Safe and Cyber-Smart
Your Pitt credentials are the key to your academic life — so protect them like you would your wallet.
- Never share your Pitt password — even with friends or roommates.
- Be alert for phishing emails (if it looks sketchy, it probably is).
- Complete your cybersecurity training so you know what to watch out for.
✨ Bonus: Tech Tips from Upper-level Students
- Set up OneDrive early. It automatically saves your files to the cloud — no lost essays or broken USBs.
- Use Schedule Send in Outlook to draft emails to professors late at night but send them during business hours (use the drop down next to the Send button).
- Join Microsoft Teams groups for applicable classes and clubs to stay connected and collaborate.
💬 We’re Here to Help
Need help setting up your tech? Don’t be afraid to ask! Pitt Digital’s Technology Help Desk is here for you:
📞 Call +1-412-624-HELP (4357)
📍 Visit Drop-In Support in the Hillman Library or University Store on Fifth
🎉 You’ve Got This!
You don’t have to be a tech wizard to thrive at Pitt. Just knowing where to go and what tools to use will make your semester run a whole lot smoother. So go ahead — download those apps, connect to Wi-Fi, and start your Pitt journey with confidence.
Welcome to the Panther family. Let’s make it a great year!
- Pitt Digital
This article was written with the help of generative AI tools. It was fact checked by Haree Lim and edited by Pitt Digital communications. See Generative AI @ Pitt for more information on responsible GenAI use.
