<p>hsgrad: My son really wanted to go to a big city school. He thought Chapel Hill was too small and insular. He wanted to take part in campus activities/events but also have a vibrant city at his doorstep. Along with other Pitt students, he goes to the Symphony and other cultural events on a regular basis. Pitt students get free admissions to major museums. The public library main branch is right in Oakland and is really great. He explores the many neighborhoods and parks by bus (free for students) or bicycle. There are many things Pittsburgh has to offer which Chapel Hill cannot match. In addition his major’s (Physics) reputation is not appreciably different between the two. When full tuition was offered, he jumped at the chance to go to Pitt. He has met a few southerners there. Not many, but that’s not a priority for him.</p>