<p>There’s plenty going on around campus, and people are generally very social, especially at the beginning of freshman year. I know that the Office of Cross-Cultural and Leadership Development (CCLD) in the William Pitt Union does provide outreach and guidance to international students to help them get acquainted to the U.S. and Pittsburgh. (I think they might have a retreat or something of the sort before school starts.)</p>
<p>Orientation week is a great opportunity to get out and meet people. I’d highly encourage going to as many events as you can, because it will never again be easier to talk to people. I met one of my best friends from college at the ice cream social!</p>
<p>There’s plenty to do on campus. Club sports are definitely available if interested. There are also events going on campus nearly every weekend. PittArts is a program that provides free & cheap tickets to symphonies, musicals, operas, and various other cultural events. The Pitt Program Council hosts events with famous speakers and musicians - such as Josh Radnor, Matthew Perry, Maya Angelou, OneRepublic, etc. Pitt football games are a fun social event, especially since you sound interested in sports. Concerts come through the city frequently at a number of large and small venues. And free busing through Pittsburgh makes it easy to access Downtown and other neighborhoods for dining, shopping, etc.</p>
<p>As for the dorm situation, it’s really up to you if you prefer to live alone or not. People strongly discourage living alone, but I have heard great things about living in Tower C and Lothrop. As long as you keep your door open and make an effort to be social, you’ll have a great time. If I had to do it again, I probably would have lived alone - but that’s just me!</p>
<p>Good luck with your applications! As a recent Pitt graduate, I have to say that if I had to make this decision ten more times, I would have chosen Pitt every time. Amazing college experience!</p>