The Pitt Genetic Counseling uses a confidence building model, so during our first year, we mainly focus on classes. As a result, this past year, my classmates and I have had a lot of assignments to work on and exams to prepare for. Personally, I find it a bit difficult to focus if I am stuck in the same location for a while, so I like to study in different libraries and coffee shops around Oakland and Shadyside. I also went to undergrad at Pitt, so these are some of the places I have really enjoyed studying in over the last few years as a student in Pittsburgh.
Human Genetics Study Rooms
The Human Genetics department, where the genetic counseling program is housed, is located on the 3rd floor of the Public Health building. On our floor, we have two different study rooms for students to use. Since most of our classes are located in the Public Health building, this is a great study space before, after, or in between classes. The main study room has tables and white boards, which makes it a great place to collaborate on assignments. The room also has a fridge and microwave, so we all tend to eat our lunch in here.
The quiet study room is right next door and is comprised of desks that have dividers, so you can have some quiet and privacy. I have found that this is a good place to sit if I really need to focus on something and do not want any distractions, such as if I am working on an online quiz for class.
Divvy Coffee & Buns
This coffee shop is located along Forbes Avenue, just a 3-minute walk from the Public Health building. The interior is really cute - they have a massive floral wall, lots of travel themed décor, and lots of tables. This is a good place to go if you do not want to go too far from campus and maybe want to get some food while studying. I actually spent a lot of time here last year writing and revising my personal statement when I was applying to grad school.
Hillman Library
This is Pitt’s main library and is a short walk from the Public Health building. The 3rd and 4th floors were renovated a few years ago, and the 1st and 2nd floors actually opened again earlier this semester after renovation, so the library looks pretty modern. Something useful about Hillman is that you can book group study rooms which can be useful for collaborating with others or if you just need a quiet space.
Coffee Tree Roasters - Shadyside
This coffee shop is located in Shadyside on Walnut Street and is a favorite of many of my classmates. Since a lot of us live in Shadyside, this is a really convenient place for us to meet up on weekends and get work done. Coffee Tree Roasters is a lot bigger than a lot of the other coffee shops in the area, so it is easier to find a place to sit. Something I really like about Coffee Tree Roasters is that they have a closed off room in the back that is specifically meant for studying, so it is a lot quieter compared to the rest of the available seating.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main (Oakland)
The
Carnegie Library system is the Pittsburgh public library system, and the main branch
is located in Oakland right across the street from the Cathedral of Learning. The
inside of the library is really beautiful, and if you go up to the second floor,
you will find a large room with plenty of long wooden tables and outlets,
perfect for studying. There are also massive windows and lots of natural
lighting, which makes it a more pleasant place to study. There is even a coffee
shop downstairs if you want to treat yourself to something while you study. The
Carnegie Library is honestly one of my favorite places to study, and I have
definitely influenced a lot of my cohort to come study here with me. In fact, a
few of us have made it a habit to come here every Saturday morning to get some
work done because we all feel more productive here. Sometimes after studying, I
like wandering around the fiction section downstairs and perhaps checking out a
book or two.
