What Pittsburgh students need to know ahead of Thanksgiving break

’Tis the season of fall foliage, apple cider and Pitt’s Thanksgiving break — a welcome time off for students before finals begin

Whether you’re reuniting with family and friends back home or staying on campus this Thanksgiving, here’s what Pittsburgh students need to know.

And, in case you need a reminder, student recess runs Sunday, Nov. 20, through Sunday, Nov. 27. Faculty and staff begin their time off on Thursday, Nov. 24.

Start the feast early

On Wednesday, Nov. 16, Pitt Eats will host “Thank-Ful,” a campus-wide Friendsgiving event focused on celebrating togetherness, expressing gratitude and giving back to the University of Pittsburgh community.

The event will feature a Friendsgiving table of classic Thanksgiving meal items, an opportunity to participate in live cooking demonstrations by Pitt Eats culinarians and activities for students to give thanks and spread positivity.

Don’t miss the Pitt Eats street team, who will be handing out gratitude bags, leading games and TikTok videos and hosting a photo booth.

The Thanksgiving meal is open to students, faculty and staff and will be served at The Eatery and The Perch at 4 p.m. The door price is $11.15 for all you care to eat.

Get your books before the break

The Hillman Library will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24, through Saturday, Nov. 26. The library reopens Sunday, Nov. 27, at 10 a.m. and will remain open 24 hours day, seven days a week through the fall term final exam period.

Leaving town?

Catch a ride home out of Oakland on a deluxe motorcoach with Pitt’s Buses Home for the Holidays program. Tickets for Thanksgiving Recess bus rides are on sale now. Buses will depart campus from University Place (near Nordenberg Hall) on Friday, Nov. 18, at 2 p.m., 4:15 p.m. and 6 p.m., and buses will return to campus on Sunday, Nov. 27.

There’s support for student drivers too. If your vehicle needs a jump start or if you’ve locked your keys inside your car, Pitt’s Motorist Assistance Program provides a free helping hand. Call parking services at 412-624-4034 Monday through Friday, 8-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-4 p.m.

Sticking around?

Residence halls on the Pittsburgh campus will remain open for the duration of the break with staff on call, but starting Saturday, Nov. 19, most of Pitt’s on-campus dining options will be closed. A schedule of Thanksgiving week dining hours will be posted online.

If you need to reach a staff member, call Panther Central at 412-648-1100.

And, if you need to stock up on groceries, Forbes Street Market will be open throughout the break, except for Thanksgiving Day.

Mental health support no matter where you are

Even during breaks, holidays and weekends, students can access support 24/7 by contacting the University Counseling Center at 412-648-7930. Students can also access drop-in support from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, through Wednesday, Nov. 23, by calling the center. Therapist Assistance Online is available for self-help and wellness strategies.

COVID-19 is still a concern

Please be safe, know your own risk and monitor your health closely after celebrating Thanksgiving festivities.

The O’Hara Student Center’s onsite COVID-19 testing site will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25, but will reopen for regular hours on Monday, Nov. 28.

— Nichole Faina, photography by Aimee Obidzinski