Student Life
What’s life like as a student at PTC?
What we’re not: A large, intimidating college where it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. At PTC, you’re known by your first name, both by faculty and the admissions coordinator who took you on your first tour those many months ago. And that’s exactly the way we like it. Our students embrace our close-knit community, too. We’re out of the city but close to Pittsburgh, in a wooded setting that feels like the region’s best-kept secret when it comes to learning and living. Here’s just a taste of what’s happening on campus before you start, and ways you can connect right now.
Our campus
Small, picturesque, and everything’s within walking distance.
If you haven’t visited us, make plans to do so, to see if we’re a good fit. Schedule a personal visit or attend Open House.
There are five buildings on campus. There’s our main facility, where you’ll have most of your classes unless you’re a member of our Schools of Trades or Energy and Electronics Technology, in which case you’ll take most of your classes in the Trades and Technology center.
The main building houses classrooms, labs, a large gallery and meeting place, professional kitchens on the sixth floor for culinary students, bookstore, the PTC Café, lounge areas, and admissions and financial aid. The space is open and airy, with lots of green spaces to hang out. There are three student apartment buildings on campus, all within short walking distance to your classes. We also offer off-campus housing, and you just hop on our exclusive free shuttle to travel back and forth to campus. All students enjoy free parking, and plenty of it.
Student activities, clubs & intramurals
There’s something for everyone, even if you’re not a joiner.
These activities build a stronger campus community, and by participating, you’ll expand your circle of friends and deepen your understanding of other cultures and heritages. What follows is just a sample of campus life at PTC.
Student clubs
- ASHRAE
- Culinary Club
- Creative Writing Club
- DECA
- Drama Club
- Dungeons & Dragons Club
- Gaming Club
- Software Development Club
- GSA (gay-straight alliance)
- SKAL Club
- Software Development Club
- Women in STEAM
Intramural sports
- Softball league
- Humans vs. Zombies
- Soccer league
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Jumbo Soccer
- Deck Hockey Tournament
- 3on3 basketball tournament
- 5on5 basketball tournament
On-campus activities
- Movie Nights
- Bonfires
- Crafts Workshop
- Creative Canvas
- March Madness Party
- Pool Parties
- Halloween Costume Bash
- Career Services-sponsored events, from employers seeking new hires for employment while you’re in school to career fairs and portfolio shows
Housing events
Get crafty. Stay healthy. Meet new people.
The on- and off-campus housing team sponsors year-round events to support an active and engaged lifestyle. What you participate in is up to you, but we encourage you to get involved with some of the events and meet new friends. This is just a sample of what you’ll find:
Housing events
- Fall Fest
- Sports leagues and tournaments
- Holiday bash
- Community clean up
- Madden tournament
- Card night
- Sundae Sunday
- Walking Taco
- Casino Night
- Block party
- Movie nights
- Foam party
Resident Life programs to help you tackle issues like finances, homesickness, study skills, managing stress, diversity education, alcohol and drug awareness, and personal safety.