Q: When will I receive my dormitory housing assignments? How is that determined?

A: Our Resident Life Team will match roommates and other requests as best as possible for this summer.  In June, students will receive an email stating their building, room floor and number, Resident Advisor (RA), and roommate(s) if applicable.  Students are assigned rooms based on age and any roommate requests they submitted.  We try to honor all requests as much as we are able.  

Q: How many students are in the dorm rooms?

A: Since the dormitory buildings are historic, they are each a little unique in their exact room layouts. There are single rooms, doubles, triples, and quads. It varies from floor to floor as well as building to building, so it will depend on enrollment. 

Q: What happens if I don’t get along with my roommate(s)?

A: We try to encourage working it out between students as much as possible, but can address any issues on a case by case basis to determine if students need to be moved rooms.  

Q: What do I need to know about adults and minors in the dorms?

A: We are not able to pair an adult with a minor in the dorms.  If the adult student is on the minor student’s Approved Visitor List, they are permitted to visit during visiting hours.  

Q: How do we get to and from the airport?

A: Many students will use ride-share options such as Uber or Lyft, while others will use a traditional taxi like zTrip. All students are welcome to use the Travel Directory if they’d like to share a ride with a fellow dancer.  

Q: What if I can’t make my move-in time?

A: If you are due to arrive in Pittsburgh later than your arrival time, please let us know by emailing pbtschool@pittsburghballet.org with your expected arrival.  Students will be able to move in later than their scheduled move-in time We just ask that we are aware of any late arrivals for our attendance rosters.

Q: Do I have to move rooms or move out if I’m staying for both programs?

A: You do not have to fully move out, but you may have to move rooms in between.  Our Resident Life Team team will do their best with the room assignments to have as minimal moving as possible in between programs. This information is shared at the same time as room assignments.

Q: When do I move out?

A: A student can move-out following the final performance.  Students have until the following morning to move out.  ISP students are able to move out from 9 a.m. on Saturday until Sunday morning.  CE students are able to move out from 9 a.m. on Friday to Saturday morning. 

Q: What is the laundry situation like on Chatham’s campus?

A: In each of the dorm buildings, free washers and dryers are available for student use. Students may want to bring a hamper or laundry bag to help carry their laundry down the hall. 

Q: Can I bring my own AC unit or fan? What kind? Can I open my windows?

A: Students are not permitted to bring their own AC unit. Students are permitted to bring/buy a fan that stands on its own, as the windows are not a standard size. Students can also request standing fans provided by Chatham using a form at a later date. Students may open their windows, but please remember that screens on windows must remain in the windows at all times. 

Q: Is there a fridge or microwave in the dorms to use?

A: In each dorm building, there is a communal kitchen area that includes a refrigerator/freezer and microwave, as well as a sink and stove/oven. Students are able to use these and are responsible for their items and for keeping the space clean.

Q: Is there a coffee maker, or can I bring one?

A: There is not a communal coffee maker, and any appliances are not allowed in the dorms.  There is a coffee shop on campus that will be open to students; that is not included in the dining plan.  

Q: Are there pots/pans in the communal kitchen? Can I store things there?

A: There are no communal pots or pans to use, but you may bring your own and store them there.  Students are also welcome to store some food/drinks there if preferred. 

Q: Do I need spending money? Should I bring money for food?

A: All on-campus meals are included with the cost of Housing, which include breakfast and dinner each day in the dining hall.  On weekends, it will be a brunch and dinner service. Please note that no food is provided while on an excursion unless specifically noted. 

Q: Are there sinks in the rooms?

A: Most rooms do not have sinks. There are a few communal bathrooms on each floor with multiple sinks, toilets, showers, and even some bathtubs. There is also a sink in the kitchens that have the regular tap faucet and a specially filtered faucet.

Q: If we need to pick up supplies, like toiletries or a towel, would we have access to that? 

A: There will be some planned outings for shopping, though we recommend students plan as best they can to not need to shop for at least the first few days of the program.

Q: If we buy supplies (pillows, fans, etc.) but can’t bring them back with us, can we donate them or will they be thrown out?

A: We make sure all left items that can be donated will be sent to community thrifts and shelters.

Q: What facilities on campus do I have access to?

A: Students in our summer program will have access to Chatham’s gymnasium, swimming pool, and dance studio during certain hours each week.  Students must be supervised in the gymnasium and pool areas.  Students will not have access to the weight room on campus, the mail room, or the University library.  

Q: What are activities I can expect at Chatham? 

A: The RAs will have organized activities open for their students, including pool days, gymnasium days, and other activities based on their students interests! Previous activities/outings have included for shopping, a movie, or arts and crafts.

Q: Where are quiet places I can study?

A: There is a small, quiet sitting area outside the dining hall, as well as the lounges at each dorm building. 

Q: Can I ride around campus on a skateboard or bicycle?  Can I hammock?

A: If students are properly signed out in their groups, they are able to roam the designated campus area with their group. Hammock stands are owned by Chatham, so they may or may not be in the quad for use, but if they are, they can be used. 

Q: If you are a commuter, can you visit friends at Chatham? Can commuters eat at the dining hall on campus?

A: Yes, commuters can visit, as long as they are on the resident’s Visitor List! Yes, commuters are able to eat at the dining hall with their peers, but they will need to bring money for their meal. 

Q: Is there somewhere to get groceries nearby?

A: Yes! In addition to local shops, RAs will plan trips to local grocery stores. They drive a van to Target or Aldi periodically throughout the summer for anyone interested in picking up anything.

Q: Are there any pharmacies on campus they can walk to?

A: Yes, there are two within the walking boundary. There is a CVS at 5600 Wilkins Ave, and a Rite Aid at 5504 Walnut St. 

Q: Can students who are staying at Chatham but have local family/friends be checked out? What has to be done to make that happen?

A: Yes, the non-resident will need to fill out a form ahead of time. The Visitor Form will be posted to the Google Site ahead of the program start. In previous years, students have had dinner with a family member, been picked up for church, or even an overnight stay. 

Q: Is there a curfew?

A: Yes, curfews are enforced as dorm keys are collected each night.  Sunday through Friday, students must be back in the dorms by 9:00 p.m., in their assigned rooms by 10:30 p.m., and lights are out by 11:00 p.m.  On Saturdays, curfew is shifted by a half hour later, and this is listed in the Student Handbook.

Q: What is the supervision like?

A: Our RAs make usual laps around the floors, an RA will be stationed at the front desk of the building, and we will have a sign-in/out process to ensure that students are not wandering off alone during their free time. All RAs will be trained prior to student arrival to help keep student safety at the forefront.

Q: What is security like on campus? What kind of background checks have been done?

A: Campus police are situated between the dormitories at Chatham, and they are there 24/7. For our Residential Staff, each Resident Advisor had background checks done and child clearances renewed upon their hiring.

Company Experience Housing will cost the family a total of $2,225. This include the housing price as well as the $25 housing application fee for those who apply by March 1. After March 20, the housing application increases by $25.

Intensive Summer Program Housing will cost the family a total of $3,425. This include the housing price as well as the $25 housing application fee for those who apply by March 1. After March 20, the housing application increases by $25.

A more itemized breakdown is included on the payment policy per program.