FreshFest is an early move in orientation program designed for first-year students at the University of Pittsburgh.

For 2025, FreshFest will take place on Thursday, August 14 and Friday, August 15. Your payment ($250) covers all meals, transportation, and activities for these two days, including Friday night Shabbat dinner with families! Students will be able to move in on Thursday, August 14 before programming begins.There will be optional programming over the weekend.

Registration will open July 1 and close Monday, August 4.

First Year Students: Please direct any inquiries to [email protected], Hannah Feldman, Janet L. Swanson Director of Jewish Student Life for the University of Pittsburgh.

Parents: Please direct any inquiries to Jennifer Poller, Director of Development [email protected] or Lori Moorhead, Development Associate, [email protected].

*Below is last year’s schedule, which will be similar to this year’s schedule! Times are subject to change. Locations and full schedule will be available closer to FreshFest. Official FreshFest programming runs from Thursday-Friday.

Thursday

11:00am-4:00pm: Move in any time during this block before 4pm! Please check in with Hillel staff any time during this block at the William Pitt Union.

4:00pm-5:15pm: Student Icebreakers

4:00pm-5:30pm: Parent Event

5:30pm-7:30pm: Student Dinner/Activity off-site

Friday

10:00am-11:00am: Breakfast

11:00am-1:00pm: Tours and Conversation by Major

1:00pm-2:30pm: Lunch

2:30pm-4:00pm: Student panels

4:15pm-5:15pm: Activities

5:15pm-6:00pm: Break

6:00pm-6:45pm: Shabbat Services (Reform and Conservative options; Open to students and families)

7:00pm-8:30pm: Shabbat Dinner (Open to students and families)

Saturday

Optional programming

9:00pm Havdalah

Sunday

1:30-3:30pm: Schmooze & Schmear (open to FreshFest students and families + non-FreshFest participants who want to visit Hillel)
* other optional student-led programming to be announced at a later date

*Times subject to change. Locations and full schedule will be available closer to FreshFest. Official FreshFest programming runs from Thursday-Friday.

When can I sign up for FreshFest?

Registration officially opens on July 1.

Why does my move-in date still show August 18 or 19?  

Don’t worry! Since we notify the University just a few weeks before FreshFest, your move-in date will not change from your assigned date. However, once you are registered and paid for FreshFest, you’re all set to move in with us! 

Ship2Pitt Info  

As an added service to students who live in residence halls, the University of Pittsburgh offers the Ship2Pitt program which delivers your boxes to your room prior to your arrival. Please visit here for details and email [email protected] with any questions.

Are the dining halls open?  

Dining halls will open on Monday, August 18 so they will not be open for early-move in. Check out the different meals that Hillel is offering for those moving in early! 

What campus food options will be open early?  

At the time of FreshFest, on-campus dining will not be open. However, many restaurants accept Panther Funds, which can be put on your account before your arrival and can be used immediately at participating restaurants. *Please double check with these restaurants to confirm that they accept Panther Funds

• Jimmy John’s 
• Moe’s 
• Panera Bread 
• Piada 
• Primanti’s 
• Prince of India 
• Stack’d 
• The Porch 
• Viva los Tacos 

Will my RA be on my floor for early move-in?  

Yes! Your RA’s have spent the week preparing for resident arrival. They will be there and notified that you are moving in early, so they can help you with any questions that you may have. 

Will there be move-in carts in the dorm?  

Yes! There will be move-in carts in the lobby of every dorm. If there are not, you are able to call Panther Central and they can work to get carts to whichever dorm you are in. 

Will there be move-in helpers?  

Unfortunately, no. Since the move-in for FreshFest is earlier than the University’s move-in, they are not able to provide designated move-in helpers. However, many Hillel student leaders are happy to help move things if you need it! 

What if my PantherID doesn’t work when I get to my dorm?  

If your ID does not work upon arrival, bring your ID to Panther Central (inside the Towers lobby) and they will be able to reactivate it for you.