Pitt 2012 Forum

[samsocks]

Nevermind. I found it. I'm in section A. I'm not sure I'm happy with this schedule - it's definitely too late/spread out for my tastes. I'm a class cramer and I like to take the earliest periods possible, but I guess I'll get used to it. Haven't looked up the teachers yet though ...

[jbug21]

Looks like I am in section B, so I guess we got each section covered so far with the three people who have posted. I am not sure how I feel about having the Dean teach my first ever law school class.

[samsocks]

Ha! I don't know I would feel about that either. It'd be nice for the dean to know who you are, but it also feels like more pressure to do well.

I took several classes in undergrad with the chair of my major and I was able to build a good rapport with him, but I was also very stressed trying to impress him with every paper I wrote. [and there were a lot of those! I was a history major]

Good luck! When is everyone going to be in Pittsburgh? I should be moving in to my apartment on the sixth

[jbug21]

I have actually lived here in Pittsburgh my entire life so I am just putting up with my job for a few more weeks and getting ready for school. If anyone is getting into town a few weeks before school starts and would be interested in playing some golf or even just getting some drinks let me know.

[Dr. Foom]

Looks like I am in section B, so I guess we got each section covered so far with the three people who have posted. I am not sure how I feel about having the Dean teach my first ever law school class.

Sounds like we're in Section B together, then! I'm sure having contracts with the dean of the law school bright and early almost all week won't be intimidating in the least.

I'm planning on heading down the fifth and, *gulp*, going furniture shopping for my apartment.

[Dr. Foom]

We also apparently got lucky with Burkoff for crim law. His rate my professor page gave him rave reviews.

http://ratemyprofessors.com/ShowRatings.jsp?tid=891580

[jbug21]

Someone actually mentioned to me a couple months ago to hope that I get Burkoff for crim law so he must be pretty good. I always think it's a good thing when people don't think a professor is easy, but they still consider him/her their favorite instructor.

[reverendt]

We also apparently got lucky with Burkoff for crim law. His rate my professor page gave him rave reviews.

http://ratemyprofessors.com/ShowRatings.jsp?tid=891580

Prof. Burkoff (Mr. Burkoff....teaching crim law...not to be confused with his wife who teaches legal writing) is AWESOME! (his wife is nice too...). No socratic method...he really just lectures (at least thats how his crim pro class was)...write down everything he says!

Section A....you guys lucked out with Flechtner. Contracts can be pretty dry but he keeps it fun. Make sure you come to the last day of class....he will probably entertain you! And save the chart he gives you for UCC 2-207....you'll probably need it for the final!

[samsocks]

That's good to hear for section A!

Today I got mail from the PAD frat at Pitt. Is it worthwhile to join? Does anyone know?

[Dr. Foom]

I got that letter too, and I'm thinking about it. I'm not particularly that high on frats, and I absolutely do not want to deal with undergrad-style pledging routines during my first semester.

If they don't make you jump through hoops to join, it could be a good way to make some contacts in the legal world. Still, I'm not sure. I'm going to email the person that sent it tonight with some questions.

[samsocks]

Yeah, I'd definitely join if you just paid them and then could show up to their events whenever. Let us know what they say!

[reverendt]

I have friends in PAD. They really don't have to do much to be in. There's no jumping through hoops or anything like that.
Mostly what it provides is outlines from people who got As. Is that worth it? Who knows! I make my own outlines. Some of those with PAD outlines do better than me. Some do worse. I don't notice a pattern of the PAD people doing any better in school.

[redsox8105]

I really dislike frats (the whole paying for friends thing...) but the prospect of built-in ties in the legal world and outlines is pretty intriguing. I'm guessing everyone in our class got it, though, so if everyone joins... does it really do any good?

[samsocks]

I doubt it does much good, I'm sure many people join it. But it might be a good way to meet people, particularly 2/3Ls. I'll probably end up joining, I don't really see any reason not to.

[redsox8105]

Another question - what are you guys doing about cable and internet, if it's not included in your rent? I've been searching Comcast's website and I can't seem to find how to get regular, basic cable. All I can find is digital cable for like $60 a month. That can't be the only option, right?

Unless I've been living under a rock and basic cable doesn't exist anymore.

[samsocks]

I'm going to forgo having cable. I will be getting Verizon internet though. I figure I'll use a combo of netflix or hulu to watch things. The cable seems expensive, so I want to see if I can manage without it.

My rent does not include electric though. Does anyone know the name of Pittsburgh's electric company?

[James Bond]

Another question - what are you guys doing about cable and internet, if it's not included in your rent? I've been searching Comcast's website and I can't seem to find how to get regular, basic cable. All I can find is digital cable for like $60 a month. That can't be the only option, right?

Unless I've been living under a rock and basic cable doesn't exist anymore.

You have to ask for it. They really don't like giving it to you, but it exists. I saved a whole $10 a month by asking for it, so the real savings is debatable, but whatever. I can use $10.

[James Bond]

For anyone still looking for decent apartments in the north shore/downtown area instead of Shadyside or where ever, here's a good list:

http://www.alleghenycenter.com/

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http://www.centuryon7th.com/

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The Lincoln and The Encore are my favorites, and The Encore was ranked as the best apartment building in the city last year.

[jbug21]

My rent does not include electric though. Does anyone know the name of Pittsburgh's electric company?

Anywhere I have lived around the city has used Duquesne Light electric company.

[redsox8105]

My rent does not include electric though. Does anyone know the name of Pittsburgh's electric company?

Yeah I'm going through Duquesne. I don't know if your landlord told you to call them before you move, but you'll definitely want to so they can switch the electric into your name. You'll want to avoid any reconnection fees.

And I'll try calling Comcast tomorrow. I'd like to cut out the cost of cable but I don't know if me or my girlfriend can live without it (wow, that sounds pathetic).

[Dr. Foom]

Comcast's HDTV prices weren't quite as bad as I was expecting. Still hurts to look at. Serves me right for buying an HDTV last year.

[Dr. Foom]

I got an email back from the PAD rep that sent the letters out. What she said pretty much jibes with all the info about it we've gotten so far in this thread. You pay the fees, there's an initiation ceremony in mid-October that's meant to last about an hour, followed by a party. Then you get as much out of it as you put into it, basically. There's biweekly meetings, social events, and other stuff.

I'm still a bit leery, but it does seem like a good way to meet people. And speaking of meeting people, did you guys get the email about the picnic? Free food, with the distinct possibility of free beer, sounds pretty awesome to me.

[samsocks]

I figure I'll end up joining. I'll also probably attend the bbq you're talking about. Why not? It sounds like a good chance to meet people

[redsox8105]

Are we going to get our textbook list anytime soon? Starting to run out of time to order a book through Amazon and the like...

[reverendt]

Are we going to get our textbook list anytime soon? Starting to run out of time to order a book through Amazon and the like...

Pitt is terrible with the textbook lists...at least they were last year.
Keep checking your pitt email because some of your professors might email you regarding your books and/or reading assignments.