Every year, spring brings with it many things that help brighten up the dreary atmosphere around Pitt’s campus since winter: warmer spring breezes, glimpses of sunshine, and the first sightings of students’ pasty skin as boys and girls alike peel away the winter layers in the hopes of getting some color before summer hits. Nothing at Pitt screams “spring” to me more than seeing the resurgence of Chubbies and lax pinnies, too-short shorts, and sun dresses once more to accompany the warmer weather. But wouldn’t you want a nice tan to go with those skimpy clothes? I know I would, so here is a list of the best places to tan on campus (along with some places you’ve probably never thought of) to help you get started on that golden glow if you’re spending the summer in Oakland:
1. Soldiers and Sailors lawn
With its multi-tiered sloping grass area and the majestic Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall serving as the backdrop, Soldiers and Sailors lawn is my all-time favorite place to catch some rays. It’s big enough to never be too crowded, far enough from the street and sidewalk to avoid creepers, and there are even some spots where you can chill for hours completely unnoticed—the top-right corner 2near the back steps is a little secluded area perfect for some ‘you’ time.
2. Schenley Beach (otherwise known as Schenley Plaza)
Now some may say this should actually be the #1 stop to tan on campus, but I disagree—its proximity to restaurants, the public library, and Frick Fine Arts make it a high traffic area all times of the day, and I for one prefer not to be disturbed while trying to crisp my skin. The carousel also makes it a hot spot for kids and while I love them, I don’t necessarily want to hear their shrieks of joy over my music. Crowdedness aside, this is the best place in terms of terrain because it is completely flat, and it is also a great central location to meet up with friends. My advice is to go early or late in the day, pick a spot on the periphery, and definitely have headphones for some background noise.
3. The grass area next to the Pete
Despite this spot being a little far for those of us who live on main campus, this is a great place for the upper campus peeps to get some sun. Sprawling out to nearly the full length of the Pete, this area is great to grab a spot all to yourself or with a few friends and not be bothered by others working out or throwing a Frisbee. Since the area is only surrounded by the Pete and Panther Hall, you won’t have to worry about high traffic or noise from the street at all.
4. Flagstaff Hill
Though I haven’t personally tried out this spot yet, it seems like the ideal place to get your tan on when you just have to get away. Not too close but not too far from campus, Flagstaff Hill is just over the bridge past Schenley Plaza, across the street from Phipps Conservatory, and has plenty of space for you to chill undisturbed for an afternoon.
And those you’ve never thought of:
1. The mini amphitheater outside of Posvar
I would like to think this weird little forgotten place on campus was constructed decades ago in the hopes of reviving the outdoor theater tradition of the Ancient Greeks, but it’s probably not that exciting. Strange history aside, this place always seemed like a cool spot to hang out because of its location away from the road. The sunken nature of its inside is perfect to stay shielded from onlookers.
2. Cathedral patio, Forbes side
Sometimes, for the sake of sun, you just have to sacrifice comfort, and in this case you won’t be disappointed. This spot behind Foster Hall has long been a prime location for wedding party photo shoots, but it should also be known for its afternoons of uninterrupted sunshine.
3. Pete upper level patio
Similar to the spot before, this one too is concrete instead of grass, but you’ll have plenty of space to choose from in this relatively secluded area right outside the top of the Pete.
4. Your roof
Though only applicable to those living off-campus in a house (unless some of you in the dorms are feeling extra adventurous), your roof is by far the coolest place to catch some rays because you’re up high enough away from creepers and the noise of the street with nothing but clouds to stand in your way.