As a student at Pitt, I rely on technology daily to stay on top of classes, connect with friends, and finish my work. Some days, I’m seriously grateful for how easy it makes my life. Other days? Not so much. As Valentine’s Day approaches, here’s what I love about tech — and what sometimes makes me want to toss my laptop out a window.

The Best Parts of Tech

Joining Meetings from Anywhere (Even the Cathedral of Learning)

One of the best things about tech? I don’t have to sprint across campus just to make it to a meeting. I can hop on a Zoom or Teams call from a cozy spot in Cathy or Hillman Library, stay productive, and still have time to grab coffee before my next class.

Student Labs: A Lifesaver Between Classes

Sometimes, my laptop is on the verge of dying, or I just need a bigger screen to finish up a project. Pitt’s Student Computing Labs are a game-changer—I can stop in, plug in my device, and get work done without worrying about battery life or distractions.

Instant Messaging on Microsoft Teams

I love that Teams makes it easy to reach out to classmates and professors without giving out my personal number. I can check if someone’s online, send a quick message, or schedule a meeting without getting bombarded with texts outside of school hours.

Music Makes Everything Better

Whether I’m studying, walking to class, or just trying to focus, having access to my favorite playlists is a must. Streaming music helps keep me focused—until I realize I’ve spent way too much time curating the perfect study mix instead of actually studying…

The Tech Struggles Are Real

Notification Overload

Between emails, Teams messages, Canvas alerts, and random app notifications, my devices never stop buzzing. Staying connected is great, but sometimes I just want a break from the constant pings. You can set your notification settings in all these apps! Decide when, what, and from whom you receive notifications and decide what sound (if any) accompanies those notifications. It’s a sanity saver.

Wi-Fi That Picks the Worst Moments to Act Up

My Wi-Fi is usually solid. But the second I need to submit an assignment or join an important call? That’s when it decides to lag or drop. Talk about bad timing. If it happens on campus, I make sure to call or live chat with the Technology Help Desk ASAP. They can help me see if the problem is on my end. If not, reporting it helps them resolve the problem quickly. If lots of people report the same issue, that lets them know it’s widespread.

Too Much Screen Time

After a full day of classes, studying, and meetings, my eyes are done. Between my laptop, phone, and tablet, it feels like I’m staring at screens 24/7. Stepping away for a break isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely necessary.

Making the Most of Tech

Even with its occasional frustrations, tech is a huge part of student life at Pitt. It keeps me organized, helps me stay in touch, and makes studying more efficient (most of the time). Finding ways to balance the benefits while managing the downsides is key.

What’s your take on tech? Love it? Hate it? A little bit of both? Let us know!

Happy Valentine’s Day Panthers!

-- Haree Lim, Pitt IT Student Blogger