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Carnegie Mellon University is a top-tier private research university on Forbes Avenue in Pittsburgh's Oakland and Squirrel Hill neighborhoods. Founded in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie, CMU is recognized for programs in computer science, engineering, fine arts, drama, and public policy. The main campus covers roughly 157 acres between Forbes Avenue and Frew Street, anchored by the College of Fine Arts building and Hamerschlag Hall. CMU enrolls around 16,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs. Freshmen are required to live on campus in halls like Mudge House and Morewood Gardens. Upperclassmen move into Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, and Greenfield, one of the most competitive off-campus rental markets in western Pennsylvania.
Carnegie Mellon requires all incoming freshmen to live in university housing for their first year. Students are assigned to residence halls such as Mudge House, Morewood Gardens, Donner House, or the Residence on Fifth, and must sign a one-year housing contract.
Students who have completed their freshman year are eligible to live off campus. Sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students routinely rent in Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, and Greenfield.
The Pittsburgh off-campus market moves fast. Landlords near CMU begin listing August units in November and December, and the best apartments in Oakland and Squirrel Hill are typically claimed by late January or early February.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Carnegie Mellon University before signing a lease.
CMU students targeting prime Oakland locations along Forbes, Fifth, or Beeler Street should begin searching in October or November of their freshman year. The off-campus market near CMU is among the most competitive in Pittsburgh, and high-quality managed buildings fill months before the lease start date. Coordinating with future roommates before Thanksgiving gives you the best chance at top units. Acting early also lets you compare lease terms without the pressure of a ticking clock.
January is the single busiest month for CMU off-campus leasing. Landlords post heavily on Craigslist, Facebook groups like CMU Off-Campus Housing, and Zillow. Walking the blocks between CMU's campus and Squirrel Hill's Murray Avenue corridor during winter break is still effective for finding newly posted signs and unlisted units. Having proof of income or a guarantor ready allows you to sign the same day you find the right apartment.
Students who missed January can find decent options in Greenfield and the Murray Hill area of Squirrel Hill through March. Graduate student turnover in May and June opens furnished sublets near campus. Some landlords also hold units for late-deciding incoming graduate students into the summer, so checking university boards in April can still yield results.
The Forbes and Fifth Avenue corridor in Oakland puts students within a 5-10 minute walk of CMU's main gates. Streets like Beeler, Dithridge, and Semple offer rowhouses, apartment buildings, and larger student complexes. Competition is intense and rents are higher, but the zero-commute convenience makes it the first choice for many undergraduates.
Squirrel Hill borders the eastern edge of campus and is the dominant off-campus neighborhood for CMU upperclassmen. Murray Avenue and Forbes Avenue offer grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes within walking distance. Streets like Beechwood Boulevard and Shady Avenue have well-maintained buildings at prices somewhat below Oakland.
Shadyside along Walnut Street and Ellsworth Avenue offers boutique shops, restaurants, and active nightlife. It is a 20-minute walk or short bus ride from campus and appeals to students who want a livelier street scene.
Greenfield sits just south of Schenley Park and offers some of the most affordable apartments within 2 miles of CMU. The neighborhood is quieter and more residential, with easy campus access via park trails or the 61 bus routes.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Oakland rents near CMU typically run $1,100-$1,600 for a one-bedroom and $800-$1,100 per person in a shared two- or three-bedroom. Squirrel Hill is slightly less expensive, and Greenfield offers the lowest prices of the major student neighborhoods.
Other universities in Pittsburgh share a similar off-campus housing market.
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