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The University of Pittsburgh sets about 32,300 Panthers down in Oakland, the dense, hilly neighborhood that doubles as the city's academic core. The skyline here belongs to the Cathedral of Learning, a 42-story Gothic tower you can see from across the city and study inside. Pitt has no real boundary with Oakland; campus blends into a walkable grid of museums, the public library, and green space, with Schenley Park's trails a short walk away. Students lean on the free bus system and Pittsburgh Regional Transit, since Oakland's hills and tight streets make a car more trouble than it's worth. Pittsburgh runs on its rivers, its bridges, and fierce pro-sports loyalty, and neighborhoods like Shadyside and Squirrel Hill sit minutes away by bus.
Pitt does not force first-years to live on campus, but housing is guaranteed for at least two years to incoming students who hit the application and deposit deadlines, and most freshmen and sophomores live in the residence halls. On-campus living stays the default through the first two years.
The off-campus migration really picks up junior year, mostly into South Oakland and North Oakland houses and apartments within walking distance of the Cathedral of Learning. The process is dominated by private landlords renting older homes split into student units, plus some larger management companies, so quality varies block to block. Confirm the place meets City of Pittsburgh rental registration and occupancy rules and names everyone on the lease.
Watch for who covers utilities and trash, and note that Oakland's hills mean parking is scarce and often permit-restricted. Out-of-state students often need a guarantor, so line one up before signing.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus before signing a lease.
Oakland leases early and moves fast, mostly because so much student housing is packed into South and North Oakland within walking distance of campus. Landlords and management companies start showing and signing for the next school year in the fall. The most popular South Oakland houses are often locked up by January, nearly a full year ahead. Start touring in the fall semester for the following year.
Competition peaks from fall through midwinter, when the close-in South Oakland houses get claimed. If you wait until spring, the best close-in spots are gone and you are looking farther out toward Shadyside, where a bus ride closes the gap. Commit quickly once you find a good house near campus. The close-in houses disappear first, so do not wait.
Classes start in late August, so anyone still searching in summer is usually scrambling for sublets or whatever opened up late. Spring and summer subleases open up from students leaving for internships, co-ops, or graduating in December. Those are your fallback if you miss the main wave. Expect a longer commute and fewer choices the later you start.
South Oakland is the heart of Pitt student housing: older row houses and split homes packed onto walkable streets right near campus, so they go fast.
North Oakland sits just above campus, a bit quieter, with apartments and homes within easy reach of the Cathedral of Learning.
Shadyside is a polished, tree-lined neighborhood a short bus ride away, popular with students who want a calmer, more upscale feel.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
A room in a shared house in South or North Oakland usually runs about $700-$1,050/month per person. Older South Oakland row houses land at the bottom, while newer apartments and units in Shadyside sit higher. Splitting a larger house with several roommates is how most Pitt students bring the per-person number down.
Other universities in Pittsburgh share a similar off-campus housing market.
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