University of Pittsburgh

Oakland (North And South)

Oakland
Oakland: The University of Pittsburgh's "Backyard".

Oakland is the University of Pittsburgh’s backyard. First-time visitors to Pitt drive right through the heart of Oakland as they approach from the interstate, driving up the hill towards the Cathedral of Learning, passing copy shops, sandwich joints, bars, gas stations, fast food, hotels, several banks, and drug stores.

South of the Cathedral is where the undergraduates flock for off-campus housing. You can bet the parking is tough and the hours are long. But if a 24-hour scene is your thing, South Oakland may be your paradise.

North Oakland, on the other hand, is a different story. Shops on Craig Street aren’t open all night, but there are lots of different places to eat, including the always popular pan-Asian noodle place, Lulu’s.

Large turn-of-the-last-century apartment buildings within a block or two of campus sideline the partying and keep your commute to a short walk. While the super-close location can mean that rents are a little high, some of the nicer buildings are worth a little extra.

Neighborhood

Eat

Shop

Play

Health and Wellness

  • General Nutrition Center
  • Pittsburgh Center for Martial Arts and Wellness
  • Schenley Park Skating Rink
  • Three Rivers Fitness

Housing

Average rents graduates students pay in North Oakland:

  • Studio: $530, avg. utilities $20
  • 1BR: $675, avg. utilities $70
  • 2BR: $840, avg. utilities $0

Transportation

Well, you can walk to school!