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Best Student Housing In Pittsburgh

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Filter and discover student housing in Pittsburgh, with 1 buildings across 1 university. View availability, read verified reviews, and request to reserve rooms for free – no deposit or hidden costs.

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Price per week
£281
£523
Price includes bills
Popular Features in Pittsburgh
Accessibility
Features
Internet Access
Laundry
People/Staff
Recreational Facilities
Security & Safety
Services
Special Policies
Study Support
TV
Transport
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Room Type
Room Type
Apartment

A self-contained unit with a kitchen and bathroom

Private Bathroom

A bedroom with a private bathroom

Shared Bathroom

A bedroom with a shared bathroom

Studio

A self-contained unit with a kitchen and bathroom

Types of Housing
Types of Housing
Campus Housing

Housing that is owned and managed by the university, often located on campus with basic amenities and a more integrated student community.

Private Housing

Privately operated housing, offering modern facilities, more room options, and a diverse mix of students – often at a higher cost.

Catering
Catering
Catered

Accommodation that provides meals in a dining hall as part of the rent, offering convenience but less flexibility.

Self-Catered

Accommodation that requires students to handle their own cooking, providing more flexibility but also requiring more meal planning and budgeting.

Sort by
Price per week
£281
£523
Price includes bills
Popular Features in Pittsburgh
Accessibility
Features
Internet Access
Laundry
People/Staff
Recreational Facilities
Security & Safety
Services
Special Policies
Study Support
TV
Transport
Show More
Room Type
Room Type
Apartment

A self-contained unit with a kitchen and bathroom

Private Bathroom

A bedroom with a private bathroom

Shared Bathroom

A bedroom with a shared bathroom

Studio

A self-contained unit with a kitchen and bathroom

Types of Housing
Types of Housing
Campus Housing

Housing that is owned and managed by the university, often located on campus with basic amenities and a more integrated student community.

Private Housing

Privately operated housing, offering modern facilities, more room options, and a diverse mix of students – often at a higher cost.

Catering
Catering
Catered

Accommodation that provides meals in a dining hall as part of the rent, offering convenience but less flexibility.

Self-Catered

Accommodation that requires students to handle their own cooking, providing more flexibility but also requiring more meal planning and budgeting.

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1 properties
Available to Reserve

Only show properties which you can request to reserve a room in directly using StudentCrowd.
Find out more

Property Features

Popular features in Pittsburgh

Accessibility

Features

Internet Access

Laundry

People/Staff

Recreational Facilities

Security & Safety

Services

Special Policies

Study Support

TV

Transport

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How much does student accommodation cost in Pittsburgh?

Typically, rent ranges from $270 to $552 per week in Pittsburgh, depending on the type of room, location and the amenities included.

Average rent by room type

  • Shared Rooms: $270–$312/week – the most affordable option, with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
  • En-suite Rooms: $334–$380/week – private bathroom with a shared kitchen, popular with first-year students.
  • Studios: $438–$495/week – private kitchen and bathroom, offering full independence at a higher price.
  • Apartments: $489–$552/week – self-contained flats with separate living spaces, ideal for privacy or even sharing with friends.
Finding Student Housing

Student housing in Pittsburgh: a complete guide for students

Overview

Are you searching for student housing in Pittsburgh? This guide is for prospective and current students at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), Rosedale Technical College, and other city schools. It covers housing types, popular neighborhoods, costs, amenities, and the booking process.

 

Pittsburgh's large student population boosts demand for a diverse range of housing. Many students prefer Oakland and Shadyside for proximity to the campus and local amenities, while others choose Downtown's Cultural District or quieter areas such as Point Breeze. Public transit and campus shuttles make commuting convenient and affordable.

Summary of student housing options

Housing type

Description

Price range (per person/month)

Popular neighborhoods

Notes

College-owned apartments

Managed by colleges, often for upper-year or graduate students

$650–$1,500+

Oakland, Shadyside, near campuses

Utilities often included

Purpose-built student housing

Designed for students, with modern amenities

$700–$1,800

Oakland, Shadyside, Point Breeze

Individual leases by bedroom. Often have gyms, pools, and study lounges

Shared houses

Traditional houses rented by groups of students

$600–$900

Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Shadyside

Economical; max three unrelated occupants per unit

Traditional apartments near major universities

Walking/biking distance to campus

$650–$1,500+

Oakland, Shadyside, Point Breeze

Popular with CMU, Pitt, and Rosedale Tech students

Downtown student apartments

Apartments in Downtown and the Cultural District

$800–$2,500

Downtown/Cultural District

Close to entertainment and transit

Prices vary by location, amenities, and lease terms. Always confirm current rates with the property manager.

On-campus vs. off-campus housing

Location

On-campus housing

Off-campus housing 

Who is eligible?

Primarily first-year students

Most students (though some schools, such as CMU, require first-year students to live on campus)

Housing types

Residence halls, dorms

Purpose-built student housing, traditional and shared apartments

Lease terms

Academic year (9–12 months)

Typically 11–12 months, some short-term options

Rent range (per bedroom)

Varies, often bundled with meal plans

Usually $600–$1,500

Utilities included?

Usually included

Often included, but varies

Amenities

Study lounges, dining halls, campus security

Can include pools, fitness centers, study rooms, parking, and bike storage

Roommate matching

Yes

Often provided

Types of student housing

Purpose-built student housing refers to apartment complexes designed specifically for students. They are often near CMU and Pitt, typically in Oakland, Point Breeze, or Shadyside, and usually use individual leasing by bedroom and roommate matching. 

College-owned apartments serve upper-year and graduate students close to campus, often with utilities and Wi-Fi included. Traditional apartments are standard rentals for individual students or groups, with amenities and price varying by building. 

Shared houses and shared apartments split common areas among roommates for a more economical and social setup—but note that shared units are limited to a maximum of three unrelated occupants in Pittsburgh. 

Downtown and Cultural District apartments are convenient for entertainment, dining, and transit.

Neighborhoods and commuting

Popular areas include Oakland, Point Breeze, Shadyside, and streets near Craig Street and Dithridge Street. These areas all offer easy access to campus, shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. 

Commutes range from a short walk to a quick bike ride or transit trip, and Pittsburgh's public transportation and campus shuttles mean that commuting is easy and affordable. Your proximity to campus will affect both your rent and your commute.

Apartment and room types

Type

Privacy level

Typical features

Roommate situation

Furnished apartments

Varies (shared/private)

Modern kitchen, in-unit laundry, dishwasher, high-speed internet

Shared or private bedrooms

Private studios

Full privacy

Dedicated study space, private bathroom, kitchenette

No roommates

Two-bedroom apartments

Private bedroom

Private bedroom and bathroom, shared kitchen/living area

One roommate

Shared apartments

Semi-private

Shared common areas, individual or shared bedroom

Multiple roommates (max two unrelated, for a total of three occupants)

Bedrooms with private bathrooms

Private bedroom

Private bedroom with attached bathroom, sometimes balcony/patio access

Shared apartment, private bedroom

Amenities to consider

Fitness and study: cardio machines, weights, dedicated study rooms, and quiet zones.

Security and convenience: gated community access, secure package lockers, garage parking, bike storage, balconies, and patios.

Transportation: shuttle services to campus or nearby neighborhoods (restrictions apply) and proximity to public transportation.

Costs and what rent covers

Rent for student housing in Pittsburgh generally ranges from $600 to over $1,500 per bedroom. It depends on the location, size, and amenities. Two-bedroom apartments often start at around $1,429/month, and three-bedroom units can run up to $3,700/month. 

Rent usually covers base rent and required monthly fees, though sometimes it includes utilities. Security deposits and application fees vary by property. 

In addition to rent, remember to budget for groceries, transportation (transit, parking, gas), and personal expenses such as laundry and entertainment.

Lease terms, guarantors, and contracts

Leases typically run for 11 to 12 months to align with the academic year. Some properties also offer short-term leases for students taking summer classes or internships. Most landlords require a US-based guarantor, though some accept approved third-party guarantor services. 

To avoid penalties, review the cancellation policies carefully before signing a contract.

The booking process

  1. Apply—you can complete an online application and roommate matching form through the leasing office or property's website.
  2. Provide documents—you can submit your proof of enrollment, ID (driver's license or passport), and guarantor information online.
  3. Pay fees—application fees, deposits, and rent are typically processed online via a credit card or bank transfer.

Tips for international students

Prepare visa-related lease documents and obtain a local ID early. Setting up a US bank account will simplify rent payments. Choose gated, student-friendly communities for increased safety, and use public transit or campus shuttles for commuting.

Comparing and ranking housing options

Compare listings by rent, distance to campus, included amenities, lease terms, and roommate matching availability. Use verified student reviews to help assess the quality and community atmosphere.

Prioritize locations close to campus, such as Oakland and Point Breeze, for convenience and a vibrant student community.

Next steps

Explore Verified Reviews and submit your own to help fellow students find the right student housing in Pittsburgh. Start your search early, and schedule a tour today to secure your preferred housing for next year.

All the Answers You Need About Student Housing

What tenancy length do I need?

Some students choose to stay during the lease term, whilst others – particularly international students – require a tenancy that covers the entire year. You can also find student housing that is available for one or two terms, classified as a “short stay” on our search filters.

Should I stay in catered student housing?

This is totally up to you! Catered accommodation means you will be served meals at set times in a dining hall, and you’ll likely have access to fewer kitchen facilities than if you were to stay in self-catered accommodation.

What is a guarantor and do I need one?

A guarantor is a person who signs a contract to agree to pay your rent if you are unable to. Most campus housing requires a guarantor, and this applies to both domestic and international students.

Will I need to pay a deposit on student housing?

Most likely, yes, you’ll need to pay a deposit. This will be refunded at the end of your stay as long as there is no damage to the room or property.

What bills will my rent include?

If you are staying in university-run campus housing or private student housing, your rent should include any utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and internet. Students are not required to pay council tax, however you may need to fill in an exemption form so make sure you check with your local council.

What is purpose-built student housing?

Purpose-built student housing (PBSA) are residential buildings designed for students. They are often located close to campus, boast modern facilities, include all bills, and often have staff on site to assist residents.

Will my student housing be furnished?

Student housing is typically fully furnished. Your room should include at least a bed, clothes storage, desk and chair. You’ll likely need to bring things such as bedding and kitchen utensils, but we have a full list here of everything you’ll need.

Housing in nearby locations

Housing for nearby Universities

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