Accommodations & Living in Pittsburgh
Arriving in Pittsburgh
If you are an international student, upon your arrival in Pittsburgh, you must check in with OIE, attend the International Student Orientation, and sign the necessary I-20 paperwork. These items are mandatory for international students. Please visit OIE's website for additional information about settling in and Orientation dates.
All students, at your earliest convenience, should also go to The HUB (lower level of Warner Hall) to obtain your student photo ID.
- Instead of waiting in line to get your Student ID card picture taken, you may e-mail a photo of yourself to The HUB before you arrive in Pittsburgh. For more information, visit The HUB's ID Card Services webpage.
- Your student ID gives you many benefits: Free bus transportation, museum/arts pass, gym, building access, etc.
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is an urban campus situated on 143 acres and is surrounded by many housing options. Many CMU students look for housing in one of the surrounding neighborhoods, such as Shadyside, Squirrel Hill or Oakland. There are many rental options and it also allows for short commute times to campus. Graduate students often secure accommodations before arriving in Pittsburgh through Zillow.com, Facebook, Craigslist or other social media or websites, or enlist the help of other students.
- OIE’s Settling in Guide
- Finding off-campus housing
- Information on local hotels, directions to campus, and a campus map
- Take the Pittsburgh Regional Transit Bus 28X or Uber from the Pittsburgh International Airport directly to the CMU campus and/or local Oakland neighborhood hotels near campus. For a complete list of bus schedules, visit the Pittsburgh Regional Transit