Carnegie Mellon University
Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs  ›  Incoming Students  ›  Living in Pittsburgh  ›  Everyday Needs
No matter where you live, you should be close to places that will meet your everyday needs. Grocery stores and pharmacies abound in the city. Want to send something home? We'll help you find the nearest post office. Feel like working out some of that graduate school stress? We can show you where to run, bike, or flex your way into a healthier body and mind.

In addition the grocers listed below, check out the local neighborhood farmer's markets during the summer months or head down to the Strip District for fresh produce and specialty food items.

Traditional and Organic Grocery Stores

Aldi
Aldi offers fruits,veggies, meats, breads and bakery items, frozen foods and dairy items. It also offers some household and cleaning supplies, as well as their weekly special items. Bring your own bags or buy their reusable ones at checkout.  Need a cart while shopping? Bring your refundable quarter - this helps keep their prices low!  The nearest Aldi is located on Baum Boulevard.

Giant Eagle
 Conveniently located in Shadyside and Squirrel Hill, "The Iggle" (as Yinzers call it) has everything you need to get set up in your new home: fruits, veggies, meats, breads and bakery items, frozen foods, dairy items and seafood. It also offers household and self-care products like soap and shampoo, toiletries, cleaning supplies, over-the-counter cold medicines and a pharmacy. Don't forget to sign up for an Advantage Card so you can earn discounts on fuel at their GetGo gas stations!

Whole Foods
Whole Foods specializes in organic foods, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, and natural body care products. They also have a large prepared foods sections — a great place to grab lunch on your way to campus. The nearest Whole Foods is located just blocks from the Shadyside Giant Eagle.

Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's also offers staples like fruits and veggies and meats and dairy, but it specializes in gourmet, organic, and vegetarian foods. Their household items (cleaners, paper towels, etc.) are also organic or environmentally friendly. Check their website for a list of gluten free, kosher, and vegan products. Trader Joe's is located on Penn Avenue where the neighborhoods of Shadyside, East Liberty, and Point Breeze come together.

The East End Food Co-op
Located in Point Breeze, the East End Food Co-op specializes in fresh, organic and local produce, affordable bulk foods (e.g., granolas, nuts, local honey, whole grains) and local dairy and meats. They also offer foods for special diets and have a cafe with vegetarian prepared foods.

Kosher/Halal Markets

Murray Avenue Kosher
1916 Murray Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Salem's Market
2923 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
(412) 235-7828

Ethnic and Global Cuisines

Kohli's Indian Imports
319 S Craig Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 621-1800

Bombay Food Market
4605 Centre Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Young's Oriental Grocery Store
5813 Forward Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(412) 422-0559

Seoul Mart
4701 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 622-7313

Tokyo Japanese Food Store
5855 Ellsworth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 661-3777

Salim's Middle Eastern Foods
4705 Centre Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 621-8110

Pittsburgh neighborhoods have some unique local boutiques where you can find awesome items. Take the time to walk around and you're guaranteed to find something that suits your style.

Other shopping locations:

Although Giant Eagle stores include a pharmacy, dedicated pharmacies are located throughout Pittsburgh. In addition to being able to fill prescriptions, these stores sell over-the-counter medicines (e.g., cold medicine or cough drops), personal care items (e.g., contact lens solution or shampoo), and limited household cleaning supplies and grocery items. The pharmacies listed below each have multiple locations close to campus. 

Postal Service

The United States Postal Service (USPS) coordinates daily postal services (i.e, standard mail such as letters and bills), sells stamps, money orders, envelopes, tape, and boxes for mailing packages. They also offer overnight delivery, registered and certified mail (when a signature is needed), and international mailing. Rates vary according to package size, weight, destination or delivery time.

CMU operates a full service USPS in the lower level of the Cohon University Center.
Shipping Packages (International or Domestic)

UPS or FedEx may be better options for shipping large packages or for shipping internationally. Both companies offer numerous shipping options, including same-day shipping, bulk or flat rate pricing, and online tracking of your package. Rates vary according to package size, weight, destination, etc.

CMU operates Tartan Ink, a full service copy/print shop and mailing services, in the lower level of the Cohon University Center.

See the Opening a Bank Account page.

If you're interested in workout and fitness options on campus, visit the Physical & Mental Health section on the First Semester Resources page.

Running, Hiking, and Biking
Schenley Park (which borders campus), Frick Park, Highland Park, and Riverview Park each have miles of trails that are perfect for running, hiking, and biking. You can learn more about each park and print detailed maps from the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy website. If you would rather stick to city streets, Fittsburgh has mapped 11 Incredible Run Routes in the city. In addition to running on city park trails, biking Pittsburgh streets is a great way to learn the city. Check Bike Pittsburgh for routes, maps, and links to community cycling events

Swimming
Although the outdoor swim season is almost over, Pittsburgh Cityparks operates six public pools relatively close to campus, including one in Schenley Park. Yearly passes are available for city residents and allow you to swim at the Oliver Bath House during the fall and winter months.