<p>My son will be a freshman next year and would like to rent an apartment or a house with three other students. I would like him to be relatively close to Pitt, like within walking distance if possible, as well as in a safe area. I appreciate any information relating to specific apartments, real estate agencies that are good, etc.
Thank you!</p>
<p>I don't think that too many apartments hold 4 students, but there are houses for rent in south oakland that might be okay. I would not go further south than Bates Street though (actually, I think you can get a 3BR apartment in Bates Hill Apartments). Houses are for rent on streets connecting Forbes and Bates, such as Meyron, Atwood, Bouquet, Halket, etc.</p>
<p>North oakland is a little quieter and Webster Hall and the Fairfax if pretty close. NDC Real Estate has been very attentive to things in Webster and offers 24 hour security and on-site maintenance. </p>
<p>Did he consider applying for a suite on campus? The Bouquet Gardens apartments have 4 single bedrooms + 2 baths per student apartment...they are quite nice. If he or one of his roommates gets a good lottery number, they could possibly live there.</p>
<p>I would love him to get into Bouquet Gardens but feel the older students usually get into this housing option, not the younger students. I will look into houses in the areas you mentioned.</p>
<p>Pretty much all of the juniors who want Bouquet get it, and some sophomores with higher lottery numbers. So if you have a junior in your group, definitely use his number. Also, I think that you get first crack at it if you have an athlete in your group.</p>
<p>Just a little further than you're considering is Shadyside. Lots of Pitt & CM students. You pay for a bus pass (your student id) with your fees, and it's a very short ride from the furthest parts (10 min off peak). Good selection of rentals, nice neighborhoods. You give up the convenience of being so near campus, but has its virtues and is worthy of consideration.</p>
<p>All good ideas! I love Shadyside and feel it would be better than him living in a less desirable area just to be closer to the university. Good to know about the odds of getting into Bouquet Gardens! In my original post, I stated that my son will be a freshman. This is an error, he is a freshman now and will be a sophomore next school year ;^) I'm not that permissive, to let him live off-campus his first year!!! Don't even think it's a good idea for next year, but his grades are good so I hate to argue. I might go ahead and pay the $325 housing just in case it doesn't work out. Then, maybe he will get into Bouquet Gardens for the following year. Don't want him to be out of the on-campus housing loop, which is what I hear happens if you do not pay that fee each year.</p>
<p>True^, pay the deposit because if you are late with it, you can't get back into the loop. You can always get a refund.</p>
<p>Yes, you can get a refund on the housing deposit. I believe the students received the paperwork in the mail this week. Deposit is due in February.</p>
<p>Thanks again! I'll be sure to pay that housing deposit! I'm glad to know the deposit can be refunded.</p>