You are welcome to schedule a tour of the property at no cost—appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are accepted based on availability. Walk-ins can only view vacant units due to our 24-hour notice policy for residents. If you want to view a specific unit or floor plan, please make an appointment by calling (877) 793-5613, emailing [email protected], or scheduling online. Virtual tours via FaceTime, Google Meet, and other platforms are also available, and we can provide pictures and videos of many units as well!

We offer 1-5-bedroom apartments at 12-month lease terms. Contact the leasing office for availability and pricing.

The application processing can take up to 3–5 days. Fees include:

• $50 application fee per applicant (including co-signers)
• $150 admin fee Security deposit based on credit check:
• Equal to one month's rent

When applying for a unit after speaking with a leasing consultant, we can send you an invitation to register for your RentCafe account and apply for your desired unit. If applying for a unit or registering on your own, simply follow the prompts and instructions. If you need a registration code or any other information that you are unsure of, your Leasing Office will be happy to help!

Please remember that ALL adult tenants and guarantors will need their own separate RentCafe account. It is very important that you utilize your own email address when creating accounts and applying, keeping in mind that other tenants will also need to create accounts and apply with their own email address.

Application and administration fees are non-refundable. 

If you do not meet the income requirement of 3x the monthly rent or fail to meet credit/background check standards, a guarantor/co-signer is required. The guarantor must earn 5x the monthly rent and pass a credit/background check. A $50 application fee applies. All guarantor/co-signer information must be from within the U.S.

University Commons includes four student apartment communities in Oakland:

• University Commons at Dawson Street
• The Lofts at University Commons
• University Commons at McKee Place
• The Caroline at University Commons

Apartment Styles, Floor Plans, Features and Price Points

Each community offers its own apartment styles, floor plans, features and price points. Students can explore options ranging from classic Oakland apartments to fully furnished apartments with by-the-bed leasing at The Caroline.

The best University Commons community depends on your preferred apartment style, number of roommates, budget and desired features.

A Variety of Options

University Commons offers a variety of options, including:

• Studios
• Shared apartments
• Loft-style layouts
• Townhome-style apartments
• Fully furnished apartments at The Caroline

Our leasing team can help you compare available floor plans and find the option that best fits your college experience.

Yes, renters insurance is required as part of your lease. If you haven’t already, please upload your proof of insurance to your resident portal.

To avoid automatic enrollment (and charges) for the property’s Master Policy, your insurance must include:

• Your name and unit number
• The insured property address
• Insurance company name and contact info
• Policy number and active coverage dates
• At least $100,000 in liability coverage
• The property listed as an Additional Interested Party:
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3687 | Coppell, TX 75019

• Incomplete policies
• Quotes, applications, or temporary policies
• Bills, receipts, or handwritten documents
• Anything unofficial or altered

Residents may hang items on walls but must patch any holes before moving out, and painting walls is not permitted.

Dawson and Lofts have dumpsters for waste disposal, while McKee offers both dumpsters and valet trash service. However, valet trash is not available for residents of 304 and 308 McKee.

Quiet hours are Sunday–Thursday at 10 PM and Friday–Saturday at 11 PM.

All utilities must be transferred to your name, and you will be responsible for any charges from that date forward. A $15 vacant service fee will be applied for the first month, with a $50 fee for any following occurrence. Utilities must remain in your name until the lease ends, even if you move out early.

• For electricity, contact Duquesne Light at 412-393-7100
• For cable/internet, you must have Xfinity. More details can be found under the internet tab of our FAQ. 

Activate your included Xfinity Gigabit Wi-Fi before move-in. The service is provided through Onboard and includes high-speed internet, unlimited data, and equipment, all for $65/month billed separately from rent. Sign up through your property's link to get started in minutes (found in your digital move-in packet). For help, contact Onboard at (412) 467-0226 or [email protected].

To move out early, residents must officially break their lease by paying an early termination fee equal to one month’s rent. Additionally, they remain responsible for rent and utilities until the unit is re-rented.

With Rapid Refund, residents can instantly receive your security deposit (or a deposit amount based on your lease terms and credit) via debit card for a $3.95 fee, or opt for a free mailed check. The primary resident will receive a text with a link to choose their option, update their forwarding address, or let a check be mailed automatically after 12 hours to the address on file.

Per Pennsylvania law, security deposits are returned within 30 days of vacating, provided the unit is surrendered in its original condition (minus normal wear and tear). You will receive a detailed checklist of all items that need to be checked, completed and cleaned. As per your lease, the unit must be returned to our possession as you received it upon moving in. Carpet cleaning will always be deducted if applicable as outlined in your lease. Please note that keys must be returned by 11AM on the lease end date. In addition, final water/sewer fees will be posted after move-out.

Checks cannot be mailed outside the U.S., so if leaving the country, make arrangements with someone in the U.S. to receive your check.

We have an on-site maintenance team during office hours and a 24/7 on-call crew for emergencies. Our management team is available during office hours on weekdays and weekends.

If you need a repair in your unit, simply submit a work order through the Walnut Capital App, Online Portal, or by contacting the leasing office. We aim to complete all maintenance requests within 48 hours and will keep you updated on any follow-up work required. For your convenience, maintenance can be completed while you’re away, or we can schedule a time when you’re home—just let us know your preference!

We have dedicated 24/7 emergency maintenance. In the case of an emergency, just give us a call on the emergency line and a maintenance technician will be over as quickly as possible.

The following can be completed in the Walnut Capital Resident App or in your RentCafe Portal:

• Manage Payments: Residents can make one-time payments or set up auto-pay by selecting the payment tab in RentCafe.
• View Lease: Review current lease information and terms. Renew Your
• Lease: View updated lease terms, rental rate etc. and sign incoming documents.
• Opt in for Text Messages: Receive up-to-date information, news and building happenings on your phone.

Parking is $150 a month per vehicle. You can apply through the leasing office. Payments are made monthly through RentCafe.

You will receive a parking permit at key pick-up, which must be displayed on your rearview mirror to avoid towing or ticketing. Parking leases follow the same lease break policies, but if spaces are in high demand, the leasing office may accommodate requests. Contact the leasing office for availability and fees.

Lease renewals are sent out from September to October and can be viewed on your resident portal. Lease decisions are due December 1st.

To review and sign your lease renewal, log into the RentCafe Resident Portal or the Walnut Capital App. If you are on a browser or directly through RentCafe, select the pencil icon in the menu to view and sign documents, and use the folder icon to access signed documents. When using the Walnut Capital app, click on the three lines to the left and hit 'Sign Documents'. If you run into any issues, please reach out to your leasing office directly.  If you plan to vacate at the end of your lease, written notice must be provided to the leasing office by the specified deadline.

If you are locked out during office hours, call the onsite leasing office to get into your unit. If you are locked out after hours, call the emergency number 412-251-0385. A team member will meet you on-site to let you into the building/unit. Additional fees are associated with after-hours lock-outs.

Vendors and other service providers are permitted, however, we request you inform the leasing office to properly provide building and unit access. Please let the leasing office know when to expect the vendor and we are happy to give them access to your apartment.

Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Pittsburgh include:

• Oakland - Home to major universities and hospitals
• Bakery Square - A hub for tech, retail, and dining
• Downtown - The city’s business and cultural center
• Shadyside - A trendy, walkable area with shops and restaurants
• Squirrel Hill - A quiet, residential neighborhood with charm
• South Side - Known for nightlife, local businesses, and riverfront trails

Oakland is primarily made up of college students, grad students, medical professionals, university staff, and hospital employees. It’s a lively, academic neighborhood that blends work, study, and play. We follow fair housing laws and offer equal housing opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, or any other protected class.

There’s no shortage of things to explore in Oakland!

• Visit the Carnegie Museums, Phipps Conservatory, or Cathedral of Learning
• Grab a bite at local favorites like Fuel & Fuddle or Lucca Ristorante
• Stroll through Schenley Park, one of Pittsburgh’s largest green spaces
• Attend a game or concert at the Petersen Events Center

Oakland is home to several of Pittsburgh’s largest employers, including:

• University of Pittsburgh UPMC - 5 hospitals within proximity
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Carnegie Museums and Library System

University Commons offers a quieter, more residential feel than many student-focused apartment buildings in Oakland. With spacious layouts, townhome-style units, and private entrances, it’s ideal for those looking for comfort, convenience, and a break from the typical high-rise living. Plus, it’s just minutes from campus and hospitals without being in the middle of the noise.

Yes. University Commons offers student apartments in Oakland near the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University and Carlow University.

The Community’s Location

The community’s location near Forbes Avenue, Fifth Avenue, public transportation, hospitals, restaurants and everyday conveniences makes it easier for students to stay connected to class, work and campus life.

University Commons is located in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, with its leasing office at 308 McKee Place.

Close To

The community is close to:

• The University of Pittsburgh
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Carlow University
• UPMC hospitals
• Forbes Avenue and Fifth Avenue
• Restaurants and coffee shops
• Grocery stores
• Public transportation

Yes. University Commons offers a walkable Oakland location just minutes from the University of Pittsburgh and close to Carnegie Mellon University and Carlow University.

Walkable Throughout Oakland

Residents can also walk to:

• Restaurants and coffee shops
• Hospitals
• Grocery stores
• Public transportation throughout Oakland

University Commons offers practical apartment and community features designed to support student life.

Apartment and Community Features

Depending on the apartment and community, features may include:

• Central air conditioning
• Dishwashers
• In-unit or in-building laundry
• Outdoor spaces
• Reserved parking
• Nearby public transportation
• On-site management
• On-site maintenance
• 24-hour emergency maintenance

Additional Amenity Spaces at The Caroline

The Caroline will also offer additional amenity spaces, including:

• A fitness center
• Yoga studio
• Study and lounge areas
• An arcade and gaming room
• Outdoor space
• Courtyard
• Grilling areas
• A grab-and-go market

The Caroline is the newest student apartment community within University Commons. Located at McKee Place and Louisa Street in Oakland, it is designed with college life in mind and combines modern apartments, shared amenities and a walk-to-campus location.

Now Pre-Leasing

The Caroline is now pre-leasing for the 2027–2028 school year.

The Caroline is scheduled to open for Fall 2027 and is currently pre-leasing for the 2027–2028 school year.

Explore Floor Plans and Begin the Leasing Process

Students interested in living at The Caroline can contact the University Commons leasing team to explore available floor plans and begin the leasing process.

The Caroline will offer fully furnished two- and three-bedroom apartments designed for shared student living.

160 Apartments and 480 Beds

The community will include 160 apartments and 480 beds, giving students the opportunity to live with friends or use roommate-matching services to find a compatible roommate.

Yes. Apartments at The Caroline will be fully furnished, helping students enjoy a simpler move-in experience without needing to purchase or transport large furniture.

Furniture and Apartment Features

Contact the leasing team for a complete list of the furniture and apartment features included with each floor plan.

Yes. The Caroline offers by-the-bed leasing, which allows each resident to lease an individual bedroom within a shared apartment.

Simpler Shared Student Living

This option can make shared student living simpler because each resident is responsible for their own lease rather than one lease covering the entire apartment.

Yes. Roommate matching is available at The Caroline for students who need help finding someone to share an apartment with.

Coordinating With an Existing Group

Students who already have a group can also coordinate with the leasing team to explore available apartments together.

Planned amenities at The Caroline include:

• A fitness center
• A yoga studio
• Lounge and study areas
• An arcade and gaming room
• A courtyard
• Grilling areas
• Outdoor gathering spaces
• A grab-and-go market
• Ground-floor retail

Additional details will be shared as construction and leasing progress.

Yes. The Caroline is located within University Commons in Oakland, offering a walk-to-campus location near the University of Pittsburgh.

Also Close To

The community is also close to:

• Carlow University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Hospitals
• Restaurants and coffee shops
• Public transportation

The Caroline is currently under construction, so tour availability and access may be limited.

Contact the Leasing Team

Prospective residents should contact the University Commons leasing team to learn about:

• Current group-tour opportunities
• Available preview materials
• What areas may be viewed safely

Students interested in The Caroline can contact the University Commons leasing team to review floor plans, pricing, availability and leasing options for the 2027–2028 school year.

Roommates and Leasing Options

The leasing team can also help students coordinate with roommates or learn more about by-the-bed leasing and roommate matching.

Contact the University Commons leasing team today to explore available floor plans in Oakland.