If you've visited, you've already got a feel for it--Pittsburgh is a big city with the character of a small town. Accessible and friendly, Pittsburgh is made up of a wide variety of neighborhoods including Oakland, home of the University of Pittsburgh campus.

The main business district of Oakland offers a blend of shops, bookstores and restaurants. Indian, Thai, Mexican, Chinese and other ethnic eateries are all here. There are a variety of fast food franchises though many students are fans of Pittsburgh's own Original Hot Dog Shop or Primanti Brothers. While Philadelphia claims culinary fame for the Philly steak sandwich and Buffalo for its wings, Pittsburgh is home to its own historic Primanti sandwich. You will have to try one to see what makes it special.

There is no shortage of cultural and recreational amenities in the area. With world famous exhibits and millions of years of history to explore, the famed Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museum of Natural History draw visitors from around the world every day. In fact, the Carnegie's Dinosaur Hall is one of the top archaeological collections of its kind in the world. You can't miss it. Just look for "Dippy," the life-size reconstruction of the diplodocus that is the centerpiece of the museum's collection.

Schenley Plaza, the newest green space added to the campus, is a sprawling lawn with food kiosks, which functions as the gateway to Schenley Park, one of the largest urban parks on the east coast. Just a few hundred yards away from the Plaza you will find 456 acres of rolling hills, trails, tennis courts, a golf course, swimming pool and ice skating rink. This is a great place to spend an afternoon away from the classroom setting.

Considered to be one of the finest botanical gardens in the country, Phipps Conservatory is a magnificent Victorian glasshouse founded in 1893 and is the historic heart of Schenley Park. It showcases seasonal flower shows and permanent exhibits, including the Victorian Palm Court and the tropical Orchid Room. The outdoor Japanese Courtyard Garden features a premier collection of Bonsai.

Of course, the University of Pittsburgh's medical research facilities make Oakland one of the world's best known medical centers. Cutting edge discoveries made in our own backyard are having an impact on health care around the world. As a student at Pitt, you can be a part of this through undergraduate research opportunities normally available only to graduate students.

Pitt students are not alone in Oakland; the neighborhood is home to both Carnegie Mellon and Carlow Universities adding even more to the blend of personalities you will encounter.

Looking for upcoming events in Oakland? Visit www.onlyinoakland.org, a great resource for details about nightlife, exhibits, personal services and more. The "Come Visit" site on the Admissions and Financial Aid homepage will also provide a listing of places to stay in Oakland when you visit the University of Pittsburgh.