Meet the Residence Halls of Chatham
The exterior of Fiches Hall on Shadyside Campus.
Chatham University is home to buildings that were formerly the mansions of Pittsburgh’s financial elite, including Andrew Mellon.
Over the years, these mansions have been converted to accommodate offices, meeting rooms, and even house today’s students.
These historic residence halls maintain their unique flair while offering WiFi, kitchens, laundry rooms, and other living essentials. Each residence hall boasts its own assets and advantages.
Fickes Hall
Ideal for: First-years, students majoring in sustainability and healthcare, and Shadyside School of Nursing Students
Fickes Hall has long been the place to be for Chatham first-year students. Because of its great location, ample study space, and roomy, well-lit rooms, Pulse recommends it to those living at Chatham for the first time.
Fickes was built in 1927 and renovated into a residence hall in 1946. It sits on the southeast hill of campus and is just a short walk to Anderson Dining Hall, classrooms, the Athletic Fitness Center, and the shuttle stop.
Residents have access to plenty of amenities, including front and back patios, sunny study space, and a variety of spacious rooms, including both single and multiple occupancy options. Just keep your eye out for its rumored ghostly hauntings!
Laughlin Hall
Ideal for: First-year students interested in women’s studies
Laughlin Hall, built in 1912, boasts some of the most stunning architecture you can find on campus, including wood-paneled closets, stained glass windows, and exposed brick walls.
It was originally home to James Laughlin, the president of Chatham’s first Board of Trustees. In 1967, the Laughlin home was donated to Chatham and became a popular home for students.
Nowadays, it is home to the Women's and Femme-Aligned Leadership Living & Learning Community, which is available to students interested in learning about and engaging with women's studies and gender equity. Laughlin offers single, double, triple, and quadruple occupancy rooms, spacious study areas, and breathtaking fall views!
Rea House
Ideal for: First-year students in the honors program
The Julia and James Rea House was donated to Chatham in the 1960s. It was constructed in 1912 as the home of James C. Rea. Now, it’s home to the Chatham Honors Program Living & Learning Community.
Much like Laughlin, Rea features rich architecture and cozy spaces to study, read, or hang out with friends, including outdoor patios, a spacious front porch, and a stunning sunroom.
Rea House is co-ed and houses students in single, double, and triple occupancy rooms. Plus, its just across the street from Mellon Center, Anderson Dining Hall, the Athletic Fitness Center, and a short jaunt to the Art & Design Center.
Dilworth Hall
Ideal for: First-year student athletes
Dilworth Hall was constructed in 1959 and has what many would consider the most prime location on campus. It is nearly an equidistant walk to any campus amenity you might need, including Anderson Dining Hall, the Café Rachel coffee shop, the Jennie King Mellon Library, and the Athletic Fitness Center.
After a year of renovations, Dilworth Hall reopened for first-year students in August 2026 with new flooring, lighting, paint, air conditioning units in communal spaces, and furnishings for the communal lounge, among other changes.
It’s an ideal spot for athletes with early morning practices. Dilworth houses students in doubles on the first, second, and third floors and has two four-person suites on the ground floor. It also boasts a spacious front patio perfect for studying or soaking up the sun!
Woodland Hall
Ideal for: First-year students
Woodland Hall has been around since 1909 and is not only a centrally located residence hall—it’s home to Café Rachel, the Campus Gear Shop, Bike Works (the on-campus bike repair shop), the Office of Student Affairs, and the Chatham Art Gallery.
It’s also the closest residence hall to classes and the JKM Library. So if you’re looking to sleep in and still make it to class on time, this is most likely the spot for you. Woodland offers singles, doubles, and triples as well as elevator accommodation. You’ll often find students lounging in the spacious sun room—complete with a pool table and plenty of plush furniture.
Chatham Apartments
Ideal for: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Chatham Apartments offer two-bedroom spots for upper-class undergraduate students and are located at the intersection of Fifth and Maryland Avenue just outside of campus.
The apartments offer private kitchens, dining areas, bathrooms, and living areas and are located directly in front of a bus stop that offers transportation to Downtown, Oakland, Lawrenceville, East Liberty, and other neighborhoods.
The apartments are a great option for students who want to feel more independent while remaining within walking distance of their classes and campus amenities.
Linzer Apartments
Ideal for: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Much like the Chatham Apartments, the Linzer Apartments sit along Fifth Avenue and allow residents quick access to the Shadyside campus, the Chatham shuttles, and the Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus lines.
Linzer features furnished one-bedroom apartments that can accommodate two residents. They also boast wood floors, full kitchens, private bathrooms, and in-building access to laundry amenities. These apartments afford students a quiet, independent space that is close to campus.
Pelletreau Apartments
Ideal for: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Sure, you may come to Pelletreau Apartments for the great location, but you might just stay for its chic, solar-powered balconies. Pelletreau is home to six buildings separated by a beautiful courtyard and enclosed by ample trees.
These relatively large apartments offer residents two bedrooms and a full furnished space that can accommodate up to three students. Situated between Hicks Estate and the Linzer Apartments, Pelletreau is also a great spot for students using the PRT bus or the Chatham shuttle. And like all Fifth Avenue offerings, it is just a quick walk to campus and to the heart of Shadyside’s business district.
Interested in seeing more? Learn more about undergraduate student housing and campus visits at Chatham.edu.