Housing and Roommates

This contemporary 16-level complex located in West Campus is home to students with at least sophomore-level standing and operates like on-campus housing, featuring resident assistants, a 24-hour front desk, resident programming and utilities included in rates. Floor plans – which range from studio to four-bedroom units – come fully furnished and include stainless steel appliances and a private washer and dryer.

These three distinct UT communities near campus are reserved for families, graduate students and undergraduates with at least 30 credit hours in good standing with the University. All complexes come with utilities and internet included, and provide a neighborhood with community activities and strong ties to the University. Both individual and family housing options are offered. 

This community exclusively for graduate students is part of a six-building complex in a desirable East Austin location close to the Forty Acres. Residents enjoy fully furnished apartments with all utilities included alongside other University housing amenities. Floor plan options are studio and one-bedroom apartments for students living alone, and two-bedroom apartments shared between two UT Austin graduate students.

This is a great option if you were hoping to live on campus and want a community experience. Private dormitories (or dorms) function similarly to the residence halls on campus. They often have a Resident Advisor (RA) or other community leader that will serve as a resource to you either on your floor or in your building. Private dorms may also have more amenities such as fitness centers, study spaces, and many have dining locations with meal plans that you can roll into your rent. This is a popular option for first year undergraduate students or for those that want more support or structure. Private dormitories in West Campus tend to be located very close to the university.

Apartment living is the most popular option in Austin and amongst UT Austin students. Apartment complexes in West and North Campus will have more students living there, but the further you get away from campus, the more community members might live in your building. This option will typically not have the same amount of support that a private dormitory can provide, but it may be a good option for students who are more independent or have already lived on or off campus for a year.

Houses are a less popular option for students but they are available to the north and east of campus. Many rent houses are owned by property management groups but some are also owned by private landlords in the area.

Also commonly referred to as co-ops, are run collectively by the people that reside within the complex and the non-profit that owns the complex. Decisions and rules are typically voted on by the residents, and the residents hold responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning or sitting on leadership boards. This allows the prices of co-ops to be lower than the typical rent of other housing options. The majority of co-ops are located in West Campus.

Hostels are typically lower-priced than a hotel, and they allow guests to rent a bed in a shared space. Guests will typically share a bathroom, lounge and kitchen. Hostels can be a great way to get to know people and save some money.

An extended stay suite is halfway between an apartment and a hotel. Unlike most hotels, these suites have kitchenettes to give you the feel of an apartment without the increased price. You can rent an extended stay suite by the week or by the month.

There are online marketplaces where you can rent someone's property or spare room for a period of time at a low cost.

Subleasing allows you to essentially take over someone's current lease. Generally, the person subleasing will want you to take over the entire lease, but if they have no other interested parties, they may be willing to sublet to you for a shorter period to at least recoup some of the expenses.

Duration of Stay

Make sure you have a housing arrangement for the entire duration of your stay. Confirm the start and end dates of your rental to ensure you never find yourself without housing while you are here.

Means of Transportation

If you plan to use the CapMetro system to get to and from campus, analyze the route maps to see which housing options are near a bus stop on your route. If you plan to walk, bike or scooter to campus, make sure the trip will not be too long or tiring to make every day.

Budget

When deciding how much you are willing to spend on short-term housing, make sure you factor in the additonal expenses. Consider how much money you might spend on furniture, groceries and eating out when you set your budget.

Reviews

Read the ratings and customer reviews of your hostel, hotel or rental. This can give you a better idea of the safety and cleanliness of the space, as well as tell you more about the area. If you are considering a short-term rental, check to see if the website you are using recommends your host.