Austin has housing opportunities to suit everyone's tastes. Whether you prefer dorm-style living, a co-op or just an apartment, Austin has it all. Students are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. However, Texas Global provides the below suggestions to help you in your search.
Conduct a filtered search for off-campus rental properties, find a roommate, or check out other resources, like a sample lease.
Tips and guides for UT Austin students.
It may take a few days or weeks to get settled in long-term housing in Austin. If that’s the case, there are many hotels, hostels, Airbnb homes, and other short-term accommodations available.
Many International Student Organizations assist students in finding temporary housing in Austin. To find out if there is a student organization that represents your home country or region, search the Registered Student Organization Database.
Once you know that you will attend UT, you should begin researching and arranging housing as early as possible. Housing is limited, especially within walking distance of campus.
Though on-campus dormitory space is limited, the need for safe, convenient dormitory space in Austin is filled by several off-campus private dormitories. Dormitories and Student Apartments are located within walking distance of the UT campus and offer double (shared) and some single (private) rooms for both male and female students. Many also offer the option of furnished or unfurnished rooms. Often dorms serve meals and may include the cost of a meal plan in their prices. Most offer amenities such as swimming pools, exercise rooms, computer labs, and planned social activities. Many exchange students enjoy private dorms because group living provides a community of university students, with opportunities to make friends and participate in shared activities. American Campus Communities At American Campus Communities, it is our mission to make your experience at The University Texas at Austin a success. Whether you're looking for modern amenities, value or convenience, our wide range of communities and price points mean you'll find the place you want to call home. We offer fully furnished apartments with flexible lease terms all within walking distance to campus. Hardin House Hardin House is a women-only private dormitory located in West Campus.
Cooperative houses are democratically-run residences, called "co-ops," in which occupants share cooking and cleaning responsibilities and share decision making about house policies and activities. Often less expensive than other housing options, Co-ops provide an opportunity to meet a variety of people. This is a very popular option for our exchange student population because of the short term lease options. For information contact: College Houses, Inc. Inter-Cooperative Council Austin Cooperatives Directory
Walk or drive around neighborhoods near campus (north or west) looking for “For Rent” or “For Lease” signs. Contact an Apartment Locator Service (apartments are usually rented in person, but apartment locator services may assist you before you arrive).
Search for Facebook Groups such as “UT Apartments & Sublets” to help you find rooms for rent or other students looking for potential roommates off-campus.
Important: Be smart and cautious when looking for roommates on Facebook or Craigslist. These are fantastic resources but they are not monitored by the university. Some ways to be safe and avoid scams are by never paying anything up front, double checking the identity of the potential roommate by contacting their references or only looking for roommates within your program or who are friends of friends. Always let a friend know when you are meeting with a potential roommate or visiting a house.
Some apartment locator services include:
Finding a place to rent close to school and work that’s within your budget isn’t always easy. Often getting an apartment with others makes it more affordable. You also have to follow careful procedures to ensure that your apartment management doesn’t charge you for cleaning or damage that isn’t your fault.
If you feel you are being charged unfairly for housing damages, use your damage checklist, photographs, repair requests and rental payment receipts to support your claim. Make copies and include a letter to your landlord/apartment manager explaining why you disagree with the damage assessment.
