The city of Austin, TX is located in the south-central region of Texas and it’s roughly 180 miles from both Houston and Dallas. The University of Texas at Austin is one of many universities in Austin and is not only the most prestigious school in Texas but also ranked as a top 25 public university in America. For those looking to attend the University of Austin or another college/university within the city, this guide provides helpful resources on finding housing options both off and near campus.
The University of Texas at Austin is one of many colleges/universities within the city limits. Other notable colleges/universities include St. Edward’s University, Concordia University, Huston-Tillotson College, Lipscomb University – Austin Center, South University, Austin, Gemini School of Visual Arts, and more that offer graduate, undergraduate, and masters courses
The city of Austin has over two hundred thousand residents and it experiences steady growth in population every year. The majority of students looking for housing near a university look to not only find a place that’s affordable but also close to campus, making the central location of Austin perfect for studying or attending classes at any number of universities in the area.
Let us discuss the student accommodation in Austin
For those who are new to studying in the States, the city of Austin is known for its laid-back culture and is home to several festivals throughout the year including South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits (ACL).
Whether you’re interested in moving off-campus or living on-campus while attending college, this guide provides helpful information about where you might want to consider living when it comes time to live out of your parent’s home.
Weather in Austin
Austin doesn’t get too cold, but it does experience some chilly weather in winter. During the peak of summer, temperatures can peak about 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the afternoon before cooling down to around 80 degrees F at night. Late spring and early autumn are considered high seasons for tourism because these months offer moderate temperatures that aren’t too hot or too cold.
Transportation
Students who wish to travel off-campus will want to consider using their own mode of transportation like a car or bicycle or making use of cab services. Students who have their own car would also benefit from considering places that are within walking distance from campus since being able to walk to class means not having to worry about running late due to traffic or hours spent looking for a parking spot. Another option is to live close enough that you can bike or take public transportation without breaking too much of a sweat while getting where you need to go.
Suitable locations for students
Not only is Austin centrally located which makes it easy to get around without having to rely on public transportation (because most students won’t have a car living near their college), but the city is also filled with affordable rental options. The most preferred locations among students are South Congress, South Lamar, Manor Road, North Loop, Downtown, and Hyde Park
Types of student accommodation in Austin
There are several types of student accommodation in Austin to consider, including off-campus housing (apartments/condominiums), houses or condos that are rented out by individuals or companies, and on-campus dormitories.
Amenities offered
Each type of housing has different amenities you might find available at your convenience, depending on who’s renting it. For example, with apartments, you might find fitness centers, game rooms, swimming pools, covered parking garages, bicycle storage areas, and more. When it comes to homes or condos being rented out by someone within the community they often offer amenities like fire pits, private swimming pools and spas, and other amenities that would be found in a larger house. Lastly, dormitories that are on-campus might not offer as many amenities as off-campus housing.
Term of contract
Signing a rental contract brings along its own set of rules so it’s important to read through all terms carefully before signing anything. Check out the amount of deposit, advance, etc. that is to be paid to the landlord.
Utilities
Check how much you will have to pay for electricity, water, heating, etc. If the utilities are included in your rent this means that you won’t have to worry about paying them separately. You might also want to check if the apartment complex has its own water heater so if it breaks down you won’t be without hot water until they fix it.
Security
Find out what the security system is like, if it comes with a key-fob or if you will have to share a code with everyone else who lives at the complex, and how often you will need to change your code.
Parking
Make sure that there are enough parking spaces for all tenants as well as visitors. If not, do they offer additional parking near the apartment?
Ultimately students should look at all sorts of housing options before making a decision because depending on your preferences and financial situation one type can offer better value than another.
