University of Texas

Located in the heart of the city of Austin, the University of Texas at Austin is the flagship institution of higher learning in the state and home to large percentage of the 50,000+ students from all over the world who attend school here. There are a number of options for students living here including dorms, apartments, and other options that are generally much lower in price than surrounding areas, but you also don't have the quiet or privacy of those areas either. Most of the living quarters are designed for singles, though there are some accommodations for single parents and small families attending the university. Inquire at least a year ahead of time as these living quarters are difficult to get.

You don't need a car if you live here, there is public transportation either by bus or rail with Capitol Metro, and fact is if you have a car you probably will not be able to find a parking space anyway. It's close to some of the best entertainment in the entire state with the clubs and live music venues of 6th Street close by and lots of dining options. Taking a trip down Guadalupe Street also know as “The Drag” and you'll find Tex-Mex, Chinese, and fine dining options along with the usual burgers, pizzas, and hot dogs you'll find near almost any college campus in the country.

The University of Texas (UT) is located in the heart of central Austin and contributes significantly to the nature and personality of this town. The campus comprises over 350 acres in the center, and with about 50,000 students attending school here, back in the day, the university contributed a significant portion of the population of Austin.

The neighborhood surrounding UT is dominated by, not surprisingly, students and student housing. On-campus housing is available in the numerous dormitories located throughout the campus, and approximately 20 percent of students choose to live in them. Opinions vary widely about which are the best, but several have distinct characteristics. Jester is the most well-known and the largest dormitory; it occupies an entire city block and houses around 3,000 students. San Jacinto and Duren are the newest dorms, and therefore most popular. Two dormitories (Kinsolving and Littlefield) are women only, and Creekside is male only. Its best to take the tours offered and talk to other students to determine which is the best fit.

On campus housing is popular with students who enjoy living immersed in the college experience. Keep in mind that dormitory living is often loud, not particularly clean, there are often drunken fools on the weekends (well, mostly on the weekends) and you generally do not get to choose who you live with. But it is convenient, many have dining halls, and all come with a meal plan. While most students chose not to live in a dormitory for their entire college experience, many hold the opinion that it is important to experience it for at least one’s freshman year.

Of course, UT being in the center of Austin means every possible amenity is close by, almost all within walking distance. Guadalupe, or “the Drag” as the stretch along campus is known, contains restaurants, retail shops, bars, coffee shops, tattoo parlors…you name it. It’s easy to get around without a car in this area (and anyway, parking is VERY scarce) and the buses run regularly if you need to get farther afield. Convenience does come at a price, however, with monthly rates averaging around $1,000 – and that’s with a shared community bathroom. Still, you only get to experience college once, so it may be worth it just for the memories.