6 Reasons Why You Should Consider Living Off But Near The UT Austin Campus

Student Life
December 29, 2022

The University of Texas is big and massive. Over 52,000 students enroll every semester, and the university employs over 3,000 teachers and faculty members. It is among the top 75 universities globally, and as of the 2021-2022 school year, it is the 9th largest in the US.

The University of Texas at Austin has a massive campus. It covers 434 acres of urban space, yet only about 18% of enrolled students live on-campus. When you are a student and looking for a place to live, it is essential to stay as close to campus as possible for various reasons, but dorms are expensive and limit the kind of lifestyle you can have as a student. Living in a dorm is a unique experience but loses its charm after the first semester or two. Trust the students have been here a while and live in private studios, study freely, work in your spare time, and enjoy Austin, living off-campus is the best option.

Cheaper Than A Dorm

The lowest price we could find for a UT Austin dorm is over $1,300/mo. You can see for yourself here. The lowest price listed is $12,277 on a 9-month lease, which equals $1,364/month. Keeping in mind that this includes room and limited board, this price is still considered far too high by many students and parents for living in a shared bedroom and having access to a community bathroom. Compare this to a one-bedroom or studio apartment near downtown by The Westside Group that you can have to yourself for under $1,100/month.

Experience The Wonders Of The City

Living on campus can isolate students from the larger city, and who wants to do that in a city like Austin? West Campus has its community and charm, where you are sure to find something to do on any given night. As far as North Campus goes, what’s better than having a city’s activity and a suburb’s scenery? Not to mention, living in these areas will allow you to have that pet you can take on hikes (more on that later).

You Get Easy Access To All Of The University’s Resources

Living in apartments near to campus means you have the opportunity to experience university life to the fullest, without being bound to a tiny cramped room of a dorm. The University of Texas’ library is the best in the area, with the resources necessary to help you succeed. It has several fully functioning computer labs, a vast library, and Wi-Fi access all across campus. Living near campus gives you the ability to access all these resources.

You Can Get Away With Not Having A Car

Austin is not known for excellent public transportation, and because the city is so large, taking one of the buses isn’t always a sensible option. Car2Go, Ride Austin, Uber, Lyft, and many bike trails all around town fill this need for affordable transportation. For example, Car2Go is a service that allows you to rent/pick up a car from where it is parked, drive it to where you need to go, and then leave it parked somewhere else when you are finished.

Although, when living in West Campus, or North Campus, sometimes the quickest mode of transportation is walking —a few of the perks of living close to campus as a student. Nothing compares to going from A to B and not paying a cent, having to find parking, or sitting in traffic.

Dorms Don’t Love Man’s Best Friend

Austin has many dog parks, walking routes, vets, and other amenities needed for pet health and happiness. Austin is also home to multiple pet-themed festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Golden Retriever Zilker Meet Up and Weiner Dog Races. Also, you’ll find no end to the number of walking trails surrounding your new off-campus apartment. Try out some of our famous dog-friendly restaurants. Don’t leave your pup behind or miss out on the opportunity to enjoy having your little companion in beautiful Austin.

Live In Your Home Year Round

Courtesy: Vuemobi photography

Dorms are generally close up during the summer semester, as well as during winter break. It leaves students who want to remain in the area for a job or take summer classes without many options but to go home. Living in an apartment gives you the ability to study all year and not have to move so often. There will be far fewer upheavals to interfere with your education.

Learning, working, and living in your college apartment in Austin is a fantastic opportunity for students. Not only is the University of Texas one of the top schools in the nation, but there is no end to the benefits of living near campus. The joys of Austin, Texas, are boundless, as are the benefits of studying and living in this wonderfully diverse and thriving city.