Top Texas Cities for Student Housing: A Complete Guide 

Texas has quietly become one of the biggest draws in the country for college students. Between Texas A&M, UT Austin, UNT, UTA, SMU, UT Dallas, UH, and dozens of other schools, the state now educates well over a million college students a year – and that number keeps climbing. Add in a lower cost of living than most coastal cities, warm weather nine months out of the year, and a genuinely huge range of neighborhoods to choose from, and it’s easy to see why so many students, both domestic and international, start their housing search with student housing Texas as the very first search term.

Unlike student housing United States of America at large, Texas cities tend to be among the cheapest and friendliest to students across the entire country – and each of the major cities with major campuses offers something unique for students to discover. While some prefer to live within a cozy college bubble where everything is just a couple of minutes away on foot, others would rather enjoy a vibrant urban landscape with job market waiting after graduation. Texas is one of the few states where you can genuinely choose either without sacrificing academics, safety, or affordability.

The guide takes a look at some of the best cities for student housing Texas: College Station, Denton, Arlington, Austin, Dallas, and Houston. In each one of these cities, there is a list of best neighborhoods, true commute time to campus, the best places to chill out and grab a coffee, estimated average rent prices, a realistic budget of living in that city each month, and a list of verified student housing in that city provided by University Living to start your research. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to understand which of these cities and their neighborhoods are going to work well for your budget and lifestyle.

Texas Student Housing at a Glance

Choosing the right Texas city starts with understanding your budget. The table below compares major student housing Texas options, including their universities, average student rent, and estimated monthly cost of living. Use this quick overview to compare your options and identify which city offers the right balance of affordability, education, and lifestyle.

College Station

College Station is Aggieland, the home of Texas A&M University and one of the most recognizable college towns in Texas. It offers great community life and various options of student housing Texas. The most popular neighborhoods for students are Northgate, The Southside, and Wellborn Road area. Both Northgate and The Southside are about a 5-10 minute walk to Texas A&M. And Wellborn Road is about a 10 minute drive to campus. There are also places like Kyle Field in College Station that you should definitely visit.

Beyond academics, College Station is full of things to do. Students can get coffee at Sweet Eugene’s House of Java and Blue Baker; they are some of the best locations for studying and socializing with friends. Some of the places for having fun during the nights are Dixie Chicken and The Tap. Fitzwilly’s and Harry’s on Northgate serve as great pubs. Other major tourist sites include the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and Downtown Bryan/Brazos Valley Farmers Market. As for cost of living in College Station, it is quite cheap compared to other cities; one can afford to live there spending about $1,400-$1,700 per month. The average cost of rent per month for student apartments in College Station is around $650 to $1,100.

Here are the top 5 student housing College Station options listed below:

• Berkeley House: 5-minute walking distance from Texas A&M University

• Callaway Villas: 5–10-minute walking distance from Texas A&M University

• Holleman Crossing: 10-minute walking distance from Texas A&M University

• Crossing Place: 10-minute drive from Texas A&M University

• Redpoint: 10-minute drive from Texas A&M University

Denton

Denton is a lively college city and home to two major universities: the University of North Texas and the Texas Woman’s University. Famed for its music and arts scene and an alternative lifestyle, the city offers a relaxed environment for college students compared to other state cities, as well as various options for student housing Texas. The most preferred areas by the students include Fry Street, Downtown Denton Square, and the University Drive neighbourhood. Fry Street is located about a 5-minute walk from the university, while Downtown Denton Square is about a 10–15 minute walk away. The University Drive is about a 10-minute drive from the campus.

There are plenty of spots in Denton where you could study, have lunch and unwind between classes. Coffee shops such as Jupiter House Coffee and West Oak Coffee Bar will be available to students. Popular nightlife venues include Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios and Harvest House, while more relaxed venues are The Boiler Room and LSA Burger Co. The Downtown Denton Square and Denton Community Market are popular destinations for exploring local independent stores and entertainment. The Denton Community Market is a preferred destination on weekends for buying fresh products and crafts from local producers. The cost of living in Denton is rather low for students, amounting to an estimated $1,300 to $1,600/month. Student apartments near campus cost on average between $700 and $1,050/month.

Here are the top 5 student housing Denton options listed below:

• U Centre at Fry Street: 5-minute walking distance from University of North Texas

• Uptown: 10-minute drive from University of North Texas

• The Metro: 5-minute walking distance from University of North Texas

• Forum at Denton Station: 10–15-minute drive from University of North Texas

• City Parc at Fry Street: 5-minute walking distance from University of North Texas

Arlington

Arlington is located between Dallas and Fort Worth and is home to the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). Despite being known for its landmarks like AT&T Stadium and Six Flags Over Texas, the student-friendly neighborhoods that it offers make student housing Texas easy for students who are looking for proximity to campus without having to pay the high prices that exist in the neighboring city of Dallas. The most common areas are the UTA Boulevard, the College Park District, and Downtown Arlington. The UTA Boulevard is about 5 minutes away from the campus, while the College Park District is 2-5 minutes away. Downtown Arlington is roughly 10 minutes away, while West Arlington is 15 minutes by car.

There are many options for coffee, food, entertainment, and nightlife for students in Arlington. Inclusion Coffee and Nehemiah Coffee Co. are common hangouts among the students who study and meet their friends here. Students can also visit J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill or The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon for nightlife and Legal Draft Beer Co. and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse for something more casual. Six Flags Over Texas is one of the largest attractions of Arlington, and Texas Live! is another place for eating, entertainment, and games day events. Cost of living in Arlington is also affordable for students at around $1,350 to $1,650/month. The rent for students’ accommodation near the campus is around $700 to $1,100/month.

Here are the top 5 student housing Arlington options listed below:

• 848 Mitchell: 5-minute walking distance from University of Texas at Arlington

• Campus Edge on UTA Boulevard: 5-minute walking distance from University of Texas at Arlington

• The Arlie: 10-minute walking distance from University of Texas at Arlington

• LIV+ Arlington: 2-minute walking distance from University of Texas at Arlington

• Midtown 905: 10-minute drive from University of Texas at Arlington

Austin

Austin is the capital of Texas and has the University of Texas at Austin. It makes this city one of the favorite places to study in Texas. Famous for the tech sector, live music, food culture, and nightlife, Austin provides many opportunities for Austin student housing. The main locations where students like to stay are West Campus, North Campus/Hyde Park, and Riverside. West Campus is about 5–10 minutes’ walking distance from the UT Tower, whereas North Campus and Hyde Park are 15–20 minutes away from UT Tower or 10 minutes by bicycle. Riverside is 15 minutes’ bus trip by CapMetro bus from campus.

Austin has a number of places that students can go to learn and socialize within the city. Some of the most popular coffee shops include Medici Roasting Co. and Lucky Lab Coffee Co., whereas Cain & Abel’s and Posse East are some of the most popular student meeting spots. Students who like to enjoy the nightlife can consider visiting places like Kitty Cohen’s or exploring the bars in the entertainment venues of Rainey Street. One of the major tourist attractions is the Texas State Capitol, while the South Congress area (also known as SoCo) is one of the major shopping, entertainment, and food truck locations in the area. The cost of living in Austin is quite high in comparison to other cities on this list, with students normally spending between $1,900 and $2,300 per month. The average rent for student housing Texas in this city runs from $1,100 to $1,700/month.

Here are the top 5 student housing Austin options listed below:

• The Block: 10-minute walking distance from University of Texas at Austin

• Town Lake: 5–10-minute walking distance from University of Texas at Austin

• Ballpark North: 8-minute walking distance from University of Texas at Austin

• 26 West: 10-minute walking distance from University of Texas at Austin

• Texan 26: 10-minute walking distance from University of Texas at Austin

Dallas

Dallas is one of the largest cities in Texas and allows students to have a variety of options to attend universities, such as Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the University of Texas at Dallas. With a large metro area, a well-developed transportation network, and different kinds of districts, Dallas provides numerous options for student housing Texas. Those students who attend SMU may choose University Park and Snider Plaza, while students who study at UT Dallas might find Richardson and Northside more appropriate. Also, students who wish to live closer to downtown might consider Deep Ellum. Snider Plaza is located just 10 minutes away from SMU on foot, while Northside takes 5 to 12 minutes of drive or bike trip from UT Dallas.

There is an abundance of cafes, restaurants, pubs, and entertainment venues for the college-goers to hang out in Dallas. Ascension Coffee and Weekend Coffee are some of the favorite spots for studying and meeting friends. Popular places for enjoying the nightlife are Trees and Twisted Root Burger Co. The Old Monk and Meddlesome Moth can be the preferred choice of venue for a more traditional pub and gastropub setting. Places like Reunion Tower provide students with one of the top landmarks in Dallas, whereas the Sixth-Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza and Dallas Farmers Market are favorites among students to visit. The cost of living in Dallas tends to lie in the middle of the other cities mentioned in this list, with students having to pay $1,700 to $2,100 each month for their expenditure in rent, utilities, food, transport, and personal expenses. The average rent for student rentals near campus runs $1,000–$1,700/month.

Below is the top student housing Dallas for students near campus:

• Blue Springs Apartments: 10-minute walking distance from Southern Methodist University

Houston

Houston is the largest city in the state of Texas and is known for its numerous educational institutions such as the University of Houston, Rice University, and Texas Southern University. Being home to a diverse population, various cuisines, and several neighborhoods makes Houston a perfect location for students seeking student housing Texas. Some of the popular areas are Cullen Boulevard, Rice Village, and EaDo (East Downtown). Cullen Boulevard is located at a distance of 5-7 minutes on foot from the University of Houston, while Rice Village is at a walking distance of around 10 minutes from Rice University. EaDo is located at a distance of around 15 minutes via METRORail from the University of Houston and other downtown campuses. Another popular spot that students may want to visit is Space Center Houston.

There is no lack of locations to study, have meals, and hang out in Houston, other than on campus. There are Blacksmith and Campesino Coffee House where you can get a good cup of coffee, and the popular nightclubs among students are The Den and Under the Volcano. If you want a laid-back vibe, there are Kirby Ice House and Molly’s Pub. Hermann Park and Houston Museum District are major landmarks, while the Houston Farmers Market is famous as an eating spot along with selling fresh fruits and vegetables. The cost of living in Houston is affordable for students, as compared to other cities in the US, costing them $1,500-$1,900 each month. The rent for student rentals in Houston runs between $900 and $1,400 per month.

Here are the top 5 student housing Houston options listed below:

• Haven at Elgin: 5-minute walking distance from University of Houston

• Mac4460: 5-minute walking distance from University of Houston

• Global Houston: 10-minute walking distance from University of Houston

• Life Tower: 10-minute drive from University of Houston

• Prose South Main: 10-minute drive from University of Houston

CTA: From College Station to Houston, find student housing Texas that fits your lifestyle with University Living and explore accommodation options.

Which Texas City Is Right for You?

Having six solid choices for student housing Texas, the real decision will depend on which type of college experience a student is looking for. For students interested in getting the most affordable education, College Station or Denton would be the best fit, due to their comparatively cheaper rental prices and lower costs of living compared to other big cities within the state, without compromising on the true college town atmosphere. Party-loving students will definitely have to consider either Austin or Dallas, as both of them are famous for their nightlife, concerts, bars, and an abundance of events taking place almost every day of the week outside of campus. For students who desire a traditional big city environment with more cultural activities, more industries, and job prospects after graduation: Houston and Dallas would be the best choice, while the ones wanting to enjoy a small-town atmosphere in which the college campus is the center of everything would go for either College Station, Denton, or Arlington.

And there is no such thing as one perfect city out of these cities listed above – it is only the best choice in line with your financial possibilities and chosen major along with the way you are planning to spend these four (or five, or six) years. No matter which of them you choose, the basic factors that make the student housing Texas search successful stay constant: be aware of the acceptable commuting distance, be aware of the exact amount of money you can afford to spend per month and secure an apartment as early as possible in the popular markets, as early as half a year prior to the beginning of the academic year. And if you consider the entire country for the student housing United States of America options, then Texas still provides one of the most attractive options – decent universities, affordable rent compared to the coasts and real cities everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions