Housing

[drgilbert]

I am in need of help or advice. My twin girls have been accepted into UT. They have applied for every type of assistance they are qualified for. We did get some financial help. Housing though is going to cost me over $20,000. I can't afford that. I realize they will have to live off campus which scares the heck out of me. Any ideas or recommendations will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Aaron Carrara]

It's been 20 years but... I lived off 25 Street in an condo complex called St. Thomas.  It was close to campus and a nice place.  Not sure what the rent was but it was split 4 ways (with 3 other roommates).  Prior to that it was Jester East and subsequent to that it was an 8-bedroom house in Hyde Park of 45th.

Times have changed, I know, but areas ,like Riverside Dr. and Far West might still have affordable options with UT buses covering the route. 

Congratulations on the twins getting into UT!  

 

[drgilbert]

Thanks.

 

[joeywa]

Have you looked into Castillian? A buddy of mine has a son who lived here, and it was more affordable than on-campus dorms.

 

[HornSports Staff]

Have you looked into Castillian? A buddy of mine has a son who lived here, and it was more affordable than on-campus dorms.

Didn't that place burn down at some point in between then and now?

 

[The Bry-Man81]

Friend of mine stayed at a couple of different complexes off of Riverside. They've since changed names, so don't quite remember what they're called, but gated communities with UT bus to take them campus. And my friend paid for it herself with whatever loans and scholarships she could get.

My brother when he was a sophomore was able to get a job at a student apartment complex off pleasant valley and they comped him an apt, so that might be worth looking into as well

 

[joeywa]

Didn't that place burn down at some point in between then and now?

Maybe, but it's there and looks pretty nice.

https://www.americancampus.com/student-apartments/tx/austin/the-castilian

Also, I believe that UT Buses still run all the way out to Far West, Riverside and other areas. The further away from campus, the better the rates, generally speaking.

 

[drgilbert]

Thanks for all the responses. My wife and I are extremely sad that this housing issue could lead to them not attending UT. I will look into the options y'all have given me. Thanks again.

 

[streettopeschel]

My son is a FR and living in The Towers in west campus. It's cheaper than Jester which stunned me.

I did a couple of years off Riverside back in the Stone Ages. With shuttle buses it was no problem.

Good luck to you.

 

[Grandpa Zorro]

My daughter lived in a house with 5 other girls one year and 4 other girls another year.  It worked out surprisingly well.  There are a lot of big houses for rent that allow individual lease agreements with each resident which will reduce the risk of getting stuck with the full rent amount if a roommate defaults (like in an apartment).

She only paid $500-$600 per month...

 

[hookemhorb]

As a slumlord, I'd say rents are high in central Austin, but with all the new buildings, I'd look into the older complexes, especially if they are next to the new high rises. The one catch about living off campus is that leases are generally 12 month leases.

Riverside has been built up and hardly looks like it did back in the day. But again, there are older complexes, probably new in the 80's when I lived out there, that can be a little cheaper rent wise.

With 2 kids, you can look at buying a condo. Your girls can get a friend or two to room with them to offset the costs. Only thing is property taxes will be astronomical. Watch out for HOA fees too if you buy. Don't kid yourself, if you rent, you are paying for that. It may be cheaper to buy if you are looking at 4 to 5 years.

Good luck.

 

[Duke C #11]

Jester.

 

[drgilbert]

Thanks everyone for your help. The wife and I have decided to take a loan for the $20,000. We are hoping the girls will make friends this year so next year we can look into moving off campus and renting something. I looked into buying a condo, but I still owe on my house so don't think I can get a loan for the price of one. I'm excited my girls get to go to UT. Y'all might see me out there selling pencils just to repay the loan though ðŸ˜

 

[drgilbert]

They are trying to get into Kinsolving

 

[Agmaniacmike]

Not much of an expert, but the Dobie Center may be on the cheaper side.