College Houses is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides over 500 beds of affordable student housing across five co-op properties near UT Austin and ACC. Although part of the same organization, the houses handle their day-to-day operations somewhat independently. As a member, you will have a vote in deciding house rules, planning house events, and more at regular house meetings. At College Houses, you have a voice. Want to see change at your house? Talk to your housemates, go to meetings, and make it happen!
College Houses Co-ops are only open to students enrolled at an accredited university or college.
*Our Houses*
- 21st Street Co-op, 707 W 21st St, Austin, TX 78705
- Laurel, Nueces, & Halstead Co-Ops (aka Super Co-op), 1905 Nueces St, Austin, TX 78705
- Opsis Co-op, 1906 Pearl St, Austin, TX 78705
- Pearl Street Co-op, 2000 Pearl St, Austin, TX 78705
- Taos Co-op, 2612 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
*Key Features*
- Some of the most affordable student housing near UT Austin
- Walking distance from UT Austin and ACC Rio Grande
- Meals, electricity, water, trash, and internet are all included in your rent.
- Furnished with bed, desk, chair, and dresser
- Open year-round, including Thanksgiving and Winter Break!
- All residents contribute 4 hours/week of shared house chores (cooperative housing model)
*What is a Co-op?*
A student housing co-op is a living arrangement where students collectively manage and operate a shared residential property. In a co-op, students are not just tenants but also active members of a cooperative organization. Resident members participate in weekly chores and maintenance, which helps keep rent affordable. Members also have a vote in determining house policies.
*Why Live in a Co-op?*
- Supportive Community: Co-ops are known as tight-knit communities where everyone knows their neighbors. Living in a cooperative setting creates a supportive environment where students can rely on one another for academic and emotional support. This sense of belonging is particularly beneficial for students who are new to the area or seeking a stronger support system during their academic journey.
- Cost Savings: Choosing a co-op can save hundreds per month compared to other central Austin apartments. By pooling resources, students can significantly reduce living costs, including rent, utilities, and maintenance expenses.
- Rent Benefits You, Not a L4ndlord: Your rent is set by members like you, and all of your rent goes towards services that benefit you as a member.
- Member Controlled: We're member-controlled, so residents vote on how their house operates. Our model is designed to put you, the resident, first! All members have an equal say in major decisions related to the co-op, such as budgeting, maintenance, and community rules. When co-op members pay rent and do labor, all of those resources go directly toward maintaining and improving their housing. Unlike for-profit housing, none of your rent goes to a l4ndlord or management company.
*FAQs*
You can read our FAQs and find more information at collegehouses. org/faq
*Apply*
You can apply at collegehouses. org/join
Our application is free of charge and entirely online. You have no commitment to move in until you sign your official lease and College Houses counter-signs the lease. You can pick a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice when applying. We strongly recommend choosing at least three houses to ensure you get a spot.
- College Houses offers equal housing opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
- Members must be at least 18 at the date of move-in.
- Membership is open to students enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester at an institution of higher education.
- Members must complete up to 6 hours of house labor (chores) per week. Labor may include cooking, cleaning, leadership positions, administrative work, yard work, and basic maintenance.
- College Houses is committed to fostering an environment for people of all identities to thrive and participate fully in their community. We strive to provide housing free from harassment and do not tolerate any form of hostility, assault, or offensive conduct, including speech, towards a person or group.
- College Houses adheres strictly to all federal and city Fair Housing laws. We do not discriminate against any applicant for any reason, including race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, orientation, gender identity, marital status, or age.
