<p>Hey all,</p>
<p>I'm from Sydney, Australia and I'll be coming to UT in Fall. I just got my acceptance letter 2 days ago, and I'm busy looking for accommodation options.</p>
<p>I'm not too keen on staying at dorms like (Castilian / Dobie), cos I've heard that they're pretty much filled already, full of freshers, and generally quite expensive.</p>
<p>I've looked at coop's too, and sent them emails. Has anyone heard of Helios? ICC</a> Austin: Our Houses: Helios</p>
<p>What's the reputation of coops? drughouses? partyers? I definitely want to make friends whilst im on exchange, and have fun. But i'd rather a quieter place, so that I have the option of going out or staying back in the house and having a quiet time.</p>
<p>I'm also up for any other accommodation options. But seeing as im an exchange student, don't know austin, no car, living in apartment and trying to source groceries and cooking myself seems a bit daunting.</p>
<p>Hmm. I’m a co-op kid. I haven’t been to Helios though, that’s part of a different line of houses. Look into College Houses! [College</a> Houses Cooperatives: Student Owned and Student Run](<a href=“http://www.collegehouses.org%5DCollege”>http://www.collegehouses.org) I live at Pearl and I love it. It’s not necessarily a ‘‘drughouse’’ but it can be a sorta loud on the weekends. I’m in the ‘‘quiet hallway’’ which is just people that tend to be quiet. It’s not bad at all! Most people think hippies when they think of co-ops, but there’s all sorts of people here! People from all over the country and overseas. It’s really diverse. We have an industrial sized kitchen that’s always open and normally stocked! Anyway, I’m saving like $2000 from living on campus, which is $2000 I didn’t have to spend to begin with! </p>
<p>But if you’re going to go with ICC, I’m familiar with Eden. Just get in touch with the membership officers from the houses you’re interested. They should be pretty nice and can answer questions in detail!</p>
<p>Since you are an older, more independent type, coming into town without furniture or kitchen supplies, the coops will be just what you need. The dorms are aimed at younger students who need more support. Apartments generally require a bit too much planning ahead, furniture, and kitchen supplies - and a year lease. I think you are likely to enjoy a coop. Good luck!</p>
<p>thanks! I’ll definitely be gunning for the co-ops then! hope everything works out :)</p>