I’ve read countless reviews and just need an insider’s opinion. What are good off campus dorms or apartments in West campus that are safe, clean, have reliable wifi and good maintenance?
I assume from your user name that you are female. Hardin House and SRD get rave reviews for safe, clean and good maintenance. Not sure about the wifi- sorry. I am not an insider on those but I don’t think I have ever heard a bad thing about either.
We have a close family member who stayed in Callaway two years ago. Loved it.
Don’t know about the others.
And if those are booked, which would be next on your list?
Are you looking for this year? Yikes! Sorry, thought you were asking about next.
You are looking for an insider’s opinion and I don’t have inside knowledge but here is where I would start:
If I was looking for this year, I think I would take a look at Castillian. It is owned by the same company as Callaway and they spent tens of millions of dollars on it. It had a pretty bad reputation before that and during the renovation. I’d take a look to see if it was better now that it is finished.
I have heard Dobie is being renovated. It is practically on campus. Again, not a great rep pre-renovation. University Towers also not a great rep, but you might check it out.
Last year there were people trying to get out if their leases at Callaway and they were not allowed to sublease to people on the wait list. There is a Facebook group for UT Austin subletting and you might find someone who is looking to sublet to you as long as you are not yet on the wait list.
We got something in the mail yesterday which I have trashed about West Campus living. It said 50 percent of freshman live off campus. Did you get that? You might call that service and see what they have to offer? I’d get them on the Texas Parents group if you can.
I’m currently living at 21 Rio, paying $840 a month in rent. I recommend the place but it may not be likely to get the same room I have. The staff is pretty friendly and maintenance requests were done pretty quickly.
I’ve seen the “renovated” Dobie rooms and all I have to say about that, is it’s a trap. Avoid Dobie all costs. Anything is literally better.
Can’t say much about other apartments though.
This may be gossip, but University Towers still has the reputation of fraternity and sorority association. This may imply neighbors with a party life or not.