<p>Anyone stay here? Have opinions on the best place in the area? Also by what month should you figure out where you are staying if you are getting an apartment?</p>
<p>thanks.</p>
<p>do NOT stay in riverside. The rent is cheaper, but it's cheaper because the neighborhood is very dangerous. I would recommend west campus or north campus. I've heard that you can still find apartments in the summer.</p>
<p>I would recommend getting set before summer hits. Other UT students who I've talked with have told me if you want to get your pick, you should start looking the fall. Of course, most people don't know they're in until spring, so I would definitely recommend getting started as soon as possible so that you actually get a choice in where you'll be living.</p>
<p>I'm assuming you'll be a freshman so I would recommend living on campus. Most new students try to attend as many student organization meetings as possible to find the right fit, and it makes it harder if you have to walk from West Campus or drive from Riverside every time you want to go to one.</p>
<p>In general, here's what people say about the different areas:</p>
<p>North campus - quiet, good for those who need to study a lot, kind of far</p>
<p>West Campus - party central, convenient w/o actually being on campus, kind of expensive</p>
<p>On-campus - pricey, convenient, best way to meet new people</p>
<p>East campus - cheaper than West, a little bit farther than West, safe despite what some may say</p>
<p>Riverside - cheap, a little far, most dangerous of all places</p>
<p>There are a few nicer places in Riverside. However, I would steer clear of Longhorn Landing, University Estates and University Villas.</p>
<p>I have a set of friends that lives in Breakers on the Lake. Its a nice little gated complex right on the corner of 35/Riverside. It is mostly people with real lives/jobs vs. students so it is generally a real quiet place. If you're interested in living in Riverside, I'd give them a look. There's a UT shuttle stop right outside too. The guys haven't complained about feeling unsafe/anything like that.</p>
<p>Best advice in Austin is to just be wary if you're out late. (Especially on your own.) Plenty of people have been assaulted/mugged in West Campus as well. Not to scare you on purpose, but it isn't the safest town.</p>
<p>Don't know too much else about other places...but definitely not Longhorn Landing.</p>
<p>If you're a new student, stay on campus if you can.</p>