<p>My daughter is about to pull the trigger on her UT acceptance for Fall 2014. We had put down the $50 deposit for UT housing when she applied. She has just visited the school, and learned about all the private dorms, and is interested in a few. We didn't know about these dorms prior to this visit.</p>
<p>So, looks like these applications are done outside the UT website, and require a deposit. From what little I have read, looks like they are very popular and fill up quickly. At this date (end of March) does it even pay to put in an application to, for example, Calloway? Does the UT admittance or UT housing deposit factor at all in to these dorms?</p>
<p>Would love any insights you could provide - thank you!</p>
<p>My daughter is also getting ready to “pull the trigger” so to speak. (She didn’t like it when I used that term!) We have a contract for SRD for her, and I think it’s probably too later to get in there. They fill up within a week or so of contracts being released 2/3. You could call and check, though, as I know they had folks on their waiting list who didn’t get admitted to UT. As for the other private dorms, you will probably have to contact each one independently and check. The only one I don’t recommend, especially for a girl, would be Towers.</p>
<p>Btw, based on your userid, I guess you are an Aggie? As am I, also graduated 86. </p>
<p>Based on what I know, the Callaway House filled up very fast this year. There is already a very long waiting list; one of my friends is past #115 on the waiting list and I’m positive it is even longer than this. I would call in before making any non-refundable payments. </p>
<p>Beware of the towers, I haven’t read any good reviews about that place. Its where most of the frat pledges live so it’s party central, and I’ve read multiple threads of people saying that it always smells like pee and vomit. Definitely look up more reviews before you choose a place… </p>
<p>I am curious as to why a private dorm would be preferred over the university owned dorm? My preception was that the private dorms were a choice of last resort. Apparently this is not true. We are out of state, so our understanding of all things UTA is very limited. </p>
<p>@Bennie - I can tell you the rationale from our family’s, perspective, although I’m sure reasons are different for everyone. We have a contract at Scottish Rite for D. We visited Austin in March 2013 for Explore UT and saw a lot of the on campus dorms then. We went back down in July 2013 and visited several private dorms including University Towers, Harden House, and Scottish Rite. D fell in love with SRD, and I like it a lot from a parent perspective. There’s more personal attention because it’s a smaller group (~350 girls I think). Very nice facilities, lots of onsite programming, more of a home-like feel than the campus dorms, in my opinion. I liked the idea of D having the opportunity for that community amidst the very large UT student population, e.g., it would be less likely for her to slip through the cracks. I’ve also heard some stories about on-campus housing gone awry from friends who have older kids at UT currently or in the past. I figured with a small private dorm, D won’t be at risk of that. D may move somewhere else after freshman year, but I thought for her first year away from home, SRD was a better option than on-campus. The cost is virtually identical as well.</p>
<p>SRD is the BEST dorm at UT in my opinion. Because it is girls only I guess it unfair to call it the best, but it really is. The staff there really loves these girls. There is a house mom that resides there that makes sure the girls have what they need. They have RA’s like every other dorm, etc. The food is beyond outstanding and they have late plates and snack tables when the kitchen is not open. The have a 24/7 security staff and like I said before the staff loves the girls. SRD’s nickname is “Spoiled Rotten Daughters” and if you don’t spoil your daughter, they will do it for you. :x </p>
<p>Thanks, @collegeshopping! That is wonderful to hear! I know I was so impressed with them when we visited. I was even willing to risk the contract deposit to make sure D had a spot even if she didn’t ultimately decide on UT. We fedexed the contract back the same day because they fill up so fast. This is my first one to send off to college, and it really helps my peace of mind knowing she’ll be at SRD. :-)</p>
<p>@NT2000…Haha…I drove mine to SRD the day we got it. I was determined!! BTW…on move in day. Get there early. If they say 9:00, get there at 8:00. (they let you start early) And try to do everything without the elevator. It just gets so jammed up. But SRD does feed you lunch that day. Also, get bed risers from Breed’s. They are close to campus and you can call in advance, pay by credit card and just pick them up sometime that day. These risers are made out of 4" PVC and are extremely sturdy. You won’t regret it. </p>
<p>@collegeshopping - Thank you SOOO much! This is incredibly helpful! I will make note of these things and make sure we plan accordingly. D hasn’t expressed interest in rush, at least not yet, but if she does, I will message you. Thanks again!</p>
<p>I lived at SRD all four years of college (1980-1984). I loved it! The swimming pool was one of my favorite features. If my daughter goes to UT, I will make sure she lives there. </p>
<p>SRD sounds great. Wish we had known about it earlier, especially since its so close to Engineering. I never knew there could be organizations that established dorms like SRD. Thanks for the info.</p>