cpq1xtbu

My son is a freshman this year, living on campus. He wants to live in an apartment next year. When do most students start looking/ sign leases, etc.?

TMT90

It really depends on if he's set on a certain apartment and room type (like efficiency unit or 1 bedroom). 1 bedrooms and efficiency units tend to go quickly, especially in the nicer apartments. I've heard its not unusual to pre-lease 9-12 months ahead of when you want your lease term to begin. I have already pre-leased for a Vintage West Campus efficiency unit and I was told that I was one of the last people to get one, since there are only a few of these available in each apartment (sometimes only a 1 bedroom is offered instead of an efficiency). But also... some people wait for last minute deals. I'm the type of person who stresses about last minute arrangements, so for me pre-leasing is better because now i'm comfortable knowing that I have a place to myself in a nice brand new apartment next year. If he waits for those last minute deals, he may or may not get what he wants, and if not, there's always the private dorms like Dobie Center or Castilian

cpq1xtbu

That's good to know. I think he would like an efficiency, but I guess it may be too late : (
I'll tell him he should get busy...

TMT90

Its definitely not too late. Now is a good time if you want an efficiency though. Quarters apartments also offer efficiency units, but Quarters also tends to be pricier than other places. Just have him look around for the best deals, and he should also visit these apartments in person before signing a lease. Pictures of apartments can be misleading... some of the "nicest" looking ones tend to be real crap holes. Google the apartments he's interested in and apartment ratings and reviews will show up, and that will also give you an idea of how the place is from a resident's perspective.

jbeardiii

I agree with tmt90 BUT here are the actual facts!

Students begin looking for apartments pretty much in october. By november it is in full swing. I do real estate right now and currently it is November and the Texan and the Vintage are already 50% leased up.

Places like the block, quarters, jefferson 26 are just releasing their official pre leasing rates right now although they already have a waiting lists of students who have already put down a deposit.

There are a ton of 4,5,6 bedroom houses that have been off the market. mainly to frat and soros wanting to live there.

You need to start looking as soon as you are ready to move on a place. Bottom line. People that look early and are well prepared to get it out the way generally have a better percentage of getting what they want.

Most of this information is on the website - UT Luxury Apartments - UT apartments, west campus apartments, UT Austin apartments, and University of Texas Apartments.
You should make this your starting point in searching for an apartment especially if it is your first time. They have a ton of information as well as articles. they are easily reachable if you have any questions regardless if you use them or not.

hope this helps, cheers mate.

radhagd

My son is also freshman looking for apartment to live preferably in Quarters for next year.But he does not have any roomate right now. Let me know if any one is interested so both of them can lease together. my email address is radhagd@yahoo.com.

TXhorn

Around meow if they're determining whom they want to live with. The decision on actual place will be made soon, but by the end of Spring preferably. The longer you wait the less choice you have.