College Houses Cooperatives, austin-tx

College Houses is an absolutely phenomenal organization and place to live. I think this is a really incredible structure and alternative to just paying larger companies who own so many of the buildings around campus. Here, everyone is working to make decisions and improve life in our residences. No one is going to increase your rent or mysteriously mess with your utilities - changes to the houses happen with your voice and with your participation. Co-op residents actually help each other - you know your neighbor, and you share with them the same way that they share with you. No place to live is perfect, but this one is absolutely five stars. You can live in a dorm setup (with meals!!!!) or an apartment setup - it is especially perfect for international students getting set up here in Austin, or for students who are learning to live on their own for the first time - because you are never alone, but you are always independent. The residences are decorated with murals painted by current and former residents. Co-Opers have access to a gym, game rooms, kitchens, social rooms, and more. The co-ops are safe and secure so that only residents and their guests are able to enter. Officers and staff are incredibly responsive. I've learned so much about repairing and maintaining my own place, but I never feel like I can't ask for help from others when I'm still learning. I don't party much myself, and I live in Opsis where we don't tend to host parties, but I've seen a great balance of fun and academics among my neighbors at the other houses (and respect for us Opsisians when we get curmudgeonly about noise issues). More than anything, whenever I've encountered an issue with where I lived (which I always do, no matter where I lived), I've felt like I had the power to solve it and improve the experience for everyone I live with. I can't recommend College Houses enough!!

College Houses has been more than just a place to live, but a life changing couple years for me as a student in Austin. It's the community I imagined a dorm would have, with the privacy of an apartment, but with incredible amenities like a basketball courtyard, giant kitchen to study, hangout, or do puzzles in, multiple movie/gamerooms, and the best view of downtown Austin that West Campus has to offer. Your friends are right next door too, which makes logistics for going out together and come home together very easy. The home-cooked meals are absolutely incredible, and dinners are tasty, and the whole house has the chance to get together to eat and chat. There usually a late night snack to satisfy any cravings as well. Plus, if you're into lifting there's a gym downstairs with two power racks. All in all, highly encourage anyone to take a look into College Houses (especially Halstead) if you're looking for housing.

If I could give College Houses a 10 out of 5 I would. I have lived here (Halstead) for almost three years and it has been a truly wonderful time for me. This organization is much different than normal apartments or homes (and for the better!). It fosters a sense of community that is unparalleled to any other place you could live and if you're willing to put in a little effort you can become a part of that community too. College houses has been more than just a place to live for me--it has been a home and has given me some of the best memories in my life. If you are looking for an affordable place to live that includes utilities and food, a place where you'll make life-long friendships, or a place where you'll make memories to last a lifetime, then College Houses is for you. All of the photos I have attached were taken at CH within the last semester (Spring 2019)

I was an exchange student for one semester and I have to recommend the others to choose College Houses (especially Halstead where I stayed). It is really nice to live in a diverse community with people with different background, origin and interests. The biggest advantage was definitely a meal plan! I would never say that students are able to cook like this. We had Very diverse and fresh recipes. Never had a problem with portions and always lots of food in fridge for breakfasts. Such a great experience!

I lived at College Houses from 2011 to 2016 and was lucky enough to serve on the board of directors my final year with College Houses. It was an incredible living experience. 10 years later, Most of my best friends are from friends I made at College Houses (including my wife). The Coop is student run and organized so its members have a direct say in how rent money is allocated, where they want to spend surplus, and be involved in the creation of rules to organize and run the Coop.