Laurel Nueces & Halstead Co-Ops, austin-tx

I signed up too late to get on campus housing, and I thought this would be a decent backup. After no time at all, I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. The people are all so caring, and our decision making is purely democratic. It’s got great rates, free utilities, and free homemade meals, I really couldn’t ask for anything more. Halstead is really a home to me now, and I think most who decide to live here will have a similar experience. Picture of the breezeway view is attached. (also the review bombers are fake, we don’t have “RA’s” like they claim so I know they don’t live here)

I lived in Laurel House for two summer internships in 2015 and 2016 and I will say it was a great housing experience. The community was fantastic and I have always recommended people to live there and they have had great experiences as well. The community is what you make it. You get out of it what you put into it. I thought it was fair when it came to cooking, cleaning, etc. I highly recommend people consider Laurel house, even go check it out if you have questions and want more info. Definitely worth checking it out. 👍

I don't really use Google much, but I was surprised to find the sudden list of newer reviews, compared to some 2-4 years ago. I'll leave one for future tenants interested. Based on everything and checking within each house's Discord server (the houses, Nueces, Halstead, Laurel, each on a different floor do different things), Halstead and Nueces are definitely most friendly, social, and kind. However, there is issues within Laurel, especially with its officer team with motions (basis of co-ops, having choice in a decision). There is hostility/disrespect that doesn't seem to get sorted out entirely, with gossip going on about "a problematic member"- when they're being used as a scapegoat. But specifically for this review, Laurel does have hidden issues and do not account for individual needs. For me, I've had my mail go missing but it was said that the house can't do anything about it. As of right now, a double (2 people) is being trapped with bedbugs with no support with the caution/possibility of it spreading said from signs outside the laundry rooms. Officers say/show rooted toxicity with each other, hiding it but showing on Discord. Proceed with caution.

Lots of bed bugs, bed bugs and more bed bugs, was never fixed when requested. Those with drug addictions were not immediately evicted and were defended by some of the leadership. While empathy is required, the safety of the community should be the greatest priority. The voting system for the house is not democratic, those in power ‘audit’ the votes on their own election so that they never lose (think North Korea style elections).

Don't even bother staying here for long. The rent and conditions are the room are fine, but the community isn't all that its prided to be. There is a democratic process with motions to get what is needed in a way, but when one motions for something that is disapproved on by the officer core immediately, they try to shut you down with tons of excuses- even when its ultimately up to the house to vote. They were also difficult to work with if you had issues yourself and weren't already friends with them. Even though they may care for the whole, they don't like to hold responsibility or show care for the well-being of its individuals. For those seeking new places to live, co-ops are mainly managed by other tenants in the building- and drama builds up quick and a lot of things are done away from the rules when they can. Its another kind of dorm, but less peace. An example would be apparently an officer *secretly* giving out free rooms to their friends for the summer. The officer group operates and varies per house of Halstead, Nueces, and Laurel. If new ones get voted in and its better, good on them. If its the same people, it's not necessarily that they are the best, it's because most leave here after a year from seeking better housing or their international exchange ending, hence they don't care or know who to vote for. I've kept myself as best as can from their "bad apple" radar, but how the community treat others based on what circulates (some here aren't subtle or mature on how they talk about others, almost like teen-movie bullying style) and officers to them in the Discord server chats show tell otherwise. If a good chunk finds it so easy to talk about others in a bad way, so loudly and so uncaring, what will make this entire place? Not healthy or as open as they try, or some pretend, to be. There is mention in some reviews below of simply one member being the problem, but they never put their feet in their shoes... and some bits are falsified or overexaggerated what happened to them. If you're looking into co-ops, try to talk with others when visiting that stayed here in the recent years or before. Once more, place is fine, typical dorm room setting/size with added chores, just don't to be too trusting about the people. The only trusting ones as of are at the College Houses leasing office, who actually professionally care, listen, and handle what you need. Pick your house wisely, they won't always become a home. - Former Laurel-ite