I've been a graduate student at University of Texas at Dallas for more than three years now, and for all this time I have lived in campus. So I got to know it pretty well, with all the good and bad things.

Form of housing: unlike other universities, these are not dorms but apartments. You can choose from a wide variety of them: efficiencies, one bedrooms (4-5 types differentiated by size), two bedrooms and four bedrooms (again multiple sizes). The two and four bedrooms are constructed for multiple roommates, that is you have two baths in each one of them. There is also a kitchen with a refrigerator, electric oven and dish washer. Some of the apartments have washer and dryer, for the others there are several clothes centers located inside the complex with brand new equipment at this time.

The apartments are grouped in seven phases, phase one being the oldest (constructed around 1960). I lived there for 2 years and I used to pay a lot of money for the electricity. This year I moved to phase three (newer) and the electric bill reduced to a quarter. Somebody explained to me that the equipment (ac, refrigerators, etc) in phase one is pretty old and they eat a lot of energy. So, although the rent is lower for the apartments in phase one, on the whole it's better to stay in a higher numbered phase. The last one they constructed (lately they've build one phase a year) is reserved for the freshmen. They probably want to keep them away from the "normal" guys (no offense guys). But they get the best place in the complex!!

Location: the apartments are located within walking distance from the university buildings. The most far away phase (2) is at 10 minutes. However it's not that easy to walk to a supermarket. If you are a good walker, you can do it in half an hour but usually the sun kills you on the way back. So I suggest you save some money and buy a car...

Entertainment: Almost all phases have their own pool, the biggest one is in phase three and most of the guys come here to relax. There are also some basketball and volleyball courts in phase two and an entertainment center in each phase. So in case you want to through a party or if you want to invite your friends for a group study you don't have to do it in your home. Cable is not included in the rent but you can order it from the local company.

Rent waiver: I know that some universities offer rent waiver for graduate students in campus (after all we work for them as teaching or research assistants). There is no such thing at UTD. Why that happens is probably the most stupid thing I have ever heard: the buildings are privately owned even though the land belongs to UTD. So the university has no power over the apartments !! However, only registered students are allowed to rent a room in campus.

Prices: prices are comparable to apartments around. There are other apartments complex (closest at 10 minutes of driving) but if you are new and don't have a car the campus seems like the best idea. And don't count on the buses, in Texas nobody does. It is difficult to list the current prices because they might change when you read this but you can call the office at 972-454-5000 and ask them. If you want to take a look at some of the floor plans or to see some pictures from the campus visit
http://www.utdallas.edu/student/slife/res.html

Conclusion: I think staying in the Waterview apartments is really great especially if you are new, don't have a car and like quiet and civilized neighbors.



Recommended: Yes