Dallas is a big Texan city and has a decently big economic centre. It is a beautiful green city, sparsely populated, and houses renowned institutions in the world. If you are a student looking for opportunities and wants to study in Dallas, you should definitely read through the Dallas housing guide. Most universities in Dallas are in suburban areas and are decently far from the city centre. Although the suburbs are decently populated, Public transport could be better, so it is better to live near the university. Grocery stores are available close by everywhere. Renting and real estate is cheap compared to other cities in Texas. The weather here stays warm throughout the year making it an ideal location for many students.
When to start looking for student accommodation?
Looking for a suitable student accommodation well suited for your needs should be your next step after receiving your college acceptance letter. Many students overlook that student accommodations impact your overall studying abroad experience. Here are some quick tips to help you understand how to find your ideal student housing in Dallas through our Dallas housing guide:
- It is never too late to search for your best-suited student accommodation. By booking it earlier, you can avail of exclusive discounts, especially on amber.
- Try not to wait till the last minute! It is not your college assignment. If you don't prioritize your student accommodation search, you will have to compromise on your needs and wants, leaving you unsatisfied and disappointed in your accommodation.
If you want to know more about booking your accommodation, you can read our 5 Benefits of Booking your Student Accommodation Early blog to familiarise yourself with the process and benefits of booking in advance.
Things to keep in mind when choosing student housing
Finding student housing can be stressful and daunting, but "knowing" what you want will make it less stressful and more manageable. Moreover, you can also consider the following key points while booking your accommodation.
- Budget: Budget will either make or break your deal. So, it is essential to pick a range in which you can afford your accommodation.
- Safe neighbourhood: "Safety" comes first, even while choosing an accommodation. Check to see how safe your neighbourhood is, as well as the location and surrounding areas of your accommodation.
- Amenities: Accommodations should have at least the bare minimum of amenities like a bedroom, kitchen, WiFi, etc. On the other hand, check if they also have advanced amenities such as gyms, swimming pools, laundry facilities, etc.
- Accessibility: Check if your accommodation area is accessible to different parts of the city, most importantly your university. Find out if any nearby means of transportation, like trams, subways, buses, etc., are near your accommodation.
Types of accommodation
On Campus
Students who live on campus can fully immerse themselves in the college experience. They provide several room types, including single, shared, and ensuite rooms and one-bedroom apartments.
Off-Campus Housing
On-campus housing is more expensive, limited, and prone to more restrictions than off-campus accommodation. Because rent accounts for a significant portion of the total cost of living, most international students pursuing higher education choose off-campus housing. There are various types of Dallas student housing available, included in our Dallas housing guide like:
- PBSA
Price Range- $450-$2000/- week
PBSAs is a feature in the Dallas housing guide specifically developed and built for university students like you! An all-inclusive rent is standard, and additional benefits include entirely furnished rooms, laundry service, 24x7 security, shared areas, and study rooms.
- Ensuites
Price Range- $500- $1800/ week
Ensuites are best recommended for students who like personal space and privacy. Every ensuite has a private bathroom and a shared kitchen.
- Non-Ensuites
Price Range- $450-$1300/ week
If you are a social butterfly and love others' company, then non-ensuites are just for you. Every non-ensuite has a shared bathroom and kitchen.
- Studios
Price Range- $1000-2000/ week
This housing can be private or shared with a single multi-purpose area.
Best Localities in Dallas for student housing
Even though Dallas is a great location to live, a few places in the city will make you fall in love with it and make your stay more unforgettable. Here is a list of all the best neighbourhoods in Dallas:
Lakewood: This historic district is surrounded by The Dallas Arboretum, Botanical Garden, and White Rock Lake, creating a picturesque setting filled with leafy green spaces and modern buildings. Lakewood is home to a diverse population and is accessible to many nearby shops, cafes, sports bars, and restaurants.
Trinity Groves; Trinity Groves is located south of Downtown Dallas and offers a variety of accommodations, including apartment complexes, refurbished homes, and more. It is an emerging neighbourhood.
Arlington: Arlington is usually recognised as one of the best areas to live in DFW and Texas; it is located directly between Dallas and Fort Worth and offers a unique blend of urban and suburban amenities. There are many accommodation options available in this area in our Dallas housing guide.
Uptown: If you want a more lively nightlife, Uptown is the place to be. It features outstanding food outlets that provide a variety of cuisines. It also houses some of the city's most popular pubs, cafes, and nightclubs.
You can consider some more localities: McKinney, Garland, Addison, Farmers Branch, Fairview, and Irvin which are mentioned in our Dallas housing guide.
Top 10 accommodations in Dallas
These are some few options of student housing Dallas provided by Amber Student:
1. Atlantic Highland Park
Located on Wheeler St, Atlantic Highland Park is a traditional and trendy student housing in Dallas that offers premium studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. If you are a student planning to attend Southern Methodist Campus or El-Centro College, this location and accessibility to your university will be excellent. Students at this residence pay $1313 monthly rent, slightly less than the Dallas average.
Amenities: Private yard, Pool, Parking Garages, Elevators
2. The Lofts at Mockingbird
The Lofts is a magnificent student housing located in the heart of Downtown Dallas. Students who book their accommodation at The Lofts can choose from studio, one, or two-bedroom apartments and a penthouse. With amenities such as an Olympic-sized swimming pool, private terraces, a fitness centre, easy access to transportation, and major entertainment spots, this $2052 student accommodation in Dallas is worth every dollar.
Amenities: Courtyard Area, Spa, Car wash area, Clubhouse
3. Tribeca on the Creek Condominium
If you are looking for budget-friendly student housing in Dallas equipped with all necessities, Tribeca on the Creek Condominium can be your home away from home. With a monthly rent of $615, students can have a one- or two-bedroom cosy space with a kitchen and two swimming pools. This student accommodation is located in midtown Dallas and is one of the best suggested for students attending The Arts Institute of Dallas.
Amenities: Swimming pool, Common Area, Dog Park, Outdoor Kitchen
4.Benge Oaks Apartments
Are you looking for more affordable options? Benge Oaks Apartments is a student accommodation in Dallas that should be on your list. With a rent of $480 per month, students can conveniently spend their semesters without worrying about the high rent and low amenities. Students at UT Arlington and Arlington ISD have an excellent reason to live in these apartments because they are within walking distance of campus.
Amenities: Patio, Parking Spaces
5. Princetown Court
If you are an incoming student at the Art Institute of Dallas or Richmond College, then Princetown Court would be one of the best student accommodations in Dallas. The accommodation has had raving reviews for its large spacious rooms, amazing views, accessibility, transport, and proximity to nearby parks. A student staying at Princetown Court pays a rent of $900 per month, which is super affordable and pocket-friendly
Amenities: Laundry Facility, Gym, Swimming pool
6. Biltmore
Imagine a one or two-bedroom apartment equipped with all the possible amenities in the best scenic places. Well, imagine no more Biltmore exactly has that for you. By paying $915 every month, you will stay in a place with a spacious kitchen, swimming pool, sunbathing area, laundry facilities, exercise room, and much more. The accommodation's location is very near to some of the most prominent universities in Dallas.
Amenities: Courtyard Area, BBQ, Fitness Centre
7. Huntington Meadows
Huntington Meadow is a high-quality residence designed to provide students with a comfortable lifestyle and a memorable living experience. Living in Huntington Meadow would provide an air-conditioned room with plenty of storage space and access to a fitness centre, tennis courts, community lounges, and other amenities. Apart from that, the accommodation is located in one of Arlington's most bustling neighbourhoods, where students can experience the city's culture, nightlife, and cuisine. All of this comes at a reasonable monthly fee of $925. To add more to its value, it is also close to the University of Texas and Arlington Baptist University.
Amenities: Tennis court, Gym, BBQ Grills
8. Estates on Frankford
Located in the northern part of Texas. Estate on Frankford is an elite apartment available for student accommodation. With plenty of luxury amenities and proximity to the best universities, this accommodation has been the highlight of our property listings. Highlights of the Estates on Frankford would be that it takes care of your physical health by providing sports facilities like indoor/ outdoor basketball courts, gyms, tennis courts, swimming pools, etc. So if you are a gym rat, this accommodation is meant for you. While booking, students can choose one or two-bedroom apartments, usually priced at $1285 per month.
Amenities: Laundry facilities, Swimming pool, Study area
9. Aura One90
Aura One90 is a magnificent and elegant student housing complex located on Executive Dr in Plano. Like its name, the accommodation has a captivating aura and is designed to deliver a fantastic student experience. Aura One90 offers one- and two-bedroom apartment options, basic facilities such as fast WiFi, storage spaces, or garages, and advanced amenities such as lush green gardens, a resort-style pool, and a jogging trail. You will be charged $ 1330 monthly rental costs if you reserve this accommodation.
Amenities: Spa, Game room, Club house
10. Riverbend
Riverbend is one of Arlington's most gorgeous accommodations. Because of the proximity to campus, students from the University of Texas and Arlington Baptist University typically prefer to reside in their private and shared apartments. Riverbend will provide you with amenities such as a swimming pool, clubhouse, playground, and even a dog park for a monthly cost of $1020. This is the place to be if you enjoy basking in the sunlight.
Amenities: Clubroom, Swimming pool
Looking for a video rather than reading? Check out our student guide to Dallas here.
Questions to ask before finalizing the accommodation
Congratulations! You've finally discovered your ideal Dallas student housing, but you need to make sure it's a good fit for you. So, here's a list of a few essential questions you must ask before making any decision.
- Is the accommodation near my university?
- Which is the nearest subway/ bus/ train station?
- Are there any nearby grocery stores, hospitals, or supermarkets?
- Is the area surrounding the accommodation safe?
- Will the accommodation be furnished, semi-furnished or unfurnished?
- What amenities are available for students in the accommodation?
- Are there any costs that will be bearable by me?
Moving in Checklist
When it comes to moving out, checklists will be your best friend. The closer you get to your moving-out day the worry of "missing out" on something becomes real. So before you start packing your boxes, here is a small checklist to help you make your process more organized and manageable.
- Carry all your essential documents
- Laptops, charges, and other electronic devices
- Pack your all-year-round clothes
- A box of essential medicines
- Toiletries like shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, paper tissues, etc.
- Bedsheets, blankets, and pillows
- Cutlery and utensils like plates, cups, and spoons.
- Stationery items
- Flashlight with spare batteries
If you need some more information on your packing list, check out our The Ultimate Packing Checklist for University blog.
Scams and Frauds
Being aware of the different scams and frauds that are happening in the rental market is essential. Many innocent students are taken advantage of for being "gullible" and "first-time renters". Amber ensures that your safety is a top priority and wants to inform you about today's scams. Some of them include the following:
- Non-existential rentals: The scammer has listed properties that don't exist in real life. They are also known as phantom properties.
- Hijacked Advertisement: These scams occur when a scammer hijacks an existing advertisement and attempts to impersonate the property owner.
- Clickbait Apartments: Scammers here try to use their persuasive skills and get you into signing contracts or paying deposits for properties that were not listed. Scarier than your YouTube clickbait content.
Here are some "red flags" you should look for while booking accommodation.
- If your property owner allows you to rent their accommodation without a rental agreement, that's a major red flag. Always ask for a written agreement.
- If any payment is demanded in cash, it's a sign of fraud. Never make any transactions through cash. Always use online or bank payment methods to record your transactions.
- If they ask you for any deposits or security fees before signing, the possibility of your property owner being a scammer is high. Don't pay any security deposit or first rent deposit before vetting and signing an agreement. However, a small application fee is acceptable.
To learn more, and read up more about how rental scams are plaguing the rental market, check out our How To Spot Rental Scam and Deal With Them blog.
In a nutshell, we hope that our Dallas housing guide has given you enough information about the student housing guide in Dallas. Along with its educational hub history, Dallas is known for its vast cafe culture, urban art, BBQ, Tex-Mex, frozen margaritas and shopping districts. The city is undoubtedly one of the best places to be, especially if you want to have the experience of studying and living in the United States. A true American dream!
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