Best Student Housing Houston

Best Student Housing In Houston

4 Reviews by Students

Filter and discover student housing in Houston, with 2 buildings across 2 universities. View availability, read verified reviews, and request to reserve rooms for free – no deposit or hidden costs.

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2 properties

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Life Tower

CLS Living

Apartments,

Lifetower has been nice to live in for the most part! Sweet staff, nice parking garage, great amenities, cute events with free food, etc. It’s nice to ... read more

Room Types	Academic Year	Tenancy Length	Availability	Price
Apartments	2026/27	Academic Year	Available	From £1659
Rooms - Ensuite	2026/27	Academic Year	Available	From £1309
Studios	2026/27	Academic Year	Available	From £1379

From $1309 per month

Rooms available for 26/27 (Academic Year)

Find out more from CLS Living

Needs 8 more reviews to show StudentCrowd score

Tower 5040

CLS Living

Apartments,

Best apartment in the UH area. read more

Room Types	Academic Year	Tenancy Length	Availability	Price
Apartments	2026/27	Academic Year	Available	From £1919
Rooms - Ensuite	2026/27	Academic Year	Available	From £989
Studios	2026/27	Academic Year	Available	From £1639

From $989 per month

Rooms available for 26/27 (Academic Year)

Find out more from CLS Living

How much does student accommodation cost in Houston?

Typically, rent ranges from $163 to $449 per week in Houston, depending on the type of room, location and the amenities included.

Average rent by room type

En-suite Rooms: $163–$348/week – private bathroom with a shared kitchen, popular with first-year students.
Studios: $317–$399/week – private kitchen and bathroom, offering full independence at a higher price.
Apartments: $382–$449/week – self-contained flats with separate living spaces, ideal for privacy or even sharing with friends.

Finding Student Housing

Student Housing in Houston

Houston is a big student city — tens of thousands of students call it home, drawn by strong universities and a lot going on beyond campus. The University of Houston, Rice University, and Texas Southern University are the main ones, and the Texas Medical Center pulls in a huge number of healthcare and graduate students on its own.

Most students live on campus their first year, then move off-campus for more space, more freedom, and usually a better deal on rent.

Best Neighborhoods For Students In Houston

Houston is spread out, so where you live makes a real difference in your day-to-day. Here are some of the most popular areas for students:

Third Ward – Home to both UH and TSU, this is a natural fit for students at either school. West University is a quiet, residential neighborhood located next to Rice University, and its proximity to the university is reflected in its name, according to the City of West University Place. It’s on the pricier side but walkable and well-kept.
Medical Center – If you’re studying medicine, nursing, or anything health-related, living here just makes sense. It’s dense with hospitals and research institutions, and the METRORail Red Line runs right through.
Midtown & Montrose – A popular choice for students who want to be close to restaurants, bars, and things to do. More of a social scene than a quiet study zone, but centrally located and easy to get around.
East Downtown (EaDo) – A bit grittier and more affordable than some other areas, but close to Downtown and well-connected by METRORail. Good option if you’re watching your budget.
Downtown – Convenient if you need to be central, with easy access to public transit and plenty of entertainment nearby. Less of a student hub, but the location can work well depending on your campus.

Hermann Park is worth knowing about — it’s a large green space near Rice and the Museum District, good for a break from studying. For getting around without a car, the METRORail Red and Purple Lines cover a lot of ground, linking most of these neighborhoods to each other and to campus.

One thing worth noting: safety and commute times can vary a lot between neighborhoods, and things change. Before committing to an area, it’s a good idea to check the Houston Police Department’s crime map, look at recent community forums or local news, and if possible, walk around the neighborhood at different times of day. Your university’s student affairs office is also a solid starting point for recommendations.

Student Housing Near Universities In Houston

Near the University Of Houston

UH sits in the Third Ward, and there’s no shortage of apartments nearby — shared houses, private units, you name it. That said, housing fills up fast, so it’s worth starting your search a few months out. A lot of students look for places along the METRORail Purple Line since it runs straight through to Midtown and Downtown. Grocery stores and restaurants are easy to come by in the area too.

Near Rice University

Rice is tucked between the Museum District and Upper Kirby, so most students can bike to campus or are just a short ride away. The neighborhoods around it are pretty livable — tree-lined streets, good restaurants, and Hermann Park right nearby if you need some outdoor time. If you don’t have a bike or car, the METRORail Red Line gets you to Downtown and the Medical Center without much hassle.

Near Texas Southern University

TSU is in the Third Ward, one of Houston’s most historically rooted neighborhoods. Most students find something close by — shared apartments or off-campus units that are walkable or a short bike ride from class. The METRORail Purple Line runs through the area, which makes getting to Midtown, Downtown, or even UH pretty straightforward if you don’t have a car.

Housing Options In Houston

Students in Houston can choose from:

On-campus residence halls
Purpose-built student housing
Shared apartments
Private bedroom units
Studio apartments

Many units may be furnished with basic furniture, but always confirm with the landlord or property manager exactly what is included before making your decision.

What Is Usually Included In Rent

Every place is different, but rent often covers some combination of:

Utilities (water, electricity, internet)
Access to shared spaces (study rooms, lounges)
Fitness centers
On-site laundry facilities

Furnished places usually come with a bed, desk, and some storage — but always double-check what’s actually included before you sign anything.

Furnished Vs Unfurnished Student Apartments

Furnished apartments are a good call if you’re moving from out of town or only staying for a semester — you’re not hauling furniture across the country.

Unfurnished gives you more control over how the place looks and feels, but you’ll need to sort out furniture yourself, which adds cost and effort up front.

Student Housing Amenities In Houston

What you get depends on the building, but common amenities include:

Study spaces and quiet rooms
Fitness centers
Pools and outdoor areas
Bike storage
Shared lounges and social spaces

Some buildings also put on social events, which can be a decent way to meet people when you first move in.

On-Campus Vs Off-Campus Housing

On-Campus Housing

Close to classes
Access to university services
Limited availability
May require joining a waitlist

Off-Campus Housing

More independence
Wider range of layouts and pricing
Responsibility for budgeting and utilities
Leases can look pretty similar on the surface but vary a lot in the details. Read the whole thing — not just the headline numbers. In particular, look out for:
- Penalties for breaking the lease or late payments
- Guest visit and overnight stay policies
- Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance
- Rules about subletting or early termination
- Payment schedule and included utilities
- What is expected for move-out cleaning and deposits
If something’s unclear, just ask the property manager before you sign — it’s much easier to sort out upfront than after the fact.

How To Apply For Student Housing In Houston

Give yourself 3–6 months, especially if you’re moving in at the start of a semester when competition is high. The process usually goes something like this:

- Research and shortlist properties that match your needs.

- Schedule tours (in person or virtual) to view available apartments or units.

- Submit your application online or in person. Most applications require:

Valid ID - Proof of enrollment
Deposit and initial payment
The landlord or property manager will review your application and may request additional documents.
Once approved, examine and sign the Before you sign anything, make sure the listing is legitimate, the lease terms make sense, and all the details match what you were told. and validate details before signing.

Graduate And International Student Housing

Graduate students tend to prioritize having their own space and a quieter environment — shared party houses aren’t always the vibe when you’re deep in research or coursework.

International students may need:

Proof of enrollment
Identification documents
A guarantor or upfront rent

If you’re coming from abroad, it’s worth looking for housing providers that offer a bit of extra support. Some will arrange airport pickup, help you open a bank account, walk you through the paperwork, or point you toward local resources. It makes the first few weeks a lot less overwhelming.

Summer Housing And Short-Term Options

Short-term housing options include:

Sublets
Short-term leases

Availability may be limited, so booking early is recommended.

What To Look For In A Student Housing Lease

Before signing, review:

Lease length and renewal terms
Cancellation and subletting policies
Total monthly cost and fees
Utility responsibilities

Make sure you fully understand every part of your lease agreement before committing. Ask the landlord or property manager for explanation of any terms, policies, or costs you are unsure of to avert unexpected issues.

How To Avoid Rental Scams

Avoid large upfront payments without verification.
Visit the property or request a verified virtual tour.
Confirm landlord or property ownership.
Choose secure payment methods to protect yourself.

Move-In Checklist For Students

Sign the lease agreement.
Pay deposit
Set up utilities
Inspect the unit and report any issues.
Arrange internet service
Consider renters insurance

All the Answers You Need About Student Housing

What tenancy length do I need?

Some students choose to stay during the lease term, whilst others – particularly international students – require a tenancy that covers the entire year. You can also find student housing that is available for one or two terms, classified as a “short stay” on our search filters.

Should I stay in catered student housing?

This is totally up to you! Catered accommodation means you will be served meals at set times in a dining hall, and you’ll likely have access to fewer kitchen facilities than if you were to stay in self-catered accommodation.

What is a guarantor and do I need one?

A guarantor is a person who signs a contract to agree to pay your rent if you are unable to. Most campus housing requires a guarantor, and this applies to both domestic and international students.

Will I need to pay a deposit on student housing?

Most likely, yes, you’ll need to pay a deposit. This will be refunded at the end of your stay as long as there is no damage to the room or property.

What bills will my rent include?

If you are staying in university-run campus housing or private student housing, your rent should include any utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and internet. Students are not required to pay council tax, however you may need to fill in an exemption form so make sure you check with your local council.

What is purpose-built student housing?

Purpose-built student housing (PBSA) are residential buildings designed for students. They are often located close to campus, boast modern facilities, include all bills, and often have staff on site to assist residents.

Will my student housing be furnished?

Student housing is typically fully furnished. Your room should include at least a bed, clothes storage, desk and chair. You’ll likely need to bring things such as bedding and kitchen utensils, but we have a full list here of everything you’ll need.