Congratulations! You’ve been accepted into Texas A&M and are on your way to College Station this Fall. Now that you’re officially an Aggie, it’s time to decide where you’re going to live for your freshman year.
As you make your way through orientation, you might be asking yourself: Where do freshmen live? Should I live on- or off-campus? What are my options?
At The Jay, we’ve answered these questions and more as Texas A&M students search for their perfect apartment in College Station. We decided to write this article to answer these questions and help new students navigate the confusing world of student housing.
In this article, we’ll answer:
- What housing options are available to freshmen?
- How much does it cost to live near Texas A&M?
- When should I start looking for housing?
- How do I find roommates?
- What are my next steps?
Read Next: What Types of Housing Are Available to Texas A&M Students?
What Housing Options Are Available to Freshmen?
While many universities require freshmen to live on-campus their first year, Texas A&M gives their first-year students the freedom to choose. This means there are a variety of housing options for you to choose from during your freshman year.
On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Housing
The most popular types of housing for freshman both on- and off-campus include:
- On-campus residence halls
- Off-campus student apartments
Some students will choose to rent a house with their friends freshmen year, but this is far more common for upperclassmen and graduate students.
46.1% of freshmen decide to live on-campus, while 52.1% decide to live off-campus with friends. On-campus housing is generally split into two groups: Northside or Southside. Northside halls, located on North Campus, are often modular-style dorms where two rooms share a bathroom between them, creating a semi-private setup for four students. Southside dorms, located on South Campus, typically feature suite-style layouts.
The main difference between Northside and Southside dorms comes down to location and atmosphere. Northside residence halls are closer to Northgate, Sbisa Dining Hall and many academic buildings, making them convenient for getting to classes and campus dining quickly. Southside dorms are centered around the Commons, a hub that connects several residence halls with dining, study areas and community spaces, creating a highly social environment where many freshmen live and spend time together.
On the other hand, purpose-built student housing apartments are designed specifically for college life, offering features and conveniences tailored to students. While they typically cost more than traditional apartments, they often include perks like furnished units, individual leases and built-in community spaces for studying and socializing. Many student apartments in College Station also offer resort-style amenities such as fitness centers, pools, study lounges, movie rooms and coffee bars.
Popular student housing apartments include The Rev, The Hudson and Ion. These properties are about a 5 to 6 minute drive from campus or range from a 15 to 20 minute walk. Many students also choose to bike or scooter from their apartment, cutting down commute time.
Another major benefit of purpose-built student housing apartments is flexibility. Most properties use individual leases, meaning you’re only responsible for your own rent and room, and many allow subletting or reletting if you need to leave for the summer or a semester. Student housing apartments in College Station also generally don’t close when the residence halls do during terms like Winter Break, Spring Break and summer, so you have more flexibility with coming and going out of College Station.
Read Next: How to Sign a Lease: A Step-by-Step Guide for Texas A&M Students
Which is Right for Me?
If you’re eager for the classic freshmen experience, on-campus housing might be the better choice for you. While there are many resources available to freshmen living both on- and off-campus, Residence Advisors living in the dorms can be an especially helpful tool for students living on-campus. RAs are typically older Aggies who can assist with guiding you through your first year.
As well, Texas A&M offers Living Learning Communities, or LLCs, to freshmen living on-campus. These groups live in specific residence halls and offer activities centered around a particular focus, like sustainability or leadership.
However, if you want a more independent living experience with more privacy and amenities, an off-campus student apartment might be better for you. These apartments offer the perks of your own kitchen for cooking, resort-style pools and fitness centers and a more residential feel while still being close to campus.
Read Next: How to Find the Perfect Student Apartment in College Station
How Much Does It Cost to Live Near Texas A&M?
At the time of this publication, Texas A&M freshmen living on campus typically pay between about $3,400 and $4,200 per semester for residence hall housing, depending on the dorm type and room layout. In addition to housing, on-campus students are required to purchase a dining plan, which generally costs around $1,480 to $2,350 per semester depending on the number of meals and dining dollars included. Combined, room and board at Texas A&M often totals roughly $9,700 to $13,000 per academic year for students living in the residence halls. Prices vary based on the residence hall, meal plan tier and amenities, but these ranges represent what most first-year students can expect when budgeting for on-campus living.
Pricing for purpose-built student housing usually falls along the same price point as residential living, but there’s much more variation depending on the age of the building, what amenities are offered and the floorplan you choose.
Read Next: What’s the Cost of Living in College Station?
When Should I Start Looking for Housing?
If you’ve received your acceptance letter to Texas A&M, it’s a good idea to start looking now! Housing in College Station is extremely competitive, and acting early greatly increases your chances of securing your preferred dorm or apartment. Both on- and off-campus housing fills up quickly, so the sooner you start your search, the better.
During the time of publication, Fall 2027 Aggies will have guaranteed housing if they submit their on-campus housing application between December 2 to January 26, but their preferred dorm or roommates are not guaranteed. Housing at Texas A&M works on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier you submit your application and preferences, the better.
For off-campus housing, you should also make a decision shortly after committing to Texas A&M. Leasing for off-campus apartments can start as early as the fall of the preceding year for second-years and upperclassmen, meaning spots may be limited at popular apartment complexes. To stay ahead, be proactive and start your research early, allowing you to initiate the leasing process while desirable spots are still available.
How Do I Find Roommates as a Freshman at Texas A&M?
Choosing the right roommates as a freshman at Texas A&M can have a big impact on your first-year experience, unless you choose a higher-priced one-bedroom or studio apartment and live alone. Who you live with often depends on the type of housing you choose and the floor plan of your room or apartment.
Most on-campus residence halls are set up as double rooms, meaning you’ll share a bedroom with one roommate. Some dorms also offer triple or quad rooms, or suite-style layouts where two rooms share a bathroom. In these setups, you may live with two to four students depending on the configuration.
For off-campus housing, many freshmen live in student apartments where each person typically has their own bedroom and sometimes their own bathroom, while sharing a kitchen and living space with anywhere from one to four roommates. Some apartments also offer double occupancy rooms, shared bathrooms or private one-bedroom and studio options for students who prefer more privacy.
Both on- and off-campus housing give students the option to choose their own roommates. However, if you’re not sure who else you know is going to Texas A&M, finding roommates can be challenging at first. Many students use social media groups, housing forums or roommate-matching tools to connect with potential roommates before the school year begins.
Students who don’t have a roommate in mind can also opt for random roommate matching. For on-campus housing, Texas A&M uses the MyHousing Portal, where students complete a questionnaire about their living habits and preferences to help match them with a compatible roommate. Many off-campus student apartments offer similar roommate surveys and matching systems to pair residents with people who have similar lifestyles.
What Are My Next Steps?
After determining what type of housing you’re interested in, it’s time to start the leasing process!
On-Campus
As you now know, Texas A&M uses the MyHousing Portal for on-campus housing applications. Any accepted Aggie is eligible to apply. You’ll pay a one-time fee of $75 to secure your place in line, sign the housing contract and receive a room selection time. This time is based on when you submit your application, so the earlier you apply, the more options you’ll have for your room and roommate.
After you select your room and roommate, you’ll finalize your housing contract, and you’ll be on your way to move-in!
Read Next: Ultimate Guide to Texas A&M Meal Plans
Off-Campus
For off-campus housing, start by compiling a list of apartments you’re interested in and schedule tours at these locations. If you’re not in College Station yet, no worries: most student housing apartments will have virtual or online tour options.
The leasing staff will provide you with details about their property’s rates, amenities and availability. If you’ve decided you’ve found the apartment you want to live at, congratulations! You can submit an application, and once approved, you’ll proceed to sign a lease for your new apartment.
Read Next: 6 Reasons to Lease Early Near Texas A&M
We know that the transition to a new school can be overwhelming. With finalizing classes, figuring out roommates and preparing to be an Aggie, choosing where to live can start to feel more stressful than exciting.
We hope this guide has provided you with a good understanding of the most popular housing choices for first-year students at Texas A&M and has helped make your decision process easier. If you have additional questions about housing in College Station or would like to learn more about leasing at The Jay, reach out to our leasing team. We’re happy to help!
Audrey
Audrey is a Property Marketing Intern for The Jay. She's a senior at Texas A&M University, majoring in Communications. Her favorite drink to order is an iced matcha latte with lavender syrup!
Published On: March 23, 2026
Last Updated On: May 6, 2026
