So you’re headed to Texas A&M this fall. Congratulations! Your first semester as an Aggie is an exciting milestone. But once the acceptance excitement settles in, one big question quickly follows: Where to live in College Station?
With so many housing options, from on-campus residence halls to student apartments or traditional rentals, it can feel overwhelming to figure out which one is the right fit for your lifestyle, budget and college experience.
After working with Texas A&M students navigating their housing decisions year after year at The Jay, we’ve seen how confusing the process can be, especially for first-time renters.
In this guide, we’ll break down your housing options for Texas A&M transfer and exchange students in College Station, what to consider before signing a lease and how to choose the best place to live for your first year as an Aggie, answering questions like:
- Where do Texas A&M students live?
- What types of off-campus housing are available?
- When should I start looking for housing?
- How much does it cost to live near Texas A&M?
- How do I find roommates as a transfer or exchange student to Texas A&M?
- What are the next steps?
Read Next: Types of Housing Available to Texas A&M Students
Texas A&M Transfer and Exchange Programs
While transfer and exchange students are often grouped together, their experiences at Texas A&M can be slightly different.
Transfer students typically enroll at Texas A&M permanently and complete the remainder of their degree as Aggies. Exchange students, on the other hand, usually study at Texas A&M for one semester or one academic year before returning to their home university.
Because of this difference in length of stay, housing priorities and preferences may vary. Many transfer students look for longer-term housing solutions, while exchange students often prioritize flexible leases or furnished apartments that make short-term living easier.
Transfer Students
Being a transfer student to Texas A&M can be a difficult transition. To combat this and help students adjust to the Aggie lifestyle, Texas A&M offers the Transfer Student Program (TSP).
This program is designed to help transfer students get the most out of their experience at Texas A&M. It offers transfer-specific support services including advising, social and wellness events, academic mentorship and opportunities to meet other transfer students. Designed to help for your first two semesters, the TSP is made specifically to help your transition into Aggie life.
Exchange Students
Texas A&M’s International Exchange Program offers advisors to help exchange students before, during and after their exchange. They offer guidance on course scheduling, registration and immigration regulations.
For specific immigration documentation assistance, A&M has the International Student & Scholar Services that can advise students on things like Department of Homeland Security updates, immigration attorneys and tax information.
There are also student groups on campus to help introduce exchange students and connect them with other Aggies, like Aggie Nations. Exchange students can go to events specifically hosted to bring international students together and provide support as they transition into Aggie living.
While many first-year students at Texas A&M choose to live in on-campus housing, spaces can be limited and despite the resources available for transfer and exchange students, it can be difficult to secure a spot. That’s why we’ve created this guide of everything you need to know about alternative housing options available to Texas A&M transfer and exchange students.
Off-Campus Housing for Texas A&M Transfer and Exchange Students
Where Do Texas A&M Students Live?
When looking for off campus housing near campus, there are a few popular neighborhoods to consider:
Northgate
Northgate is one of the most popular areas for student housing. Located directly next to campus, Northgate features a mix of student apartments, traditional apartments and rental houses. The area is known for its social atmosphere, with a variety of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues within walking distance. Many students who live here can easily walk to both class and nightlife without needing a car, which adds to its appeal. Rent tends to be higher due to the location and demand, but for students who prioritize convenience and an active social scene, Northgate is often the top choice.
Historic District
Another well-known student area is the Historic District, one of the largest neighborhoods where Texas A&M students live. The area includes a number of streets that are especially popular for student housing, including Aurora Court, which runs along the edge of the neighborhood. Nearby streets like Cooner Street and Live Oak Street are also known for having a high concentration of student houses, particularly among Greek life members.
Within this cluster of neighborhoods, Howdy Court is another small pocket of streets where many fraternity members live. While these streets don’t necessarily fall under one widely used neighborhood name, they are well known within the student community as a central hub for student housing.
The Barracks
Farther from campus, The Barracks is another popular choice among students. This large housing development offers townhouse-style living and amenities that appeal to students, though it typically requires a short drive to reach campus.
Bryan
In recent years, more students have also begun living in Bryan, particularly around areas near Fairway Drive. As housing closer to campus fills up, these neighborhoods have become increasingly attractive thanks to more available housing and the growing number of local restaurants, shops and entertainment options nearby.
Read Next: Which Student Apartments in College Station are Closest to Texas A&M?
What Types of Off-Campus Housing Are Available Near Texas A&M?
There are three main types of off-campus housing options available to Texas A&M students:
Student Housing Apartments
Student housing apartments are off-campus communities built specifically for college students and typically located within close proximity to campus. These properties are designed to support busy student lifestyles, offering convenience, flexibility and community-focused living.
Most student housing complexes operate on individual leases, meaning each roommate signs their own agreement and is only responsible for their portion of the rent and assigned bedroom space. Units come fully furnished and offer a range of floor plan options, from studios to 6×6 layouts (six bedrooms, six bathrooms), allowing students to choose what best fits their preferences and budget.
Many student housing communities also feature modern amenities such as rooftop pools, fitness centers, study lounges and on-site retail like coffee shops, creating an environment that supports both academic and social life.
Traditional Apartments
Traditional apartments aren’t built specifically for students, and they’re usually located a bit farther from campus. They also tend to offer fewer student-focused amenities compared to purpose-built student housing. Most traditional apartments use traditional leases, meaning everyone signs the same lease together instead of individually. Because of that, you and your roommates are collectively responsible for the full rent, utilities and any damages. That means you’ll need to figure out your own system for splitting payments, and if one person falls behind, everyone on the lease is still legally responsible.
Traditional Houses
Renting a traditional house near campus is another popular option, especially for upperclassmen and graduate students who want more space or a quieter environment. Like traditional apartments, houses typically don’t include student-oriented features and are often unfurnished, so you’ll need to budget for furniture and utilities. These homes also operate on joint, year-long leases, meaning all roommates share financial and legal responsibility for the property. While this option can offer more independence and space, it also requires a higher level of coordination and accountability among roommates.
When Should I Start Looking for Housing?
As soon as you commit to transfer to Texas A&M, you should start looking for housing. Your chances of finding your dream dorm or apartment are much higher when you sign a lease early. Whether you decide to live on or off campus, housing options near Texas A&M’s campus can go quickly.
Read Next: When to Start Looking For Student Housing as a Texas A&M Student
If you’re looking at on-campus dorms, transfer and exchange students follow the same application process as other Texas A&M students through the myHousing portal. However, first-year freshmen typically receive priority for on-campus housing, which means residence hall availability for transfer and exchange students can be more limited. Because of this, many transfer and exchange students choose to explore off-campus housing options near campus.
Once you’re admitted to Texas A&M, you’ll use the myHousing portal to complete the housing application online. This application opens in mid-September, and students who apply before December 1st receive priority housing status.
In your housing application, you can list roommate requests and preferences, and early applicants can select their own room and building during the room selection phase in the Spring. You’ll pay a $75 application fee and receive your first-come, first-served room assignment.
For more information regarding the on-campus residence hall application process, reference A&M’s Residence Life page in the Division of Student Affairs.
Off-campus housing is also quite competitive, so you’ll want to sign and commit soon after you make the decision to transfer to Texas A&M. Off-campus apartments begin leasing as early as Fall the year prior to move-in, so spots at popular apartment complexes will be increasingly limited the longer you wait.
How Much Does it Cost to Live Near Texas A&M?
As of January 2026, living in on-campus housing can range from $3,005 to $7,343 per semester depending on what style of housing you choose. Because these contracts are for two semesters at nine months total, your monthly rate will range from about $668 and $1,632.
Off-campus student apartment options range in their monthly cost. Your rate will be lower or higher depending on the property, location, amenities, number of roommates and floor plan you select.
As of January 2026, off-campus traditional apartments tend to average a rate of around $1,752 per month. This price is influenced depending on location, building age, apartment size, number of roommates, etc.
Off-campus traditional houses tend to be located farther from campus and with less amenities, so they generally fall on the low-to-mid end of the price range. Traditional houses in College Station can range from $500 to $1,500 per person, per month depending on the size of the house, the number or roommates you have, the age of the house and the area of College Station it’s located in.
Read next: 6 Ways to Cut Costs on Students Apartments near College Station
How Do I Find Roommates as a Transfer or Exchange Student at Texas A&M?
Roommates can significantly shape your overall college experience, and as a transfer or exchange student, finding the right fit may feel overwhelming at first. Between adjusting to a new campus and meeting new people, securing housing with compatible roommates can seem like another major step in the transition process.
In off-campus student apartments, most floor plans are designed with shared common areas, such as a kitchen and living room, and private bedrooms and bathrooms for each resident. Options typically range from 2×2 layouts (two bedrooms, two bathrooms) to 6×6 configurations (six bedrooms, six bathrooms), meaning you could live with anywhere from one to five roommates depending on the setup you choose.
Both on-campus and off-campus housing communities generally allow you to select your own roommates if you already have friends or connections in mind. However, if you’re still building your circle, that’s completely normal! Most residence halls and student apartment communities offer roommate matching programs, where you can complete a brief questionnaire about your lifestyle preferences and be paired with someone with similar habits and routines.
If you would rather have more say in the roommates you pick, there are also other resources like Facebook groups, Instagram pages and other online platforms to help students find roommates.
What Are the Next Steps?
Once you’ve narrowed down the type of housing you’re looking for and have an idea of how many roommates you plan to live with, the next step is starting the leasing process.
Begin by creating a list of apartment communities that match your preferences and schedule tours at each property. Touring allows you to compare floor plans, amenities, pricing and overall atmosphere while speaking directly with leasing staff about availability and current rates. If you’re out of state or unable to visit in person, most communities offer virtual tours and video calls so you can walk through the space remotely and have your questions answered in real time.
After selecting the community that best fits your needs, you’ll complete an application. Once your application is approved, you’ll move forward with signing your lease to officially secure your apartment.
Read Next: How to Sign a Lease in College Station
Whether you’re a transfer or exchange student, coming into Texas A&M can be daunting as you navigate applications, moving and entering a new academic environment. At The Jay, we want your housing journey in College Station to be the least stressful part of your transition into Aggie life.
We hope this guide puts you in the right direction when looking for housing as a transfer or exchange student at Texas A&M. If you have any further questions about student housing near Texas A&M or would like to learn more about leasing at The Jay, feel free to reach out to our leasing team. We are more than happy to assist you in your search for housing!
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: April 27, 2026
Last Updated On: May 6, 2026
