Are you an international student at Texas A&M and looking for the perfect place to live?
Finding housing in College Station can be difficult, especially for international students who are not very familiar with the area.
At The Heights, we want to help you understand all of your housing options, which is why we’ve created this guide to make your housing search simple as an international student.
In this article, we answer all of your questions about finding housing as an international student near TAMU, including:
- Which neighborhoods do TAMU students live in?
- Which types of housing do TAMU students live in?
- How much does it cost to live near A&M?
- What is the best way to find an apartment?
- How do I sign my lease?
Which Neighborhoods Do Texas A&M Students Live In?
When looking for off campus housing near campus, there are a few popular neighborhoods to consider:
Northgate
Photo courtesy of Visit College Station.
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
Photo courtesy of Redfin.
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
Photo courtesy of Apartments.com.
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
Photo courtesy of Day Trippin Texas.
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 Communities
Student housing communities are off-campus housing options 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.
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.
Signing Your Lease
Once you’ve found the perfect home for your time at UT, it’s time to sign your lease. Though this is a fairly straightforward process, there are a few things you’ll want to be certain to remember:
Find a guarantor
If you are a full-time student, you will likely need a guarantor to co-sign your lease.
Most student housing properties require a guarantor, and many College Station landlords do not accept undergraduate student tenants unless they have one.
So… what is a guarantor?
A guarantor is someone who co-signs your lease and takes responsibility for any rent payments that you are unable to make, typically a parent or guardian.
For applicants who do not have a credit history in the United States and/or a guarantor, the landlord or property manager will typically accept a prepayment of two installments in lieu of the credit/guarantor requirements, unless otherwise expressed in writing by management. This varies by the apartment complex, so be sure to ask your leasing team about their policy.
Prepare your documents
The landlord will run a credit check prior to finalizing your lease, so you and your guarantor should gather your bank account statements, pay stubs and Social Security numbers.
Applicants who are citizens of another country must also provide a passport, the INS document that entitles the applicant to be in the United States, and an I-20 verifying student status and proof of enrollment. The landlord or property manager may ask to make a photocopy of INS documents, international passport and/or visa.
If you cannot provide proof of enrollment at the time of application, you may be approved on the condition that you will submit proof of enrollment as soon as it is available. Be sure to ask the apartment complex that you are considering to confirm.
Carefully read over your lease agreement
A student lease tends to be around 40 pages, and while it is a lengthy document, it is important that you read and understand each part of it. A lease is a legally binding contract, so it is important that you know what you’ll be held accountable for.
It is important to know the specific terms of your lease. You will want to pay close attention to:
- Important dates and fees
- Rental amount and due date
- Pet policy
- Rental insurance
- Length of your lease
- Lease-breaking policy
- Sublease policy
Sign!
After you fully understand the terms of your lease, it’s time to sign. Once the lease is signed by you and your guarantor, and your credit check is passed, your lease is ready for approval. Congratulations!
If you’re interested in living at The Heights, please contact our leasing team or book a tour now. We’d love to welcome you to College Station.
Bailey Harris
Bailey Harris is the Leasing & Marketing Manager at The Heights. Born and raised in College Station, Bailey brings firsthand knowledge of the local community and Texas A&M area to help students find a place that feels like home. Outside of work, she enjoys watching a good show, soaking up the sun and trying fun new drinks around town.
Published On: August 28, 2026
Last Updated On: August 28, 2026