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University Student Housing

Your Guide to Off-Campus Living

Getting Started

Remember to do the following as you navigate your search
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There are many options in Lubbock and the surrounding area for housing, varying from houses to townhomes and apartments. Don’t feel pressured to sign with the first option you see, especially if it doesn’t have everything you’re looking for!

It is important to identify your budget range before you begin your search. We have campus resources that can help with budgeting and finances, such as Red to Black!

We recommend touring 4-6 different properties, and never signing a lease or contract before you tour the property and have all of your questions answered. Review our list of what to ask and consider on a tour to get started!

Typically this is an online application that asks when your ideal move-in date is, if you have pets, and what your renting history is if you’re renting. Some applications have an administrative fee to apply as well.

A lease is a legally binding agreement. It is important to fully review and understand what you are signing before doing so. Student Legal Services is an excellent resource available that can assist in this process.

Safety Tips & Tool

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LBK Alert

Lubbock’s emergency notification system is used to share information on things such as accidents, severe weather, road closures, and utility outages.

TechAlert

Texas Tech University’s emergency notification system which shares information on things such as campus closures, safety alerts, and severe weather.

Lubbock Police Department

For emergencies, call 911
Non-emergency number: (806) 775-2865

Knowing the Safety of Your Area

Consider reviewing the City of Lubbock's crime map

Other Tips

  • Talk with your property manager to understand if any crime or safety concerns have been reported recently, and what their procedure is to mitigate the problem.
  • Ask your property manager how you can report safety concerns should you ever have one.
  • Consider downloading safety apps.
  • Consider purchasing security systems/surveillance doorbells if your management permits it. There are renter-friendly options as well.
  • Review the Texas Tech Police Department’s crime prevention tips.

Budgeting & Conscious Spending

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Track Your Income Sources

  • Scholarships/grants
  • Student loans/Personal loans/Credit cards
  • Job earnings
  • Savings or family support
  • Military/Veteran benefits
  • Employer education benefit

Review & Track Your Costs

  • Tuition/fees
  • Parking fees
  • Housing (On or Off-campus, deposits, dining plans)
  • Books and stationery

Estimate Monthly Essentials

  • Food (On-campus meal plans, groceries, dining, deliveries)
  • Academic supplies (books, lab equipment, technology)
  • Transportation (car payments, parking, gas, car/bike maintenance, rideshare)
  • Pet care & medical (food, cleanliness, insurance, vet visits, training/boarding)
  • Home basics (appliances/appliance rental, toiletries, cleaning supplies)
  • Medical (Insurance, medications, doctor's appointments)

Account for Housing Expenses

  • Rent, deposits, renter’s insurance
  • Utilities (water, gas, electric, trash, internet)
  • Internet setup, moving costs, parking fees
  • Household items (tools, appliances)

Review Non-Essentials

  • Hobbies & extracurriculars
  • Memberships (Streaming services, gym memberships, subscriptions)

Transportation

It is important for students to determine a reliable transportation plan getting to and from campus.
The following are potential options to consider
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Without a Car

Student locking a bicycle to a bike rack outdoors with a campus building in the background.

Bus systems

On and off-campus bus routes offered through CitiBus. On-campus rides are free to students. Day, week, and month passes can be purchased to utilize their off-campus rides.
Bus Routes

CitiBus on Demand

Rideshare service that runs Mondays-Saturdays.
CitiBus services

Raider Ride

Raider Ride is a nighttime shuttle service that provides students with on-demand rides on campus from 6pm-2:45am, 7 days a week.
Raider Ride

Rideshare Services

Other common rideshare services are available throughout Lubbock

Biking & Electric Scooters

If bringing a bike to campus, remember to register it for free through Transportation & Parking Services
Registration

Other Things to Consider

Is your home within a distance you could comfortably and safely walk, bike, or scooter to/from campus? Is there a bus stop within a comfortable distance that you could safely walk, bike, or scooter to? Consider setting up a carpool system with students in your area.

With a Car

  • Remember to purchase a parking permit through Transportation and Parking Services.
  • Many students living off-campus utilize commuter parking lots, though we recommend talking to Transportation and Parking Services to find which parking permit would be best for your classes and campus involvement.
  • Students are not permitted to drive through campus and must navigate campus through other means (walking, biking, scooter, bus systems, etc.)
Parked white car along a street near brick buildings and trees.

Service & Utility Directory

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The service and utility directory below was developed using information provided by the Lubbock Apartments Association, which is reviewed annually by the Off-Campus Housing Office. It may not be an all-inclusive list and other options may be available. The Off-Campus Housing Office does not endorse any service provider over another. It is the responsibility of the individual to research service & utility providers prior to making a selection.

Are you renting?

Before selecting utilities, please discuss with your property management and check your lease for any limitations regarding utility companies and how to complete set-up.

Phone

Internet

Gas

Water

TV

  • Satellite TV (such as Dish or DirectTV) options may be limited or pre-determined by your property. Please check with your leasing management for more information on providers and pricing.
  • Cable TV options may be bundled with your phone and/or internet provider. We recommend beginning your search by seeing if this is an add-on service through them.

Electric

Depending on where you live, you may have the option to choose which retail electric provider you use. To search for electric providers in your area, please visit the Public Utility Commission of Texas’ website:

Housing Options

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Renting a Room Within an Apartment/Home

This option is common when the property managers primarily work with students. By renting a room instead of an entire unit, costs such as your rent and utilities will be automatically split between you and your roommate(s). This means you are less likely to be held responsible if your roommate(s) forget to pay their rent or cause(s) damage to their individual room(s).

Renting an Entire Unit/Apartment

This means there may be one lease that is shared by you and your roommates. Rent and utilities may be one large bill. In an apartment, utilities may be included and may be coordinated by your building management. This could be an option to consider if you would like to live alone. By renting an entire unit with others, it is more likely that one individual will be primarily responsible for the billing.

Renting a Home

Renting a home is similar to renting an apartment, where there will be a lease or contract with a specified timeframe during which you will live in the house. Utilities will typically be the sole responsibility of the renter, and this is not something landlords will set up. Landlords may or may not help with repairs and needed renovations and they have the right to sell the property. Upkeep of exterior areas of the home, such as a yard or driveway, are typically the responsibility of the renter.

Owning a Home

When owning or paying to own a home, it will be the homeowner’s responsibility for all upkeep and maintenance of the house, including the exterior and interior of the house. This includes coordinating utilities, such as water, electric, and trash services. Owning a home does provide a sense of stability and community, though it does require a strong financial background. In some instances, relatives can own a home while other members of their family are the primary ones living in it.

Leasing

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Signing a Lease

Breaking a Lease

Carefully review your lease for fees, payments, paperwork, and processes related to breaking your lease. Some properties may require a certain number of days' notice on breaking a lease as well. If breaking your lease is not an option, subleasing your space may be an alternative.

Subleasing Your Space

This is an agreement between you, management, and another person who rents your space from you. This often requires you to find someone willing to sublease from you. There is potential where you may still be responsible for rent and any associated fees for the space, including damages caused. If you are considering subleasing your space, please speak with your management and consider making an appointment with Student Legal Services on how to best protect yourself.
Good to Know...
The Off-Campus Housing Office will not provide legal advice regarding the signing of a lease agreement, or other matters related to living off-campus. The Off-Campus Housing Office will refer students to Student Legal Services to assist with specific lease concerns, including signing/breaking a lease or subleasing.
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