Accommodations on and off campus
What are my options as a student?
On-Campus:
If you are under 21 and have less than 30 hours of completed coursework, you are required to live on campus. If you are over 21 years of age or have at least 30 hours, you are eligible to live off-campus, though on-campus housing also provides housing options specifically for upperclassmen and graduate students.University Housing is a great place to discover if on-campus living is what you want or need!
Off-Campus:
There are many off-campus living options, many within walking distance of campus, but there are certain things you need to consider and know about the American housing market. You need to know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, and should be asking lots of questions before signing a lease. Once you've signed, that lease is binding and VERY hard to get out of. Be cautious, take your time, and your leasing experience will hopefully be a smooth one!
Please note: that we highly recommend budgeting for a hotel or Airbnb stay upon arrival if you are not immediately moving into your dorm/apartment. Make sure you put enough money aside to have somewhere to stay upon arrival on your move-in date.
If you are moving into an apartment and need an earlier move-in date, contact your Apartment and ask if early move-in is an option. Be sure to mention that you are an international TTU student.
Hotel Program for Intl. Students
We are happy to offer special discounts for incoming international students with local Lubbock Hotel partners.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham, Lubbock West Medical Center
Amenities:
- 100% Smoke-Free Hotel
- 24-Hour Front Desk
- Business Center
- Daily Housekeeping
- Early Check-in Available
- Elevators
- Express Check-out
- Fitness Center
- Free Breakfast
- Free Parking
- Free WiFi
- Late Check-out Available
- Laundry Services
- Pool - Outdoor
- Sundries/Mart
5-minute drive to campus
32-minute walk to campus
12 minutes by bike or scooter
Discount code - Please book through this link to receive the discount
Discount Breakdown
12% off from 1-4 nights
18% off from 5-13 nights
22% off from 14+ nights
MCM Elegante
Amenities:
- FREE Shuttle to and from the Lubbock airport
- Air conditioned
- Wireless Internet
- Television
- Cable/Satellite TV
- FREE Breakfast
- FREE Parking
- FREE WiFi
- Hairdryer
- Heating
- Iron/Ironing board
- Lift/Elevator Access
- Microwave
- Mini Fridge
- Non-Smoking
- Room Service
6-minute drive to TTU
26-minute walk to TTU
8 minutes on a bike or electric scooter
Please use this link to book
Details:Breakfast is included in the rate. It is a full hot breakfast buffet with eggs cooked to order, including the omelet station and waffle station, and there is also a buffet line to choose from.
The cost is $99.00 a night plus taxes.
TownePlace Suites Lubbock
We are conveniently located just off West Loop 289 and 1 mile south of Spur 327, Brownfield Hwy in southwest Lubbock. From Loop 289, exit 50th street and stay on the access road.
Amenities:
- 7 minutes by car to TTU
- 31 minutes by bike to TTU
- 45 minutes or more by bus to TTU
- 1 hour and 44 minutes walk to TTU
Please note: Students under the age of 18 will not be able to check in without an adult.
Best Western Plus Tech Medical Center Inn
Amenities:
Location:
8 minutes by car
20 minutes by bike
30 minutes - 1 hour by bus
Not walkable
Booking link
Other Temporary Accommodation Options
TTU Housing does not offer any type of temporary housing options between move-in or
during winter break. You are responsible for ensuring you have somewhere to live during this time. This
is part of your lease agreement if you signed a non-12-month lease with on-campus
housing.
TTU International Student Life has put together a Temporary Hotel Discount Program
to help students during these times. We have also compiled a list of options that
might help you find somewhere to stay.
Furnished Housing Resources:
- Airbnb
- Travel Nurse Housing (Yes, we know you are not nurses, but this might still be a viable option for you to try)
- Furnished Finder.com
- Tripping.com
- Home-to-go
- Vrbo
- Short-Term Housing.com
- Extended Stay America
Early Dorm Move-in for International Students
When is early move in?
You will need to register for move-in through your Housing Portal.
August 15th is the ONLY early move-in day available. If you do not see this date available in your housing portal, please contact International Student Life at oia.intlstudentlife@ttu.edu
Do I still need a Move-in Slot with Housing? Yes! You still need to schedule a move-in slot with housing. You can register for the early move-in date of August 15th via your Student Housing Portal.
You do not need to contact TTU International Affairs to ask for early move-in permission. A full list of all admitted students has been sent to TTU Housing.
On-Campus Living Advice
Costs of the Dorms
Use the Rate Calculator to calculate your costs
Lease Times (Contracts) *VERY IMPORTANT
Leases are as follows:
- Academic Year - Fall and Spring semester (this does NOT include the Winter break.
- YOU WILL NEED TO FIND SOMEWHERE TO LIVE DURING WINTER BREAK
- 12-Month Contract - This does include Winter break! You do not have to move out during the winter break and may stay in your dorm. Only two dorms offer this lease, West Village and Carpenter Wells.These two dorms also include kitchens! https://www.depts.ttu.edu/housing/year-round-housing/index.php
- Summer Housing - https://www.depts.ttu.edu/housing/summer-housing.php
Website for Contracts and Contract guides
Who should I reach out to about on-campus questions?
However, if you are unsure you are always welcome to reach out to us and we can help direct you to the best person! Whether that be someone here in International Affairs or in student housing.
You can Chat with Student Housing Representatives here!
How far in advance should I book my living arrangements?
You do not want to be one of the many students we have had arrive with nowhere to live, and in a panic, because all the dorms are full and/or apartments do not have any available leases for the new few months. Yes, this has happened and continues to happen every year, which leads the students to experience high hotel costs as we do not have any free temporary living arrangements.
Tips for how to choose where to live.
- Read the online reviews or ask advice from other students.
- Take a virtual tour of the TTU Dorms. Get an idea of exactly what your dorm will look like! (many apartments now offer this same online service)
- Learn more about each dorm through the Residence Selection Guide. Want to know more about the bathrooms, roommates, and activities, this guide has everything!
- Learn about the Student Housing Contracts. It's a good idea to read the fine print and familiarize yourself with how Student Living works. Don't worry if you can't memorize it all, that's what these great websites are for!
Plan for the Holidays and Breaks in advance!
It is important to plan ahead for certain holidays and breaks when the campus and dorms will be closed. This means you will need to find somewhere else to live during this time.
Holidays/Breaks when the dorms require you to leave:
Winter Break (December)
Holidays/Breaks with limited Services:
Spring Break (March)
Thanksgiving (November)
Dining on Campus
There are also certain holidays and breaks when there are limited on-campus dining options or dining is closed completely. If you live in a dorm without a kitchen this can be very challenging because the dorms do not allow hot plates and other kitchen appliances. There are VERY LIMITED vegetarian options so be sure to purchase groceries ahead of the breaks.
Holidays/Breaks when dining is closed:
Thanksgiving (November)
Winter Break (December)
Holidays/Breaks When Dining is limited:
Spring Break (March)
What you can bring to your dorm to "cook"
- Coffee Maker (6 cups or less)
- Microwaves
- Mini Fridge
- Rice Cooker
Raider Express - Sign up EARLY for Dorm Access!!
WHAT IS RED RAIDER EXPRESS PASS?
Red Raider Express Pass is an opportunity for incoming students who are fully admitted
to Texas Tech University to sign up for housing and select a residence hall and room
prior to the official room selection launch date.
Visit the Express Pass webpage to learn more!
TTU Dorms OFFICAL Magazine!
How do Dinning Plans Work?
All TTU students who live on campus will need to sign up for a dining plan. You will use your TTU ID like cash to pay for meals on-campus.
Adding Money to your Dining Account: While your dining plan will have a certain amount of money on it, you can always add money to your account. Your family can also add money to your account at any time. Simply click the Manage Your Dining Bucks link to add funds to your dining plan.
Here is an estimated breakdown of the dining plan levels:
- RED & BLACK
- Biggest eaters with lots of on-campus snacking
- MATADOR
- 'Middle-of-the-road' eaters, almost all meals with snacking
- DOUBLE T
- Lightest of eaters; miss meals due to off-campus job or specialized dietary needs
For More Questions about Dining Plans for First Year students visit the Hospitality website
Healthy Eating and Special Diets (Halal, Vegan and others)
For Gluten Free and Vegan/Vegetarian Students:
*One thing to note is that in the USA we might define Vegan & vegetarian differently than you do back home. In the USA Vegan means you do not eat any meat, dairy, or eggs. Vegetarian means that you do not eat meat, however, you do eat milk and eggs. Many American breads are made with milk and eggs. If you are unsure if something contains milk or eggs be sure to ask the server.
Special Dietary Needs
Halal Students:
Eating Halal in Lubbock can be a little difficult, However, it is not impossible! Please click on the guide below to see a list of all the places on campus that offer Halal options.
TTU Halal Guide
Off-Campus Housing Advice
TTU Official Off-Campus webpage
Tips and Tricks for your Off Campus Housing Search
Know your priorities before starting your search
Ask yourself what you most care about: Is it living with fellow grad students, having your own bathroom, the cost of the rent + utilities, proximity to campus, safety, etc.?
Identify what needs are vs. wants are
What's your preference?
What's a necessity?
Look at website photos and contact apartments about their current pricing, because rent prices can fluctuate daily. Many run specials ahead of fall move-in!
Utilize Texas Tech's Student Legal Services Office BEFORE SIGNING YOUR LEASE
These lawyers will look over the lease with you so that you understand all you agree to, and to ensure that what you are signing is in accordance with the law.
ASK QUESTIONS & DO NOT feel rushed or forced to sign a lease before you're ready
Be on the lookout for scammers:
Tips for avoiding housing scams on forums like Craigslist:
- Prioritize posts with photos over text-only posts
- Do a reverse image search on Google to check if the pictures have been downloaded from the internet
- Google the address and make sure it exists
- Meet the landlord in person before doing any transactions
- Don't pay for anything in cash — you can cancel a transaction if you feel it's suspicious but you can't do the same with cash
- Better safe than sorry—call us (at the Office of International Affairs, 806-742-3667, or TTU's Student Legal Services, 806-742-3289) BEFORE you complete any financial transaction if you are concerned about making a payment or signing a lease!
Questions to ask your Landlord
A property manager or landlord's job is to work alongside you throughout the term of your lease. Prior to signing the lease, you need to confirm that your future landlord or building manager will hold up their end of the bargain. Here are some questions to ask when considering a rental:
- Questions to ask...
- What space is my own and what spaces are shared with others?
- What furniture items, if any, are included in the space?
- What kitchen amenities (microwave, refrigerator, oven, stovetop, etc.) are included in the apartment?
- What is the total square footage and room configuration?
- Do you provide roommate-matching services?
- Can I make specific requests about my roommates, like living only with others of my gender, educational level, age level, etc.?
- Am I allowed to add roommates to my lease?
- What are the available lease timeframes?
- When is rent due and what form of payment is required?
- What are the penalties for late rent?
- What is the penalty for lease-breaking?
- What is the policy regarding subleasing?
- What utilities are included in my rent?
- What are the average utility costs that are not included in monthly rent costs?
- As an international student, what documents do you need from me at lease signing?
- As an international student without US credit history, must I have a co-signer with US credit history?
- Will I have walking access or bus access to campus?
- How long is the average walk or bus ride to campus, and do I have to switch buses before arriving to campus? Do these buses run year-round as part of the city bus system, or are they a part of the TTU bus system, and thus only run when classes are in session?
- Am I walking distance to a grocery store, Walmart, and/or pharmacy? If not, are there buses in close walking distance to the apartment that could take me to these destinations every day of the week?
- What safety precautions does the complex take to ensure my safety within my apartment as well as on property?
- Are there additional costs for vehicle parking for myself or friends who visit?
- Is there on-site*** maintenance, security, and/or property managers?
- ***this means they live on-property and would be available 24/7 for emergencies
- Are there any safety or health concerns associated with the property (mold, lead paint, etc)?
- Are there bike storage areas?
- What is the refund policy for security deposits?
- Is there a secure area for mail and inbound packages?
- What types of customizations can I make to a property (paint, nails for hanging pictures, etc)? Which ones are prohibited?
- What are the rules/restrictions surrounding temporary guests?
- What pets are allowed on the property, and what are the rules surrounding their care while on property (for example, are dogs required to be on a leash)?
- Can I guarantee that I live with roommates that DO NOT own pets?
Neighborhoods Close to TTU
These homes are likely not furnished, but many areas are walkable to campus. Tech Terrace also has a bus line that serves it.
Apartments in Walking Distance of Campus
Many student apartments offer more than a typical apartment residence, and these additional
perks could be things like roommate-matching services, furnishings, academic year
leases, community programming, bus routes to campus, etc.
Off-Campus-Housing Marketplace - Find an Apartment!
.
NOTE: Signing a contract or lease agreement is a binding legal document. Be sure you have
selected the place you want to live and understand all the information in the document
before you sign. SIGNING IS BINDING.
Disclaimer: This map, though not exhaustive nor an endorsement of any kind by Texas Tech University
or the Office of International Affairs, acknowledges these apartments' proximity to
the university and as a result their popularity with the Texas Tech student body.
Many of these apartment buildings also exclusively serve college students* and are
within walking distance of the campus.
Legal advice and Free assistance from Student Law
Living Off Campus - Common Difficulties
Housing Discrimination in Texas - Know your rights
Apartments that offer leases with FULL Cancelation Addendums
A Lease Cancellation Addendum for international students who need to sign a lease for an apartment before arriving in the country but are not 100% sure they will be attending in the coming semester.
For Example: Shravani is planning on attending TTU in the Fall, but due to some visa issues, there is a chance she might not be able to come until Spring.
She still would like to book an apartment. She signs a lease with a cancellation addendum that provides her a 100% refund if she cancels before a certain date in September. Now Shravani feels secure that she has an apartment ready for her if she comes to TTU in the Fall, but if she has to defer and come in the Spring she can cancel her lease with no financial loss.
Apartments that offer a Lease Cancellation Addendum
Centre Suites Student Living
"Living well, made easy!"
Contact for more information:Makayla.martinez@assetliving.com
Justin.lopez@assetliving.com
(806) 747-7700
Address: 2300 Glenna Goodacre Boulevard,
Lubbock, Texas 79401
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to live on campus as a Freshman?
The long answer: "The university requires enrolled first-year students to live in the university residence halls. Institutional research suggests that students who live on campus are significantly more inclined to remain in college and achieve higher GPAs in comparison to students living off campus."
"The on-campus residency requirement applies to Lubbock campus students enrolled in more than six hours for the fall or spring semesters and/or enrolled for three hours per summer session."
Source: Texas Tech Operating Policies and Procedures
Do the dorms have kitchens?
Carpenter-Wells & West Village offer kitchens.
The other dorms do allow you to bring certain kitchen tools into the dorm, however, there are many restrictions due to fire safety. Students are strongly to bring a mini-fridge (easily purchased on Amazon) and a microwave.
See all prohibited items on page 7 of the residence Hall Procedures Manual
Do the dorms stay open for school breaks/holidays?
Dorm Contract Extension
If you decide to extend your housing contract so you can live on campus during the break you will need to know the following information.
- You will need to request this in advance! Be sure to let your housing team know your plans for the break well ahead of when they close.
- You will be moved to another dorm temporarily.
- You will be charged a daily fee (like how a hotel charges per night).
Who do I contact for questions about dorms?
You can contact Housing at housing@ttu.edu
Housing website: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/housing/
TTU Student Legal Services
Student Legal Services
OFFICE HOURS/NOTARIES
Student Legal Services (SLS) is fully open.
Please call (806) 742-3289 to set up an appointment with an attorney.
Notary services are available too. You only need a notary appointment if you have
numerous documents. Please walk in if you only have one or two documents.
Location:
Student Union Building Rm. 307 Lubbock, TX 79409-1017
Email:studentlegalservices@ttu.edu
Legal Advice:
Living Off Campus - Common Difficulties
Housing Discrimination in Texas - Know your rights
TTU Student Legal Service - Landlord/Tenant Questions
Additional Resources
Walking Distance to Tech
Lubbock Bus System
• Citibus provides on- and off-campus bus service in Lubbock under the direction and guidance of Texas Tech's Student Government Association.
- On-campus service is free to anyone on the Texas Tech campus. Students may ride for
FREE on any Citibus off-campus route by showing their Texas Tech ID card. For up-to-date
schedules and maps, visit http://www.citibus.com/texas-tech-route-schedules.php
• DoubleMap Bus Tracking App: Citibus offers DoubleMap for live bus tracking. Download the app through the App Store or Google Play store. Search for "Citibus (Lubbock)" in the location selection after downloading.
*Note: Public transportation is not used widely, outside of the student population. Because of the vast area Lubbock covers, many people use cars to get around. Consider also exploring Lubbock via a car share service or by sharing rides with a friend or roommate.
Roommate-Matching & Apartment Forums
Seeking a roommate or want to hear perspectives from current students? These forums
could help you:
• Roomsurf Roommate Matching site
• Livesomewhere.com's Roommate, Subleases & Apartment group
Temporary Accommodation Options
AirBnb - Rentals from rooms to full homes.
Furnished Finders
International Affairs
-
Address
601 Indiana Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79409-5004 -
Phone
806.742.3667 -
Email
oia.reception@ttu.edu