Did you just get accepted to UT Austin and already feel the stress of figuring out where to live? As a UT student myself, I remember how overwhelming it was to navigate the maze of housing options, both on- and off-campus. With so many factors to consider—proximity to campus, amenities, pricing—it takes careful thought to find a place that truly fits your needs.
Read Next: A Freshman’s Guide to Student Housing at the University of Texas at Austin
UT Austin freshmen have a wide range of housing options to choose from, including on-campus dorms, off-campus dorm-style residences and West Campus apartments. Many students opt to live off campus for various reasons, such as greater independence, more space or access to different amenities.
With so many choices available, it’s important to weigh your options carefully. To simplify your housing search, we’ve put together a side-by-side comparison of Rambler Austin’s Marfa floor plan and other popular on- and off-campus dorms. This guide breaks down key factors like location, amenities and pricing to help you find the best fit for your needs.
Rambler Austin’s model unit showing furniture and finishes.
What is The Marfa?
The Marfa is a 4×2 floor plan at Rambler, thoughtfully designed with freshmen in mind. It offers a setup similar to traditional dorms, with a shared bathroom arrangement, but provides key advantages like private bedrooms, more living space and a full kitchen, all at a price point comparable to (or even lower than) many dorm options.
Another major perk? The Marfa is Rambler’s SMART Housing unit, meaning students who meet financial aid requirements can access reduced rental rates, making it an affordable option for those looking to live off campus.
Student Housing Comparison: Marfa vs. UT Austin Dorms
Location
Rambler
Rambler is located in the heart of West Campus, a perfect neighborhood for social UT students. This area is home to many Greek life houses, a food truck park and several coffee hotspots. Check out our neighborhood guide to see everything West Campus has to offer.
Just a short walk from the Union, Moody College of Communication and several UT Engineering buildings, Rambler offers convenience for getting to class. It’s also near the West Campus Food Truck Park and popular dining spots like Pizza Press, Raku, Pluckers and all your favorites on Guad. Additionally, Rambler is conveniently close to several Greek houses, including Phi Psi, Zeta Tau Alpha and Sigma Chi.
Rambler, off-campus student apartments, in West Campus.
Jester Hall
Positioned on the east side of campus, Jester places you right in the heart of campus life. Just steps from Jester West’s food hall, you’ll find easy access to popular dining options like Wendy’s, Chick-fil-A and Panda Express. With its central location, Jester West is also close to multiple academic buildings, DKR stadium, Gregory Gym and the PCL.
Photo of Jester West Hall, courtesy of the University of Texas at Austin.
Duren Hall
Located on the north edge of campus, Duren Hall just a short walk to popular spots like Kerbey Lane Café, In-N-Out and Lucky Lab Coffee Co. Duren Hall is conveniently across the street from SRD, an all-girls off-campus dorm, and next to Kinsolving dorm. It’s also a quick walk to UT’s aerospace engineering building and Moody’s communication buildings, making it ideal for students with classes in these areas.
Photo of Duren Hall, courtesy of the University of Texas at Austin.
The Castilian
At the corner of San Antonio St. and W 24th St., The Castilian sits on the edge of West Campus, placing you close to all the shopping and dining options on Guad. Within minutes, you can grab a bite at Dollar Slice Pizza, grab a coffee from Starbucks or shop at the University Co-op. It’s also near popular study spots like the Life Science Library and the Texas Union.
Photo of The Castilian, courtesy of American Campus.
Read Next: 5 Reasons to Live Off Campus as a First Year at UT Austin
Amenities
Beyond location and privacy, amenities can be a major factor when choosing between a dorm and an apartment. On-campus dorms typically include study spaces, communal lounges, dining halls, and laundry facilities, but students often share bedrooms and bathrooms with multiple roommates.
In contrast, off-campus apartments like Rambler provide private bedrooms, in-unit laundry, a full kitchen, and spacious common areas. Additionally, residents have access to luxury amenities such as resort-style pools, 24/7 fitness centers, rooftop lounges and dedicated study spaces, offering a more comfortable and independent living experience.
Each property offers a wide range of amenities. To make the comparison process easier, we have created this chart of the amenities available at each location.
Community Amenities
Unit Amenities
Meal Plans
Living off campus doesn’t mean you have to give up the convenience of on-campus dining. UT Austin offers meal plans for all students, making it easy to grab a quick bite between classes or enjoy the variety of campus dining halls without the hassle of cooking every meal. Many students choose a meal plan to stay flexible on busy days while still having the freedom of off-campus living.
With several meal plan options available, you can find one that fits your schedule and dining preferences. Want to learn more? Check out our guide: Ultimate Guide to UT Austin Meal Plans.
Rambler’s courtyard and pool deck.
Pricing and Floor Plans
Rambler’s Marfa 4×2 Floorplan
The Marfa floorplan at Rambler is a four-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment designed for comfort and flexibility. Instead of sharing a single room, each resident has their own private bedroom with a full-sized bed, desk, stackable dressers and closet space. Each bathroom is shared by two roommates, meaning you never have to deal with communal restrooms like in traditional dorms. At the time of publication in February 2025, pricing for the Marfa is $1,239 per person, per month.** You can find the most up-to-date pricing on our floor plan page.
The Marfa is Rambler’s SMART housing unit, with a rate of $1,149! Not sure if you qualify for SMART housing? We’ve put together an Ultimate Guide to SMART Housing at UT Austin to help you understand what it is, if you qualify, and how to lease a SMART housing room.
The Marfa also features stainless steel appliances, a full-sized washer dryer, smart TV and high-speed internet and cable. The front door is equipped with an electronic fob lock and deadbolt. Kitchens boast warm gray cabinets, black accents and stunning multi-quartz countertops.
Take a virtual tour of The Marfa:
Jester Hall
Jester West and East are traditional dorm-style living spaces, where students share a single room with one or two roommates. As of February 2025, rates for the 2025-2026 school year start at $1,549 per month for communal dorms, while shared bath options begin at $1,647 per month.
Unlike an apartment, Jester does not have separate bedrooms, a living room or a kitchen. Instead, everything you need is inside your shared space, including your twin XL bed, desk and a sink. Bathroom arrangements can vary. Most Jester dorm rooms have communal bathrooms, meaning you’ll be sharing showers and toilets with an entire floor of students. Some rooms offer suite-style bathrooms, where a small group of rooms share a private bathroom.
Each dorm room includes movable furniture, a microfridge and stackable under-bed storage drawers. Residents can enjoy access to on-site dining options like J2 Dining and Jester City Limits, as well as a computer lab, study spaces, TV lounges and laundry facilities. The building also provides a 24-hour staffed front desk and the location is steps away from many academic buildings on campus.
Dorm room in Jester West Hall, courtesy of The University of Texas at Austin.
Duren Hall
Duren Hall offers suite-style dorms, where students share a bedroom with at least one roommate but have more privacy than traditional dorms. Instead of communal floor bathrooms, residents have the option of a private bathroom, which is attached to the dorm and used only by the occupant in a single room, or a shared suite-style bathroom, which is shared among multiple roommates within the suite.
As of February 2025, private rooms are priced at $2,271 per month for the 2025-2026 school year.
Each dorm room includes twin XL beds, movable desks with chairs, a micro fridge and dressers. The building features study lounges, a spacious laundry room and a community kitchen. Residents also benefit from being close to on-campus dining options and Moody College of Communication buildings.
Dorm room in Duren Hall, courtesy of bgk architects.
The Castilian
The Castilian is a private dorm community located just off campus, offering one- and two-bedroom dorm-style floor plans. However, unlike apartments, rooms are still shared spaces, meaning you and a roommate sleep in the same room. As of February 2025, rates for the 2025-2026 school year start at $1,679 per month for shared spaces and $2,699 per month for private rooms.
One key difference from traditional dorms is that The Castilian features only suite-style bathrooms, so you only share a bathroom with your immediate roommates, not an entire floor.
Renovated in 2015, The Castilian offers more modern dorm interiors, but it still follows a dorm-style setup rather than an apartment layout. Each room is furnished with twin XL beds, a kitchenette with granite countertops, a mini fridge and a microwave. The property also includes community features like a recreation center, TV lounges on each floor and a movie theater room, creating a dynamic living experience for residents.
Dorm room at The Castilian, courtesy of American Campus Communities.
Which is Right for Me: On Campus or Off Campus?
When deciding where to live during your first year at UT Austin, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the number of options. Should you choose the convenience of on-campus dorms, or explore the flexibility of off-campus apartments?
Read Next: 5 Reasons to Live Off Campus as a First Year at UT Austin
If you value more privacy, the ability to cook your own meals and having extra space, off-campus living might be the perfect fit for you. Unlike traditional dorms, which often come with shared bedrooms and limited personal space, off-campus apartments give you more freedom and comfort.
On the other hand, if you prioritize being closer to classes and campus events, traditional dorms might be the better choice for your first year. Being on or near campus means you’re never far from the action, making it easier to get involved and stay engaged with campus life.
The tower at The University of Texas.
Of course, the dorm and apartment options at UT Austin go far beyond those mentioned here. Each has its own unique set of pros and cons, from location and amenities to meal plans and room setups.
If you’re not sure where to start, Rambler offers Freshman Housing Consultations with West Campus housing experts. These meetings are designed to help you navigate your options, clarify what fits your lifestyle and make the decision-making process easier. Whether you’re new to the housing search or just need advice, our team is here to support you.
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**Prices subject to change.
