Finding your home on the Forty Acres is part of what makes the UT Austin experience unforgettable — whether you’re a first-year student preparing for your journey toward a burnt orange bachelor cap and gown, a master’s candidate balancing labs and leadership, or a PhD student deep into dissertation mode before donning doctoral regalia. With a campus that blends academic rigor and Austin culture, UT offers housing options for every lifestyle and learning style.
This CAPGOWN guide walks you through some of the most popular UT Austin student housing options — including classic residence halls like Jester East and Kinsolving, newer favorites like Duren and San Jacinto, and graduate housing options such as Brackenridge, Colorado, and 2400 Nueces. With Reddit commentary, fun facts, and practical takeaways, we’re here to help you choose your ideal space to live, study, and grow on campus.
Jester East – Iconic, Energetic & Always Happening
Address: 201 E 21st St, Austin, TX 78705
Jester East is a central part of UT’s student housing legacy. Known for being bustling and busy, it’s ideal for students looking to be immersed in campus life from day one.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Attached to J2 and JCL dining halls.
- Steps from Gregory Gym, the PCL, and Speedway.
- Huge community — always someone to meet or study with.
Fun Fact: Jester once held the title of largest residence hall in North America — housing over 3,000 students between East and West.
R/UTAustin Says:
“Living in Jester is like living in a small city.”
“You’re right in the middle of everything — loud, but 100% UT.”
Almetris Duren Residence Hall (ADH) – Modern, Inclusive & Supportive
Address: 2624 Whitis Ave, Austin, TX 78705
Duren is one of the newest residence halls on campus, offering a modern feel and tight-knit community. It’s known for its inclusive atmosphere and academic support programs.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor & Master’s Students Love It:
- Smaller hall size with a strong community feel.
- Updated facilities and quiet study lounges.
- Ideal for students who want comfort and calm.
Fun Fact: Named after Almetris Duren, a UT trailblazer in student support and the first African American woman to live in UT housing as a student.
R/UTAustin Says:
“Duren is super underrated — it’s like living in a boutique hotel.”
“If you want a quieter experience, Duren is a dream.”
San Jacinto Hall – Sleek, Stylish & Study-Ready
Address: 309 E 21st St, Austin, TX 78705
San Jacinto is known for its upscale feel and apartment-style layout. It’s a go-to for upperclassmen and grad students who want both independence and proximity to campus.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor & Master’s Students Love It:
- Private bathrooms and modern finishes.
- Quiet, focused atmosphere.
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Prime location near East Mall and Moody College.
Fun Fact: San Jacinto has its own underground parking garage — a rare perk in the UT housing scene.
R/UTAustin Says:
“San Jac is clean, quiet, and feels like you’re living off-campus… without the hassle.”
“Best mix of privacy and convenience.”
Kinsolving Hall – Comfortable, Cozy & Community-Focused
Address: 2605 Whitis Ave, Austin, TX 78705
Kinsolving (aka “KinSol”) is a classic hall that combines history, comfort, and a strong residential community. It's especially popular with first-year women and honors students.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Small, all-female community.
- Kins Dining — one of the best vegetarian-friendly options on campus.
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Cozy lounges and quiet study areas.
Fun Fact: Kinsolving has a hidden rooftop courtyard — one of the best-kept secrets on the Forty Acres.
R/UTAustin Says:
“Feels like home — not too big, not too wild.”
“The food is legit and the community is super friendly.”
Brackenridge & Colorado Apartments – Family-Oriented & Affordable
Location: Just south of the Colorado River (Lady Bird Lake)
These apartments are ideal for grad students with spouses, children, or roommates. They offer two-bedroom units with access to parks, schools, and community centers.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor & Master’s Students Love It:
- Budget-friendly rent.
- Community vibe and open green spaces.
- Close to H-E-B, trails, and South Congress
Fun Fact: Brackenridge and Colorado Apartments have their own childcare programs and community gardens — ideal for grad students with families.
R/UTAustin Says:
“Perfect if you’ve got kids or want peace and quiet.”
“Not glamorous, but the cost and location can’t be beat.”
2400 Nueces – High-Rise Graduate Living
Address: 2400 Nueces St, Austin, TX 78705
Although technically a university-affiliated apartment complex rather than owned by UT, 2400 Nueces is a top option for graduate students seeking modern, independent living just blocks from campus.
Why CAPGOWN Master’s Students Love It:
- Studio and 1BR options with in-unit laundry.
- Rooftop pool and fitness center.
- Walkable to UT, West Campus, and Pease Park
Fun Fact: Some UT departments partner with Nueces to reserve rooms for incoming graduate students who need transitional housing.
R/UTAustin Says:
“It’s pricey, but the location and amenities are worth it.”
“Best option if you want to feel like an adult but stay connected.”
The Castilian – Hybrid Residence Hall/Apartment Vibe
Address: 2323 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78705
Although not UT-owned, The Castilian is a favorite among UT students who want off-campus living with the structure of a dorm. It offers individual leases, meal plans, and community events.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- A dorm-feel without RA rules.
- Close to class with lots of social life.
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Weekly cleaning service included.
Fun Fact: Castilian has its own in-house gym, game room, and restaurant-style cafeteria.
R/UTAustin Says:
“You get the freedom of an apartment but still have meals and housekeeping.”
“West Campus location is unbeatable.”
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a freshman finding your footing at Jester, a master’s student settling in at Nueces, or a PhD candidate raising a family in Brackenridge, UT Austin has housing options that fit your stage and goals. Every residence carries a bit of that Longhorn spirit — rooted in academic ambition, community pride, and Austin’s one-of-a-kind energy.
And when graduation day finally comes, CAPGOWN is here to celebrate the moment with you. We offer premium UT Austin bachelor cap and gown sets, official master’s hoods, and doctoral regalia — all crafted with tradition, quality, and burnt orange pride in mind.
No matter where you lived, walk across the stage with confidence and celebrate your Longhorn journey the CAPGOWN way.
