Neighborhoods

While the main campus of UT Dallas is in Richardson and Collin county, around one-third of the campus is located within the border of Dallas county. The sprawling campus and larger community allows students to venture off-campus for housing at UT Dallas without straying too far.

Richardson is a top choice when it comes to University of Texas – Dallas students looking for an off-campus apartment. The city is both safe and convenient, as it is close to the campus. The Marquis at Waterview Apartments, for example, offers one to three-bedroom apartments that are just 15 miles outside of downtown Dallas. It is a five-minute drive from UT Dallas, or just a 12-minute bike ride. The Pradera, Creekside Townhomes, and Estates of Richardson also offer close off-campus apartments in Richardson.

Northside is also widely popular among UT Dallas students for its proximity to campus. However, if you are looking for a living space that is quiet, it is advised to stray a little further from campus for off-campus apartments, as these apartments are known to be lively with student life.

Dallas is another option that UT Dallas students look at when it comes to off-campus apartments. However, a car is needed to access popular options like Preston Bend Apartments. Frankford Road also has affordable off-campus apartment options in North Dallas, including Estates on Frankford and The Pearl on Frankford Apartments.

Plano is another popular city that UT Dallas students call home as it is close to Richardson and just as safe. Likewise, Carrollton offers a short commute while offering affordable off-campus housing for UT Dallas students.

UT Dallas students also look for off-campus apartments in McKinney, Addison, Fairview, Irving, and Garland.

Dining

The Pavillion North Shopping Center on Campbell Road is just five minutes away from the UT Dallas campus and offers plenty of dining options that cater to a college student's appetite and budget. There's quick, casual eats like Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, Corner Bakery Cafe, and Jack in the Box. There's also Greek food at Little Greek Fresh Grill, Thai at Bambu Asian Cuisine, Tex-Mex at Mi Cocina, and Akaya Sushi, Izakaya & Ramen.

For those seeking vegan or vegetarian options, UT Dallas students dine at Banana Leaf, Loving Hut, Torchy's Tacos, Royal China, and Spiral Diner & Bakery.

As far as bars near UT Dallas, there's Rack Daddy's on Coit Road. The pool hall has plenty of tables, dart boards, and live sports on TV to watch while enjoying drinks. The Northside Drafthouse & Eatery is another “college” bar close to campus that offers bar bites and great drinks - they even boast a lineup of 50 beers.

Transportation

While many students use a car on campus, some also opt to use the bus to get to and from off-campus apartments. The Comet Cruiser is a shuttle bus that serves UT Dallas and the surrounding area. To use the Comet Cruiser, students do not need any sort of pass or identification. The Comet Cruiser (DART Route 883) connects the UT Dallas campus to several nearby off-campus housing communities.

Dallas Rapid Area Transit (DART) allows students to get around Dallas and 12 surrounding cities. The services include the DART Light Rail, Trinity Railway Express (TRE) commuter rail, and bus routes. Students can apply for a DART Student Transit Pass, which allows them to ride all DART buses and trains, plus Trinity Railway Express Zone 1 (From Union Station to CentrePort/DFW Airport Station). To obtain a DART Student Transit Pass, students must have a valid Comet Card (student ID), be registered for the current term, and apply on or after the first day of class they are registered for.

Biking is also an option, but UT Dallas weather tends to stay on the hot side during the summer months, so biking long distances is not the top recommendation for UT Dallas students. If you are biking to and from off-campus apartments, streets are wider to make room for bikers and their respective lanes. However, it is advised to properly equip yourself with bike lights, as some streets are not well lit at night.

Parking

More than half of the University of Texas – Dallas student population have cars on campus. Students can purchase Orange, Evening Orange, Gold, or Green parking permits. The Orange and Gold permits are for those students living in off-campus apartments, as they are considered commuter students.

Safety

UT Dallas is highlighted as a safe school due to its location in Richardson, Texas. As with all colleges, it is important to stay in groups when walking around the UT Dallas campus in the evening and make sure you are always aware of your surroundings.

Shopping

The Pavillion North Shopping Center offers plenty of shopping options that are affordable for UT Dallas students. Need something to spruce up your off-campus apartment? Look no further than the center's Home Goods. Get your grocery shopping done at the Sprout's.

Located at the heart of North Oak Cliff, the Bishops Arts District is home to over 60 independent shops, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and art galleries. It is closer to Dallas than the UT Dallas campus, but many students find it worth the drive to get off-campus and explore the larger area. From local thrift shops to the beer- and coffee-serving The Wild Detectives, there is something for everyone at the Bishops Art Districts.

For the more traditional shopping experience, there is the NorthPark Center in Dallas with over 235 shops and dining options to choose from. They have affordable options such as Cotton On, Zara, and GAP, to more luxurious brands like Gucci and Versace.