Off-Campus Living Guide

The off-campus living guide is designed to help educate and provide tips in your off-campus housing search. Any student not in A&M-SA student housing is considered an off-campus student.

Resources, Housing Search Checklists, Move In information and more can be found in our new Texas A&M – San Antonio Off Campus Housing Website partnered with Apartments.com our website and guide provides you with things to consider when searching for off-campus living. A&M-SA is not affiliated with any sources provided. 

Below are useful numbers and resources that can be utilized for your off-campus living.
Please know each apartment community may utilize different companies due to the area.

CPS ENERGY
P.O. Box 1771
San Antonio, TX 78296
(210) 353-2222 – regular business hours
(210) 353-4357 – 24-hr emergency line
Website: www.cpsenergy.com

SAN ANTONIO WATER SYSTEMS (SAWS)
2800 US Hwy 281 North San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 704-7297 – regular business hours & emergencies
E-mail: service@saws.org
Website: www.saws.org

SPECTRUM
3151 SE Military Dr. Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78223
(888) 406-7063
Website: www.spectrum.com

BUS - VIA Metropolitan (Transit Info)
123 N. Medina St.
San Antonio, TX 78207 (210) 362-2020
Website: www.viainfo.net

SAN ANTONIO POLICE DEPARTMENT (SAPD)
315 S Santa Rosa Ave San Antonio, TX 78207
(210) 207-7273 – Non-Emergency Line
911 – Emergency Line
Website: www.sanantonio.gov/SAPD

SAN ANTONIO FIRE DEPARTMENT (SAFD)
315 S Santa Rosa Ave San Antonio, TX 78207
(210) 207-8410 – Non-Emergency
Line 911 – Emergency Line
Website: www.sanantonio.gov/SAFD

USPS -POST OFFICE
6302 S Flores St.
San Antonio, TX 78214 (800) 275-8777
Website: www.usps.com

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

• Will you have to put down a security deposit?
• How much are the application fee and admin fee?
• Will the apartment complex accept the financial aid, and/or how can you utilize your refund of financial assistance to pay for your rent/expenses?
• Do you have to make a deposit to turn on your utilities?
• Will you need a moving truck and packing supplies?
• Do you need to buy furniture or other household items? (most apartment complexes do not come furnished: Bathroom rugs, bed, sofa, desk, shower curtain, toilet paper, kitchen dishes, lamps, light bulbs, T.V., and cleaning supplies.)

AMENITIES/FACILITIES TO ASK

• Is there on-site maintenance?
• Are laundry facilities on-site or in the unit?
• Is it pet-friendly, and are there extra fees? Some leases define pets as fish or insects. A pet deposit and monthly pet rent may be required, and specific guidelines must be followed.
• Are utilities included?
• Will you have to purchase renters insurance through the apartment complex, or do you need to purchase your own renters' insurance?

BUDGETING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE

• How much do you want to pay for rent? OR how much are you allowed to pay for rent?
• Consider all living expenses when budgeting, such as groceries, utilities (if not included), gas, phone bill, insurance, subscriptions, school expenses, and other personal expenses. We encourage students to work out their budget before they start looking at where to sign. This will help you figure out what you can afford and whether you need roommates to help you live the lifestyle you want.
• We suggest starting with the total monthly dollar amount you must work with and then plugging in your budget items.

IN PLANNING, YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO HAVE:
Good and established credit history; Monthly
income of 3 times the rent, or you will probably need
a guarantor*