Everything you need to know about living at College Houses and managing your co-op membership. Explore member resources like our organized Google Drive archives, Discord, and lease renewal guides on the left, and details about joining the co-op and moving in on the right.
Have a time-sensitive question about keys, check-in, or contracts? Our team is available at 1906 Pearl St #101, Monday–Friday from 12pm–6pm.
Essential tools for active members: official shared drives, house chat servers, Homebody maintenance tickets, and contract renewals.
Official shared documentation, house meeting minutes, officer folders, budget spreadsheets, and cooperative policies. Access is automatically delegated through your member login.
How to find your files: If you log in with the email address used with the co-op, you can view these files by looking for "CH Members" in your list of Shared Drives.
Connect with fellow co-op members to coordinate chores, plan events, join interest channels, and receive instant announcements.
Channels for your specific house (Halstead, Pearl, 21st, Taos, Nueces, Opsis) to manage daily dinner shifts and chores.
Community-wide hub across all College Houses for shared interest clubs, multi-house parties, and announcements.
The co-op's official policy manual maintained and democratically updated by our members for the entire organization. Covers house operations, member responsibilities, officer roles, and cooperative governance policies.
Need a repair in your room or common spaces? Submit tickets through your Homebody account for our full-time facilities team (Facilities Director Dan Bost and coordinator Ivory Goodwin).
In the event of a true emergency requiring the involvement of police, fire, or EMS (such as an active fire, injury, etc.), residents should contact emergency services directly by dialing 911.
If there is a facilities emergency that presents an immediate threat to resident health, safety, or property, please immediately notify your house Maintenance Coordinator, Membership Coordinator, or Director; they can contact the Facilities Director immediately by phone.
If you are a member, you can submit an incident report here to notify cooperative leadership and staff confidentially.
Guidance for current members planning ahead for upcoming terms. Click any topic to expand.
No! Contact join@collegehouses.org and say which lease term and room you want, and you'll get a lease for review that week, often by the next day. Your original deposit and application documents will roll over.
Yes! You can submit a room hold form, and your room will not be listed as available until the end of the fall semester. There is no cost for this, but we do ask you to add a refundable $50 to your deposit. If your plans change and you will be moving out there's no penalty.
No problem! The specific room you live in would be listed as available after the end of the fall semester, but it might still be listed as available later in the year. You'll also be able to see all of the other kinds of open rooms in case a different room looks good.
No, if you have a lease before and after a break, you can stay in your room through the entire break.
Yes! It's easy to change rooms, and there is no fee. Let the staff know your new room number and the date of the move, and you'll get a revised copy of your lease showing the new room. You can swap rooms with another member, or move into a room that's vacant.
Usually, yes. Most semesters members decide to open a big sign up list that anyone can be a part of, for anyone interested in changing rooms. You'll be able to look at the other options opening up and request one you like.
It depends on the new room. If your old and new rooms have different monthly costs, we will prorate your charges to match the days you spent in each room.
Yes! Members can apply to transfer between houses during open enrollment or mid-semester without having to pay a new deposit. See our full guide below or reach out to join@collegehouses.org to check openings at your preferred house.
How room changes work, seniority waitlists, and transferring between College Houses properties.
Interested in upgrading from a shared room to a single, switching suites, or moving to a different floor?
Each of our houses offers a distinct vibe—from the bustling social atmosphere of 21st Street and Pearl to the quiet, studious environment of Halstead and Opsis. Members can apply to transfer between houses during the semester or for an upcoming term without paying a new deposit. Simply register your transfer preference with our staff.
Official schedule for Board of Directors meetings, committees, and house events.
Please contact us to be put in contact with existing alumni groups.
Essential preparation for incoming and departing members: check-in dates, parking passes, contract adjustments, and accommodations.
Early move-in guidelines, scheduled turnover windows, and official checkout protocols.
Standard contract move-in dates coincide with the start of each semester (August for Fall/12-Month, January for Spring, late May for Summer). If you need to arrive earlier due to university orientation, athletics, or early flights:
At the end of your contract period, rooms must be vacated by the contract termination date to allow turnover for incoming members:
Reserved parking options, permit stickers, and city permit alternatives for College Houses members.
Parking in West Campus is at a premium, but several College Houses properties feature reserved on-site parking spaces available exclusively to active members on a first-come, first-served or lottery basis each semester.
To obtain an on-site permit tag, you must register your vehicle with the central office by providing:
Unauthorized vehicles, blocked dumpsters, and cars parked without a visible permit are subject to immediate towing at the owner's expense. Never park in loading zones, or in a way that blocks another member's car from exiting.
Agreement modifications, term extensions, subleasing, and contract replacement procedures.
When you sign a College Houses contract, you are entering into a legally binding cooperative agreement for the designated lease duration (12-Month, Fall+Spring, Semester, etc). Because our co-ops operate on a nonprofit, shared-cost model, revenues from every room are essential to maintaining affordable rent for all housemates. Contracts are finalized upon submitting a $600 refundable deposit and a $60 membership fee. Contract extensions (e.g., adding a Summer term or transitioning from a Semester lease to a full Academic Year) are always welcomed and can be executed quickly through our staff without penalty.
If your plans change and you need to vacate prior to the conclusion of your contract, you may utilize the Contract Replacement process:
Reasonable housing accommodations, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), and modified cooperative chores.
College Houses is deeply committed to ensuring equitable access and an inclusive living environment for all students. We work collaboratively with members who have disabilities, medical conditions, or accessibility requirements to provide reasonable accommodations.
College Houses respects federal Fair Housing Act guidelines regarding Assistance Animals. While standard pets are subject to individual house rules, approved ESAs and Service Animals are warmly welcomed.
Please email your documentation directly to Cooperative Experience Coordinator Prathima R. at Prathima@collegehouses.org or drop off sealed records at the Central Office (1906 Pearl St #101). We will schedule a private consultation to establish your support plan.
Whether you are arriving for your first semester or planning a room switch, our central staff and student leaders are here to support you every step of the way.
