ABOUT ICC

About ICC Austin

What is ICC?

ICC is a non-profit organization that owns and operates low-cost housing for college students in Austin, Texas. We have nine large houses, each serving 15-31 members. We've been doing this since 1970, although ICC goes back to 1932.

What does "co-op" mean?

First, it means that our members -- the students who live in our houses -- own the organization and manage it. Each house runs itself, and elects one of its members to the ICC Board of Directors that manages the organization as a whole.

Second, it means that houses operate by their members cooperating with each other on a day-to-day basis. This means that each member does about five hours of work around the house each week (cooking, cleaning, etc.), attends house meetings, and interacts positively with other members of the house.

Co-ops are over a hundred years old and aren't just for student housing -- they include utilities, banks, farms, and retail stores. Here are links to other local co-ops, the Rochdale Principles, and Co-Op America, a clearinghouse for the U.S. co-op movement.

How is ICC controlled?

There are 188 members total in our nine houses and each member is a partial owner of ICC. The houses elect a board of directors from their members, which serve to govern the organization. In addition, ICC has four full-time staff members who oversee ICC's management.

Who lives in ICC?

ICC welcomes students from the University of Texas, Austin Community College, St. Edwards University, and all other local schools, regardless of classification or field of study. We also have a few spaces available for non-students, although they must be approved at the house level. Three of our houses are specially geared towards upper-division and graduate students (Avalon, French House and Seneca Falls), and two are geared towards vegetarians (House of Commons and Royal). Our membership represents a diverse variety of majors, political views, and ethnic backgrounds. Everyone is welcome here.

How much does it cost?

Rooms are priced according to semester and whether they're private or shared. The cheapest is a double in summer ($443/mo.) and the most expensive is a private in fall or spring ($673/mo.). These rates include all food and utilities! Click here for a complete list of room prices. The board of directors, elected from and by the membership, sets rent rates every spring.

Why should I live in a co-op?

Co-ops offer many advantages:

You will own it. Your housing fees will go towards an organization that you partially own, not to a landlord.
You will control it. House members set their own policies about things like pets, quiet hours, and smoking, and the organization as a whole is run by a board of directors that you elect (and might even sit on).
It is affordable. Our room rates include all food and utilities. Once you consider food and bills, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better deal this close to campus.
You will be part of a small, tight-knit community of people. In an apartment, and even in a dorm, it can be hard to meet people, much less to have quality, daily interaction.
You get to live in a large old house complete with history and character — not some sterile apartment or dorm room.
You can have your own room, unlike most on-campus dorms. And if you choose to share a room, you can save even more money.

Which house should I live in?

Each ICC house varies in size, location, vote-in policy, food options and character. Check out our comparison of the houses to see which ones you like. The best way to choose a house is to visit your favorites houses for a tour or dinner. This is a great way to meet the house members and check out individual rooms.

Can I pick my roommate if I signed for a double room?

Sure, you and a friend may sign up together to share a room. If you don't already have a roommate in mind for a double room, we will assign one. If you have special requests about your roommate, such as a non-smoker or a quiet roommate, please make sure that the office staff is aware of your requests. We may or may not be able to meet special roommate requests.

Are there private bathrooms?

Most members share a bathroom with other members, although some rooms have private baths. Some bathrooms are dormitory style; with several toilet and shower stalls in each bathroom while others are more similar to a house bathroom. Bathrooms differ a lot from house to house and even from floor to floor.

Are all the houses co-ed?

Yes. ICC was one of the pioneers of integrated housing in the '70s. Men and women share bathrooms in most houses.

Are the rooms furnished?

All common areas are furnished, and houses have some furniture available for members in their rooms on a first-come, first-served basis. The house can almost certainly provide a mattress if you need one.

Are there laundry facilities?

Yes, all houses have washers & dryers.

Is there parking?

Parking in West Campus is very limited and we encourage you to leave your car at home if at all possible. All houses have some parking available in driveways or parking lots. There is also limited street parking available. Each house has bicycle parking available.

How do the meals work?

Each month, a portion of your rent will go back to the house to be used for food and other house expenses. Members decide how to allocate the food budget and what kind of food to buy. Kitchens are open 24 hours, so you can make your own breakfast, lunch and snacks. In most houses, a kitchen manager sets the meals and members cook group dinners five nights per week. You may have a meal saved for you if you can't make it home for dinner.

Is there vegetarian food?

House of Commons and Royal are both completely vegetarian houses, and most of their meals are completely vegan. All other houses have a vegetarian option, except French House.

Can I bring a pet?

Some houses allow pets but require them to be approved by the house first. Go to a house meeting and ask them to approve your pet. Uncaged pets must be spayed or neutered in any event. You'll also need to pay a pet deposit at the ICC office. (See the application for more info on the deposit.)

Are houses smoking or non-smoking?

Most houses allow smoking in your room or on the porch. If you live in a double you must have your roommate's permission to smoke. Check out the comparison of house policies for more information.

Can my guests visit, eat, and spend the night?

Each house has its own policies regarding guests and guest meals. At most houses having guests for short stays and occasional meals is no problem. Guests staying longer than two weeks must sign a contract at the ICC office.

What's included in my monthly housing fees?

Your monthly rate includes food, utilities, high speed internet access, and supplies, as well as many social activities.

Do all houses have Internet access?

Yes. Check with the house(s) you're interested in to see what type of network they have available.

Is there air conditioning?

Avalon, Helios, Royal, French House, Arrakis, Eden, and Seneca Falls have central air. New Guild and the House of Commons have central heat and window units available for member use.

How do I get a room?

The first step is to complete the online application! Filling out an application doesn't obligate you to accept a room so it is a good idea to fill one out even if you are not sure whether you want to live in ICC. In your application, you can specify a certain house or room, although ICC cannot guarantee that house or room will be open. Open rooms are available to prospective members on a first come, first serve basis. If the house you are interested in has a vote-in policy, you will also need to follow the house's procedure for approval.