Choosing a sober lifestyle as a college student takes courage. At the University of Texas at Austin, it also comes with a supportive community. UT Austin provides a strong network of programs for Longhorns in recovery, and peers are dedicated to helping other students succeed both academically and personally.
For students in Austin who want to continue their recovery growth outside of campus housing, nearby neighborhoods like Hyde Park offer opportunities for independent, structured sober living through programs such as Harmony Haus.
A supportive community for students in recovery at UT Austin
UT Austin is nationally recognized for its commitment to student well-being, including support for those in recovery from substance use. The Center for Students in Recovery (CSR) offers a welcoming, judgment-free environment where students can connect with peers, attend support meetings, and find community on campus.
CSR hosts weekly recovery meetings, social events, and workshops focused on health and balance, creating space for students to thrive in sobriety while enjoying the full UT experience. It also helps connect students with scholarships and leadership opportunities so recovery can become a strength in the university experience, not a setback, and members can continue building healthy lives with others who share similar goals.
On-campus resources: recovery living and support services
Students seeking substance‑free housing can apply to the Recovery Living Learning Community, a program dedicated to wellness goals, accountability, and community service. Beyond housing, the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) provides counseling, psychiatry, workshops, and crisis services. The SHIFT initiative mobilizes the campus to promote healthier norms around alcohol and other drugs, which supports students who are maintaining sobriety and those exploring change. These resources offer tools to continue progress through each semester, including fall, when transitions can feel challenging.
Why some students choose off-campus sober living in Hyde Park
On-campus recovery housing at UT Austin provides a welcoming, substance-free environment. The Recovery Living Learning Community is ideal for students ready to live independently on campus, surrounded by peers maintaining sobriety.
However, some students benefit from greater structure and accountability than a university residence hall can provide. This is often particularly true of those transitioning from residential treatment or early recovery programs. Off-campus sober living offers a different kind of environment: one designed around long-term recovery first, with established routines, peer accountability, and staff support to help residents strengthen their foundation.
Located just north of campus, Hyde Park provides close proximity to classes and meetings and a sense of stability for residents who are building skills for independence. Sitting near the heart of campus life and downtown, it blends access with quiet streets for study and relaxation.
Harmony Haus: a Hyde Park home for personal growth and lasting sobriety
Harmony Haus bridges the step between treatment and fully independent living. Our programs are designed to meet our members where they are, providing house expectations, mentoring, and community activities that foster connection and confidence. Two of our three locations are in Hyde Park, just north of campus, housing members of our men’s program and women’s program.
Our teams are dedicated to providing structure while honoring each person’s autonomy, and services are based on daily habits that support long-term recovery. Whether you are returning from inpatient treatment or simply seeking a dedicated sober community near campus, the effectiveness of routine, peer connections, and consistent support reinforce long-term sobriety and personal growth.
Balancing student life, recovery, and independence in Austin, TX
Austin has a lot to offer students in recovery. It has a vibrant sober community with 12-step meetings, SMART Recovery groups, and sober-friendly events throughout the week. UT Austin students can attend meetings both on campus and nearby, ensuring consistent access to support.
Harmony Haus members in Hyde Park can keep enjoying classes, work, and athletics while maintaining steady routines that feel safe and sustainable. The location allows individuals to share rides, study with housemates, and discover nearby parks and coffee shops without losing time to long commutes. Alcohol and drugs are not part of house life, helping members continue healthy habits and rebuild confidence day by day.
Finding your next step toward recovery and success
Recovery is a journey, and support does not end after the first milestone. From the Center for Students in Recovery to off-campus living options like Harmony Haus, the Austin community offers a full spectrum of support to help students grow, heal, and succeed.
If you, a friend, or a loved one is considering options near campus, Harmony Haus is a dedicated home base where students can continue to stabilize, keep building skills, and strengthen their recovery journey with guidance from peers and mentors. Learn more about Harmony Haus, reach out to start a conversation, or tour our Hyde Park locations. Our team is here to help you take the next step, choose the options that fit your goals, and move forward with hope.
Recovery supports at UT Austin evolve over time, so always confirm current programs through the CSR, CMHC, or SHIFT pages linked above. Harmony Haus remains a neighbor in Hyde Park, designed to provide structure, community, and services that let students continue building lives that align with their values and goals.
