French House Co-Op

French House is a unique student-run housing cooperative located at 710 West 21st Street in Austin, Texas, primarily catering to upper-division and graduate students. Established in 1971 and part of The Inter-Cooperative Council (ICC), French House accommodates twenty residents who share a democratic living experience, engaging in communal cooking and decision-making. The house is situated in close proximity to several other co-ops, promoting a tight-knit community within the "Co-op Row" of West Campus. The character of French House is defined by its distinctive traditions and lifestyle. It is primarily a meat-eating household, with no accommodations made for vegetarian diets. Additionally, there is a notable absence of televisions in common areas, emphasizing social interaction and community engagement over passive entertainment. While dogs are not permitted, other pets may be allowed with a majority vote from residents. Membership into the house is selective, primarily aimed at upper-division and graduate students, with provisions for non-students and lower-division students to be voted in by current members. Historically, the name "French House" originated from its earlier focus on creating a space for French speakers, though this is no longer a requirement among residents. Today's atmosphere is described more as a collaborative living experience, enriched by house traditions and the diverse backgrounds of its members. French House holds dinners from Sunday to Thursday, inviting prospective members to partake in meals and initiate engagement with the community. This initiative not only showcases their culinary culture but also acts as a welcoming door to joining the co-op.