You’re standing on the edge of the Engineering Key, wind whipping across the West Texas plains, and you’re staring at a massive brick building that looks way more like a fancy hotel than a freshman dorm. That’s Murray Hall.
Most people think living on campus means cramped quarters and sharing a shower with twenty strangers. Honestly, if you end up in Murray Hall Texas Tech, that couldn't be further from the truth. It’s basically the "gold standard" for suite-style living in Lubbock, but there’s a lot of nuance to living here that the official brochures sort of gloss over.
The Suite Life (Literally)
Let’s get the basics out of the way. Murray isn't your typical "long hallway with communal bathrooms" setup. It’s a suite-style residence.
In a standard four-bedroom suite, you get your own private bedroom. You’ve got a door you can lock. You have a desk, a dresser, and a twin XL bed that you can actually sleep in without bumping into a roommate’s feet.
You share a common living area with three other people. This area comes with a sofa, a coffee table, and an entertainment center. But the real MVP? The full-sized refrigerator. While kids in Stangel or Murdough are trying to cram a week's worth of groceries into a mini-fridge the size of a shoebox, you’re living like an adult.
What You're Actually Sharing
- Two Bathrooms: In a four-person suite, you share a bathroom with just one other person. No lines. No weird hair in the drain from someone you don't know.
- The Living Room: It’s great for hanging out, but keep in mind that "private" stops at your bedroom door.
- The Kitchenette Area: You get a microwave and that glorious fridge, but no stove. You’ll still be relying on your meal plan or a very overworked air fryer.
The "Business" of Learning Communities
One thing you’ve probably heard is that Murray is the "Business Hall." That’s mostly true. It’s home to the Business Learning Community, which means if you’re a Rawls College of Business student, you’re basically living with your future coworkers.
It’s also home to the Terry Scholars.
The vibe here is definitely more "academic-focused" than some of the rowdier freshman dorms. It’s quieter. People are actually studying in the lounges. If you’re looking for a 24/7 rager, this isn't it. But if you want to pass your Accounting 2300 exam without your neighbor blasting EDM at 2:00 AM, you’re in the right place.
Location: The Good, The Bad, and The Windy
Murray is tucked away on the northwest side of campus.
If you’re a Business, Engineering, or Biology major, you’ve hit the jackpot. You can basically roll out of bed ten minutes before class and still make it to the Rawls building or the Engineering Key on time. It’s a short walk. Like, seriously short.
But if you’re an Art or Music major? You’re going to get your steps in. The trek across campus in a Lubbock dust storm is a rite of passage, but it’s one you might get tired of by October.
Proximity to the Good Stuff
- Sam’s Place Murray: It’s right in the building. Late-night snacks, coffee, and grab-and-go meals are literally floors away.
- The Commons: Just a short walk away when you want a "real" meal.
- The Rec: You’re close enough that you have no excuse to skip the gym, but far enough that you won't hear the intramural crowds.
The Price Tag: Is It Worth It?
Let’s be real for a second. Murray is expensive.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, a 4-bedroom suite in Murray Hall costs about $7,375 for the year. If you manage to snag one of the rare 3-bedroom suites, you’re looking at $7,575.
Compare that to a traditional double in Chitwood or Weymouth, which sits around $5,275. You are paying a premium of over $2,000 for that private bedroom and shared living space.
Is it worth the extra cash?
If you value your privacy and hate communal bathrooms, yes. Absolutely. If you’re on a tight budget and don't mind the "traditional" college experience, that $2,000 can buy a lot of Raising Cane’s.
Things Most People Get Wrong About Murray
I’ve talked to plenty of Red Raiders who had misconceptions before moving in. Here’s the reality check.
1. "It's Only for Business Students"
Nope. While the Learning Community is a big part of it, any student can live here if there’s space. It’s co-ed, though you only share a suite with people of the same gender.
2. "It's an Apartment"
It feels like one, but it’s still a dorm. You still have RAs. You still have to follow university housing rules. You can't have a hot plate, and you definitely can't have a cat (unless it’s a registered service animal).
3. "I’ll Never Meet Anyone"
There’s a fear that private bedrooms lead to isolation. Kinda. You do have to try harder to be social than you would in a traditional dorm where everyone’s doors are propped open. Use the "Limitless Laundry" lounges and the study rooms. That’s where the actual socializing happens.
Living in Murray: The Nitty Gritty
The ceilings are high—9 feet on most floors, which makes the rooms feel way bigger than they are.
Every room and living area has a ceiling fan. In the Lubbock heat, this is a literal lifesaver. Most of the floors are vinyl or laminated wood, which is way easier to keep clean than the crusty carpets you find in older buildings.
One thing people forget: curtains. The windows are big ($64" \times 33"$) and the Texas sun is relentless. You’ll want to bring tension rods and blackout curtains if you plan on sleeping past 7:00 AM.
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Actionable Insights for Future Residents
If you’ve decided that Murray is the move, you need to act fast. This hall fills up almost instantly during the housing selection process.
- Check Your Credits: If you have over 30 post-high school hours, you aren't required to live on campus, but Murray is one of the few places upperclassmen actually want to stay.
- Form Your Roommate Group Early: Since it’s a 4-bedroom setup, try to find three other people you actually like. Use the Texas Tech ZeeMee or Facebook groups. It’s much better than going "random" and realizing your suite-mate likes to play the bagpipes at midnight.
- Bring a Rug: The floors are hard. A 10' x 12' rug for the living area makes the place feel ten times more like a home and less like a sterile box.
- Invest in a Cart: Move-in day at Murray involves elevators. There are usually four, but they get backed up. Having your own folding wagon or dolly will save you hours of waiting.
The transition to Texas Tech is a huge leap. Choosing where you sleep and study is the biggest part of that. Murray Hall offers a bit of a "soft landing"—you get the university experience without the claustrophobia of a 1960s-era dorm room. Just make sure you're ready for the price tag and the walk to the other side of campus.