Richardson Texas area - College housing rentals

[Paul Ewing]

It looks like my daughter will be going to University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) in a couple years to complete a degree in Computer Animation since they currently have the best program in Texas.  It is about a 2 hour commute from our house with traffic so I really don't want her doing it every day which means she will probably need a place to stay in the Richardson area.  I started thinking that instead of paying for a dorm or apartment I might look for a smaller house in the area.  She could then get it as a graduation present to help her get some income renting it to other students so she wouldn't be a starving artist. :)  How is the general area around the campus and maybe a 10 to 15 mile radius?  I am afraid the whole area is way to hot to find any bargains, but I have little experience there since I get to North Dallas maybe two or three times a year.