Congratulations on becoming a Texas State Bobcat! This site is designed especially for you. Below you will find a checklist for things to do before school starts and things to do to get involved once classes are under way.

Successful Start: New Off Campus Student Checklist

Do you qualify to live off campus?

First things first, make sure that you have satisfied or are exempt from the University housing policy.

Questions concerning exemption should be directed to Residence Life.

NEVER SIGN A LEASE WITHOUT BEING SURE YOU ARE EXEMPT!

Locate Housing

Several methods are available to students wishing to locate housing.
• Free Locator Services and Real Estate – San Marcos Chamber of Commerce

For information on utilities visit the City of San Marcos Utility Service website

Get a meal plan (optional)

Students living off campus can purchase a meal plan too. Dining locations also accept major credit cards, Bobcat Bucks, and cash.

A 40 block commuter meal plan is available for purchase from any dining location cashier.
For more information on eating on campus click here.

Determine How to Get to Campus

• Walk to Campus
  If you live close to campus it may be possible to walk to campus. Some of the closest apartments to campus are the University owned complexes: Riverside Apts, Comanche Hill Apts, and Clear Springs Apts. Other apartments and residential areas where students commonly walk to campus from are on or near Comanche Street, North LBJ Street, and W. Hopkins Street. If you plan on walking be sure you time your route prior to class beginning. If you will be walking at night be sure to use a well lit route.

  For more safety information visit University Police Department

• Bike to Campus
  Bike racks are located around campus to securely park bicycles. To prevent theft students should purchase a lock for their bicycle. Additionally UPD offers bicycle registration. Tips:
  • Safety FIRST! Be safe, learn the route and how traffic flows. Pick routes that are safest when encountering motor vehicles.
  • Secure your bicycle
  • Arrive early on the first day of class

For more safety information visit University Police Department

• Commuter Parking
  Most students commuting to campus will park in a commuter parking lot and then ride one of the shuttles onto campus. Commuter parking lots are located around the perimeter of campus. All university lots require a commuter parking permit.

  Tips:

  • Before school begins plan your route and determine which is the closest and quickest.
  • Have alternate parking lots in case one is full.
  • Look up the shuttle bus schedule for the stops near or on the parking lot.
  • On the first day of school arrive at your chosen lot well before class begins - an hour before is recommended.
  • Remember San Marcos has trains, expect the unexpected and delays.

Parking Services - click here to register your vehicle and learn about parking locations for commuters

• University Shuttle Bus
  In addition to providing transportation from commuter parking lots, the university shuttle buses also cover a majority of the apartment complexes within the city of San Marcos. Remember you pay for these buses and your student fees so there is not any charge at the time you ride. Be sure to ask about if a property is on a commuter shuttle route when looking for a place to live.
  More information and route maps

• Austin Commuter Bus
  If you live in Austin a commuter bus is available for students who wish to use it. A per ride fee is charged. For pricing information and to purchase tickets visit the LBJ Student Center Information Desk, located on the second floor of the LBJ Student Center near the entrance to the bookstore.
  More information

Locate your Classrooms

Locating classrooms before school starts is key for a smooth first class day.

• Campus Maps
• Building Master List
• Building-to-Building Walking Times Chart

What to do in between class?

Do you have a few down times in your day? Here are a few ideas to make the time go by faster.

• Visit Georges on the 1st Floor of the LBJ Student Center
• Need a nap? Visit Boko's Living Room, located on the 1st floor of the LBJ Student Center. Movies, games, and more!
• Visit Click's Computer Lab on the 1st floor of the LBJ Student Center
• Visit Lyndon's serving Starbucks Coffee or Blimpies on the 1st floor of the LBJ Student Center

Get Involved!

• Student Organizations
• Campus Activities
• On Campus Employment
• Campus Recreation
• Student Association for Campus Activities - SACA
• Student Volunteer Connection

Other New Student Websites of Interest

• New Student Orientation
• Transfer Student Resources
• Financial Aid