Texas State: Yes, we float the river. But we also go to class. 🌊📚

[Cler]

I'm a junior at Texas State University in San Marcos, and I'm so tired of the "party school" stereotype. Like, yeah, we have fun. The river is right there. Floating the San Marcos River on a hot day is literally the best college experience you can have. But that's not ALL we do.

The location is unreal. San Marcos is between Austin and San Antonio, so you get access to two major cities. The hill country is gorgeous. The river runs right through campus. On a nice day, studying outside feels like a vacation.

But the academics are real. Our mass comm program is legit—so many graduates work in Austin media. Physical therapy, nursing, and education programs are strong. And the new science building is insane.

Yes, there's a social scene. The square has dozens of bars and restaurants. House parties happen. But you can also find quieter spots. It's a big enough school (almost 40,000 students) that you can create whatever experience you want.

The "Eat 'Em Up Cats" energy is real. Football games are fun, but basketball and baseball also get love. The marching band is huge. School spirit exists without being overwhelming.

Housing is the real challenge. San Marcos has grown so fast that off-campus housing is expensive and fills up early. Start looking now.

If you want a traditional college experience with a beautiful setting and access to cities, Texas State is worth a look. Just learn to float first.

Anyone else a Bobcat? What do you wish you'd known before coming?

 

[LarryMertz]

Cler, the "create whatever experience you want" point is so true. I'm a grad student at Texas State and my experience is completely different from undergrads. I'm in the counseling program and we have our own building, our own study spaces, our own community. I barely know what's happening on the square and that's fine for me.

For anyone considering grad school here: the faculty in my program are incredibly supportive. Small cohort sizes, lots of individual attention. And being able to walk along the river between classes is a stress reliever during a demanding program.

Also, the cost of living is better than Austin but getting worse. Rent has increased like 30% since I started. Live further out if you can and commute. San Marcos traffic is annoying but manageable.