San Marcos, TX · On-campus housing required for recent grads
Texas State University Freshman Dorms 2026
Texas State requires students who graduated high school within the 12 months before their admission semester to live on campus; second-year and returning students are not required regardless of age or credit hours, and grad students are exempt. Exemptions (commuting from a parent/guardian within 50 miles, documented disability, or other approved cases) must be submitted before signing a housing contract, at least 3 weeks before new-student orientation. Pick your hall for verified room data.
- Bed size
- Varies by hall
- Air conditioning
- Varies by hall
- Residence halls
- 4 verified
Pick your residence hall
Every Texas State University residence hall below has verified bed dimensions, AC status, and a checklist sized to that exact room.
Jackson Hall
- Bed
- 80in XL Twin, adjustable 29-59in frame
- Under-bed
- Frame 29-59" only, no clearance figure
- AC
- Partial
Sterry Hall
- Bed
- 76in standard twin, fixed-height frame
- Under-bed
- 15in under-bed; frame cannot be raised
- AC
- Yes
Blanco Hall
- Bed
- 80in XL Twin, adjustable 29-59in frame
- Under-bed
- Frame 29-59" only, no clearance figure
- AC
- Yes
San Marcos Hall
- Bed
- Single: Full bed; Double: XL Twin
- Under-bed
- Single: 17in; Double: frame 29-59" only
- AC
- Partial
What to bring to Texas State Universitydorms — and what’s already there
Every Texas Statefreshman hall includes the same base furnishings. Skip anything already in your room, pack what’s missing, and leave the banned items at home.
⚠ Unauthorized pets can mean disciplinary action, a fine of up to $50/day, and possible damage charges.
⚠ Housing contracts are binding for the full academic year once signed; a 3-business-day window allows a full refund, after which cancellation is restricted and case-by-case. A $300 advance rent payment is required and credited to billing.
⚠ Improper move-out cleaning carries a $150 fee; late checkout after the 12th class day is billed $5/hr (10am-10pm) or $25/hr (10pm-10am).
⚠ Command Strips and adhesive hooks are banned campus-wide to prevent paint damage; thumbtacks, pushpins, and wall putty are the approved substitute.
⚠ Student-built DIY lofts or cinder-block bed risers are prohibited. This is separate from the university's own factory-installed adjustable bed frames documented per hall below; don't conflate the two.
✓ In every room
- Sheets
- comforter
- pillows/pillowcases
- mattress pad
- hangers
- decor
- mirror
- desk lamp
- thumbtacks/pushpins/wall putty
- towels
- washcloth
- bath caddy
- shower shoes
- robe
- toilet paper
- personal care items
- surge-protected cords
- TV
- coffee maker
- chargers
- laundry basket
- dryer sheets
- cleaner
- paper towels
- trash bags
- HE detergent
- Bobcat Card/ID
- insurance card
- bank cards
- prescriptions
- first-aid kit
✗ Not provided
- Mini-fridge (2.5cuft/resident or 4.6cuft shared-by-2; triples 3x2.5cuft or 1x2.5+1x4.6cuft)
- microwave (0.7cuft/700W max
- 1/room except College Inn/Falls/San Jacinto/San Marcos/Sayers Halls which are 1/suite)
- electric tea pot
⊘ Prohibited
- Air fryers
- hot plates
- blenders
- toasters/toaster ovens
- slow cookers
- pressure cookers
- electric grills
- illegal/open-carry weapons
- candles/incense/wax warmers
- alcohol (under-21 residents/guests)
- pets except fish ≤10gal
- personal routers/switches
- hoverboards
- Command strips/adhesive hooks
- ceiling fans
- dishwashers
- washer/dryers
- space heaters
- halogen lamps
- personal AC units
- drones
- charcoal/propane/lighter fluid
- tobacco (campus-wide tobacco-free)
Top things every Texas State freshman needs
The essentials that aren’t in your room — our verified picks, each with a full comparison. Affiliate links; prices and availability shown on Amazon.
Twin XL sheet setDorm beds are extra-long — a standard twin sheet won't fit.
Mattress topperDorm mattresses are thin and firm — a topper is the biggest comfort upgrade.
Surge protectorRequired at most schools — plain extension cords are banned.
Shower caddyCommunal bathrooms — you carry everything to and from the shower.
Under-bed storage binsThe space under the bed is the only real storage a dorm gives you.
LED desk lampNot provided in most halls — you'll want your own light for late study nights.
Which halls have air conditioning?
AC status varies by hall — useful to know before your assignment arrives.
| Hall | AC | Under-bed |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson Hall | Partial | Frame 29-59" only, no clearance figure |
| Sterry Hall | Yes | 15in under-bed; frame cannot be raised |
| Blanco Hall | Yes | Frame 29-59" only, no clearance figure |
| San Marcos Hall | Partial | Single: 17in; Double: frame 29-59" only |
Common questions about Texas State University dorms
- Can I request a specific hall or room at Texas State?
- Texas State can't guarantee a specific hall or room assignment. Applying for housing early generally gives you the best odds of getting a preferred hall.
- Is early move-in available at Texas State?
- Yes. Residence Life's official Fall 2026 move-in page lists a formal early-arrival option on Thursday, August 13 for a $100 fee, which opts you out of the standard three-day (Aug 14-16) move-in window.
- Can I count as a commuter to skip the on-campus requirement?
- Yes, if you commute from a parent or legal guardian's home within 50 driving miles of campus. The exemption request must be submitted before signing a housing contract, and no later than three weeks before new-student orientation.
Planning your move-in? See the full Texas State packing guide →
More guides: Dorm move-in checklist · Best dorm fans (no AC) · Best shower caddy
Dorm shopping guides: Mini fridge · Surge protector · Storage bins · Mattress topper · Desk lamp · Bedding sets · Twin XL sheets · Shower caddy · Towels · Shower shoes · Laundry hamper · Area rug · Mirror · Over-door organizer · Closet organizers · Fans (no AC) · Loft bed setup