Question 1

Who is the local Realtor for Texas State?

Accepted Answer

Russ Ethridge of eXp Realty, LLC is the CollegeHousing.ai real estate contact for Texas State University.

Question 2

How can I schedule a callback with Russ?

Accepted Answer

Use Schedule a Callback and include your preferred day and time, housing plan and contact details. You can also call 512-676-7479. Appointment availability is confirmed with the professional.

Question 3

How should I compare renting and buying?

Accepted Answer

Compare the complete housing arrangements, upfront cash, monthly costs, expected time near campus and plan after graduation. The rent-vs-buy calculator provides an editable illustration.

Question 4

Who can help review financing?

Accepted Answer

Matt Dean of NEXA Lending, NMLS #227603, is the financing contact. Share the property, intended occupancy and your assumptions for an eligibility review.

Question 5

Is CollegeHousing.ai affiliated with Texas State?

Accepted Answer

CollegeHousing.ai and the local professionals are independent of Texas State University.

Question 6

How do I confirm current property availability?

Accepted Answer

Ask Russ for current properties that fit your budget and timing. Confirm availability, price, lease or sale terms, and the specific address before making plans.

Question 7

Who must live on campus at Texas State?

Accepted Answer

Students who finished high school within the 12 months before their admission semester must live on campus, regardless of age or credit hours. Check the exemption process before signing a private lease.

Question 8

Is a second year on campus required?

Accepted Answer

No. Current residents are not required to stay for a second year. Returning and transfer spaces are limited; an interest-list request does not guarantee a room.

Question 9

How long does a Texas State housing contract last?

Accepted Answer

A signed contract covers the full academic year, whether residence was required or optional. Read its cancellation and refund terms before committing.

Question 10

How do I request a housing accommodation?

Accepted Answer

Submit the accommodation request to Disability Services and also submit a housing contract. Disability Services reviews the request and recommends the room-type accommodation to Housing.

Question 11

Should I request an exemption before signing a housing contract?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The exemption process applies before a housing contract is submitted. Once you have a contract, use the cancellation request process instead.

Question 12

Can my student commute from a parent’s home?

Accepted Answer

Texas State allows requests to commute from a parent or legal guardian’s permanent home within 50 driving miles. Submit the required exemption documentation; another relative’s address is not automatically eligible.

Question 13

When should an exemption request be submitted?

Accepted Answer

Submit a complete request at least three weeks before new-student orientation. A late or incomplete request may delay class registration.

Question 14

What is the advance rent payment?

Accepted Answer

The housing-contract process normally requires $300 in advance rent, later credited to the student’s bill. Admissions can confirm whether a waiver or deferral applies.

Question 15

What are some 2026–27 campus housing prices?

Accepted Answer

Published semester examples are $3,660 for an Alamito shared room, $3,975 for a Chautauqua shared room, and $5,380 for a bedroom in a two-bedroom Bobcat Village apartment. Compare the assigned room type and add any separate meal-plan charges.

Question 16

Who can live in Balcones or Cypress?

Accepted Answer

These university apartment communities are reserved for upper-division students who have satisfied the first-year housing requirement. The pricing guide lists apartment-style rates separately from residence halls.

Question 17

Who helps with roommate problems or a lockout?

Accepted Answer

Bring roommate concerns to the Resident Assistant or Residence Director. For a lockout, contact the hall’s front desk or its after-hours on-call number.

Question 18

Can I request another room after moving in?

Accepted Answer

Room-change requests begin after the twelfth class day. Housing reviews the student’s needs and available space; a request does not guarantee a new assignment.

Question 19

How should I compare a rental’s Bobcat Shuttle connection?

Accepted Answer

Find the actual stop, route and class-time timetable. Daytime, evening, night, Saturday and summer services differ. Allow time to walk from your home to the stop and from the campus stop to your building.

Question 20

Does Uber Kyle provide a subsidized commute to Texas State?

Accepted Answer

No. Since July 1, 2026, local voucher trips must begin and end inside Kyle city limits. A trip to the San Marcos campus falls outside that local service area. Price your campus commute separately.

Question 21

Where can students start an off-campus search?

Accepted Answer

Texas State’s Off-Campus Living page links to housing and roommate resources. Use these alongside a property visit, a complete cost comparison and a review of the specific lease.

Question 22

Can parents access a college student's education records if the student is our tax dependent?

Accepted Answer

FERPA allows a postsecondary institution to disclose education records without the eligible student's consent to a parent who claims the student as a dependent for federal income-tax purposes. This is a permitted exception, not automatic unrestricted access; Texas State may require documentation and apply its own verification process.

Question 23

Does FERPA still apply if my Texas State student is only 17?

Accepted Answer

FERPA rights transfer to an eligible student when the student turns 18 or attends a postsecondary institution at any age. A 17-year-old Texas State student therefore generally controls access to college education records, subject to FERPA's permitted disclosure exceptions.

Question 24

Can the college contact parents during a serious health or safety emergency?

Accepted Answer

In a serious health or safety emergency, FERPA permits Texas State to disclose relevant information to parents or other appropriate parties when the institution determines the information is necessary to protect the student or others. This exception is circumstance-specific and does not create routine parental access.

Russ Ethridge

Your Texas State University Realtor®

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