Texas State University--San Marcos | Student Reviews | Best College

Student Profile

Ashlee

Class: Senior
Major: Communications
Gender: F

High School: Cy-Springs HS
Transfer Student: N

Big Picture

The natural beauty surrounding Texas State is amazing. The university is located on a hill, and the San Marcos River runs through the middle of campus, which provides for a good time and great scenery year-round. Texas State is diverse, and everyone is very friendly. It is the perfect size, not too big, nor too small. San Marcos is a good-sized college town, but it is old-fashioned, and some of the places need to stay open later, including the hot spots on the Square. There could be more modernized places to hang. For the most part, the administration is available and listens to the students' needs. I think President Trauth has worked hard to improve our college tremendously. Students here have a lot of school pride but not enough. I think people promote their sororities and frats more than Texas State as a whole. One experience I will always remember: In January 2007, central Texas had a huge ice storm, and it snowed for the first time in....forever. Our first three days of school were cancelled for the spring semester. The entire town shut down because most Texans don't know what to do in that kind of weather..especially in San Marcos because it is so hilly. I didn't want to leave my apartment the entire time for fear of losing control of my vehicle. One of the recent controversies on campus was when smoking was restricted in certain areas such as the Quad and within 20 feet of any building entrance. Many smokers felt it was a violation of their personal freedom and disregarded the warning signs. However, our university has made it clear that they will fine anyone found smoking in those areas.

Academic Life

Students really have to make an effort to get to know their professors. At least, within the bigger departments, they do. In upper-level courses, its easier for them to know your name rather than intro courses (usually have about 400 people in an auditorium setting). I can't speak for everyone, so I don't know if people have intellectual conversations outside of class. I try to as much as possible. It seems like half the school would rather party or talk about their never-ending Greek life drama, while others have more important things on mind. It really depends who you surround yourself with. The Journalism and Mass Communication department at my school is fantastic. The professors are extremely knowledgeable and always willing to help. I think any communications field will be geared toward getting a job, and my school does excellent at preparing us for the future.

Student Body

There are several religious and diverse cultural organizations on campus, but they don't seem to put their names out there. Most students wear the casual jeans and t-shirt to class with the exception of some girls who like to climb hills while wearing 3-inch heels. Plenty of students from different backgrounds interact with eachother, however, it is obvious that certain majors/groups tend to stick with what and who they already know. Most students seem to be from larger Texas cities such as Houston, Dallas, or Austin. I think we could use more out-of-state students, or even international. As of 2008, I've noticed that students are more politically aware than ever before. Since the new year began, people are out in the Quad every day influencing others and passing out flyers to have a voice in political history. I'd say that our college is pretty liberal for the most part.