When I was originally applying to universities, Texas State existed solely as a backup choice. After about the fourth time changing my mind, lots of tears and a hefty load of financial aid, I eventually made the choice to attend what would soon become my home. To my surprise, I absolutely fell in love with the campus, city, school and students. I believe Texas State is incredibly underrated and has so many perks that so many people seem to overlook when looking for schools. Here’s a list of just 25 out of hundreds of reasons to attend Texas State University:

1. San Marcos, Texas.

Ok, but seriously, San Marcos is perfect. Not only is it the fastest growing city in the country, but it also wedged between two major cities with their own fair share of attractions, San Antonio and Austin. Two cities that are hotspots for food, culture, tourism attractions and beautiful downtowns. San Marcos allows you to have a small-town feel while still being so close to such big cities--truly the best of both worlds.

2. The Price.

With such low in-state tuition prices it’s no surprise the resident population is so big. At just $5,100 for a Texas resident a semester and $11,220 for a nonresident for Undergraduate programs, Texas State offers a steal compared to most major State Institutions.

3. Greek Life.

Texas State houses over 35 different Greek Organizations in Panhellenic, National Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council and Multicultural Council fraternities and sororities. As a TXST Sorority woman, I may be biased, but I truly love the community that Greeks present on our campus--truly devoted to their philanthropy, their school spirit, their love for their sister/brotherhood, their urge to increase diversity and always managing to uphold the qualities of a true Texas State student and Greek man or woman.

4. The San Marcos River.

Flowing quite literally through campus, the San Marcos river is hands down one of the greatest aspects of going to school here. Having a bad day? Having a great day? Either way, grab a tube, grab some friends and grab some rays by floating one of America’s highest ranked rivers within miles from your dorm/apartment/classes.

5. The Amazing Theater Program.

Texas State’s Theater continues to impress. Since it’s founding by Kaitlin Hopkins, their Musical Theater program specifically has done nothing short of stellar- earning it’s rank of #7 MT Program in the nation. In addition to Musical Theater, their BFA Programs of Acting, Technical Production, Teacher Cert, and Performance and Productions are all as phenomenal. Click here to see what they have coming up this next school year.

6. Free Speech Zone.

Every Texas State student has undoubtedly taken one (or a hundred) Snapchats of someone representing their first amendment right at our infamous Fighting Stallions statue in the quad. Speaking out for topics all across the spectrum, students, religious figures and people from all over the city, state and nation come to speak their mind for all of campus to hear. It’s just another ordinary day when there is a mass of hundreds of people surrounding the stallions on their way to class around some protester or public speaker.

7. Sewell Park.

Sitting atop Texas State grounds, Sewell Park, is one of my favorite places to be. Beautiful, close and incredibly entertaining Sewell provides for so much after-class and weekend fun. The volleyball courts, bikini hill, mini stage, basketball courts and of course, the river all provide for a great school distraction (whoops!).

8. The Dean of Student’s Office.

The DOS staff at Texas State are so wonderful. They truly care and make sure that all voices on campus are heard. They strive to create a welcoming, open, safe, and diverse community. Their doors are always open and their entire staff embodies the level of civility, professionalism, and love that Dean Dr. Margarita M. Arellano creates.

9. Chimy’s.

Whether you’re hungry for fish tacos or are pre-gaming for a night out, you can never go wrong with Chimy’s. Possibly the most popular spot on the square, Chimy’s becomes a household name for their quality Margs, good food, and ever-so-loved environment.

10. Tailgating.

While Texas State may not be known for a good football team, we are certainly known for our tailgates. From Greek lives to alumni and their families and beyond- tailgate is the place to be every game day. Seeing Texas State students decked out in maroon, white and gold, drinking cheap beer and surrounding themselves with school spirit almost makes us forget how bad this coming game is probably going to be (if you even bother to go).

11. Diversity.

With nearly a half of the student population representing a minority ethnicity or race, Texas State is definitely applauded for their diversity since Texas itself has a 70 percent white persons occupancy. Apart from race and ethnicity, Texas State also does a fantasic job in the equal inclusion of all LGBTQ+ persons and even has a higher percentage of female students than male.

12. McCoy College of Business Administration.

As the hardest respective school inside of Texas State University to get into, McCoy’s reputation definitely proceeds it. This nationally recognized college gives amazing resources, advising and classes to their student inhabitants.

13. The Square.

San Antonio has the Riverwalk, Austin has the dirty Sixth, but San Marcos has the square and the students can't get enough of it. Aside from the beautiful campus, Texas State is probably most recognized for it’s commendable nightlife. With great nightly deals for broke college students, strict age policies and a presence more mature but equally as fun as sixth street- the square is truly loved here.

14. Friendly Community.

Chivalry, kindness and an overall sense of being polite and considerate fills the students here. There is certainly a Texas charm in the air.

15. Bubble Believers.

Because who doesn’t love a group of happy souls blowing bubbles and spreading love on our way to and from classes on a gloomy Monday?

16. Academic Resources.

SLAC Lab, The Writing Center, study rooms, Peer Mentors, Academic Advisors, office hours, floors and floors of books, public scanners and printers, a plethora of tutoring options--the list goes on and on. Texas State truly wants to see you succeed.

17. TACOOOOOS!

There is no shortage of tacos in San Marcos. From Chimys' to Herebert's, Exxon to Lolita's, Fuego to Torchy's, or even the more hole in the wall locals such as Taqueria El Charro Tapatio (Hopkins), Taqueria Mazatlan (I-35), or Taqueria El Rancho (Ash), the supply of tacos is basically never ending. Thank goodness!

18. $5.00 Movies.

Yup, you heard that right. Every Tuesday at Starplex all ordinary movie tickets are $5 and any other day of the week with your Texas State ID you get a 50 percent discount as well! Not to mention the food is cheaper than any other theatre in the surrounding cities. Safe to say I go to the movies pretty often.

19. Bobcat Build.

The Texas State website describes Bobcat Build as: “...a Texas State University tradition that serves as the largest service project on campus. It is also the second largest, one-day community service project in the state of Texas. The name itself symbolizes our goal of strengthening the bond between Texas State University and the community of San Marcos. Every spring semester, students volunteer their time to complete various service projects throughout the community such as landscaping, painting, or clean-ups at residents’ homes, local schools, parks, churches, and neighborhoods. Over the past 10 years, the event has grown in participation from approximately 700 volunteers at 50 jobsites to nearly 4,000 volunteers at over 250 jobsites within the San Marcos community!”

20. Student Involvement.

With over 115 registered student organizations on campus, it’s not hard to get involved whatsoever. Some of these include Greek life, Athletics, religious/political organizations, social clubs, academic groups, Student Government, or even some more fun ones such as the Quidditch team or the hide and seek club.

21. Career Services.

Texas State Career services team truly strives to help every student reach their true potential and professional goals upon Graduation. Working on professionalism, resume building, a workplace wardrobe, leadership qualities, etc. They really aim to help students AND free of charge.

22. College of Education.

Known for having the number one teaching program in the country- students from all over the state and nation ship off to San Marcos to join the exceptional Education team to be able to provide the next generation with the most valuable thing they are receiving right now: knowledge.

23. The Outlets.

Conveniently 10-15 minutes away from campus, it’s no secret that many student's wallets get a little barren after taking one or two too many convenient trips over to the outlets. The outlets provide two amazing opportunities to TXST students: sales on sales on sales and jobs to help with their shopping habits.

24. Grin’s Restaurant.

Just one of the wonderful restaurants to make up San Marcos - Grin’s is known all too well for their ability to bring a smile on people’s face and make their hearts as full as their stomachs. With their famous frozen strawberry margaritas, phenomenal chicken fried chicken and spectacular daily specials, Grin is a great place to bring your family on Parents weekend or to go with a group of friends on a Friday night.

25. The “Texas State” Legs (Thx, Alkek.)

I suppose the #1 reason NOT to go to Texas State would be the Alkek stairs. While at the time of the pursuit up the gargantuan stairs you may be full with angst, hatred and pure exhaustion, wiping sweat of your brow, and internally whining with dread over the soreness in your calves - four years later when you’ve got the legs of a God - you’ll be thanking those stairs.

With reasons like these...why wouldn’t you want to be a bobcat? EAT ‘EM UP!