Spend Saturday mornings hunting for bargains at San Marcos Premium Outlets, where you can shop discounted designer labels and big name brands. Refuel with naan pizza on the patio at Cody’s Bistro & Lounge, then catch a matinee at Texas Cinema Starplex 12. Make the most of the Texan sunshine and head for The Meadows Center. Take a walk along the Wetlands Boardwalk to see the indigenous plant and wildlife or rent a tube and float along the river, then shoot the rapids at Rio Vista Falls Dam. After dark, enjoy life music at The Marc or go dancing at Stonewall Warehouse.

From Cabana Beach you can drive to Texas State University in around 10 minutes, or you can jump on the university shuttle and save time searching for a parking space. When you want to explore your new home, it’s a 25-minute bus ride to Downtown Square, which is home to independent boutiques, cafés and restaurants.

Back at Cabana Beach, relax after class with a dip in the swimming pool, or lie back on a lounger and catch up with your reading. Round up your roommates for a game on the sand volleyball court, shoot some hoops on the full-size basketball court, or take it easy in the clubhouse, where you can watch TV, play table football or ping pong. If you need to clear your head, go to the fitness center for a workout.

When you’re working on an assignment, print out your work in the computer lab, or hit the books in your own private room. Make yourself comfortable at your desk and connect to the high-speed internet, or organise a study group and work in the private study rooms instead.

You’ll find everything you need to cook your favorite food in the fully fitted kitchen, where there’s a dishwasher and a full-size washer dryer to keep things clean and tidy. There’s central heating, air con and ceiling fans to keep you comfortable whatever the weather, and every apartment has a private balcony or patio where you dine alfresco or simply sit and watch the sunset.

All utilities are included in your rent, and the on-site management team are on hand to help if you have any questions.