Lodge San Marcos, The

You’ll have San Marcos at your fingertips and your studies nearby when you move into The Lodge. Stop in at Shipley Donuts to start your day with a glazed sweet treat on your way to campus. For a quick lunch option, try Freebirds World Burrito and fill up on a cilantro-lime rice bowl topped with grass-fed steak. Plan a happy hour meetup at nearby Japan Latino Sushi & Steak restaurant with your friends. In your free time, visit the urban greenbelt that runs along Purgatory Creek for a chilled day of tubing and hiking.

Settle into your apartment with a private bedroom and bathroom at The Lodge. When it’s time for class, leave your car at home and climb aboard the campus shuttle for a short ride to Texas State University. Come home and heat up a snack in your microwave, then enjoy a few relaxing moments by the pool. You can keep your kitchen stocked with groceries from the local Walmart Super Center, which is 20 minutes away on foot.

Pull on your gym gear and head for the fitness center after class. You can pump up on the weight machines or take a jog on one of the treadmills. You can also go for a run around the basketball court or enjoy a pickup game of volleyball on the sand. Head back to your room where you can freshen up and do a quick change before going to the game room. Grab a hot latte from the coffee bar and join in with one of the frequent resident activities.

Later, hang out with your housemates in your living room as you catch the latest hit reality show, or stream a new movie release on your laptop. Cable TV and high-speed internet are included in your rent. Pets are welcome at The Lodge, and you can bring your furry companion to the on-site dog park when you need a break from studying. You can also get your nails or hair done at the salon based on-site.

On the weekends, you can drive up to Austin for a quick road trip in around 30 minutes. In the evening, come back home through the security gate, and kick back on your patio or balcony before calling it a day.