So, you’re looking at Falls Hall Texas State. Maybe you’re a freshman staring at the housing portal, or a parent trying to figure out if this place is actually worth the housing contract. It’s located on the west side of the San Marcos campus, right next to its twin, Sayers Hall. Honestly, the first thing people notice isn't the architecture—it's the hill. If you choose to live here, your glutes are going to be made of steel by the end of the first semester. That’s just the reality of the geography in San Marcos.
The Reality of Living in Falls Hall Texas State
Falls is a traditional-style dorm, which basically means you’re sharing a room with a roommate and a bathroom with the people next door. It’s a suite-style setup. You won't be trekking down a long hallway in a bathrobe to use a communal shower, which is a massive win compared to some of the older "vintage" halls on campus.
The building was part of a major housing push by Texas State University to modernize the west side of campus. It's a co-ed space, but the suites themselves are single-gender. One thing that genuinely surprises people is the sheer amount of natural light in the lobby areas. It doesn't feel like a basement or a bunker. The tall windows look out over the hill country landscape, and if you’re on a higher floor, the view of the sunset is arguably the best on campus.
Let's talk about the room size. It's roughly 15' x 11'. That sounds okay on paper, but once you get two XL twin beds, two desks, and two humans with all their gear in there, it gets cozy fast. Most students end up lofting their beds. If you don't loft, you're basically living in a furniture maze.
Location: The West Campus Trade-off
Living at Falls Hall Texas State means you are strategically placed near some very specific campus landmarks. You are a stone's throw from the Harris Dining Hall. This is crucial. When it’s raining or you’re exhausted after a late lab, having Harris right there is a lifesaver. It’s one of the better dining halls on campus, known for having a decent variety, though the stir-fry line can get absurdly long during peak hours.
You're also right by the Student Recreation Center. If you’re into lifting or just want to hit the rock wall, you have zero excuses. It’s a five-minute walk.
However, the "trade-off" is the distance to the Quad. Most of your academic buildings, the Alkek Library, and the legendary LBJ Student Center are on the other side of campus. You have two choices: hike the hill or wait for the Bobcat Shuttle. The shuttle is great, but during the 10-minute passing periods, it’s packed. You’ll learn the shuttle schedule better than your own class schedule. You'll likely use Route 10 (Bobcat Village) or Route 20 (Main Station) to get around, but honestly, walking down the hill is usually faster than waiting for a bus that's already full.
✨ Don't miss: Deep Wave Short Hair Styles: Why Your Texture Might Be Failing You
The Social Scene and "The Hill" Culture
There is a specific vibe to the west campus dorms. Because you’re a bit removed from the hustle of the main academic plaza, Falls Hall tends to form a tight-knit community. You’ll see people hanging out in the courtyards or the sand volleyball courts between Falls and Sayers. It’s loud. It’s active. It feels like a traditional college experience.
Noise is a factor. The walls aren't paper-thin, but they aren't soundproof vaults either. You will hear your neighbor's music. You will hear the person above you dropping what sounds like a bowling ball at 2:00 AM. That’s just dorm life. The Resident Assistants (RAs) at Texas State are generally pretty chill, but they do enforce the quiet hours, especially during finals week.
One thing most people get wrong about Falls Hall is thinking it’s "too far" from the action. While it's true you aren't right next to Old Main, you are actually closer to the local San Marcos life in some ways. You're not far from the interstate access if you have a car, and the San Marcos River—the soul of the city—is just a short drive or a long-ish bike ride away.
Amenities: What You’re Actually Paying For
Texas State classifies Falls Hall as one of its more modern options, and the price point reflects that. You’re getting:
- Central Air: This isn't a given in every dorm, and in the Texas heat, it’s a non-negotiable for most.
- Laundry Facilities: They use the App/Card system. No digging for quarters.
- Card Access: Security is tight. You need your ID to get into the building and your specific wing.
- Study Rooms: Each floor usually has a dedicated spot. They get crowded during midterms, so claim your spot early.
The furniture is the standard-issue blue and wood-grain aesthetic. It’s durable. It’s functional. It’s not Pinterest-worthy until you put in some work with rugs and lighting. Pro tip: Bring a lamp. The overhead fluorescent lighting in Falls Hall Texas State is "surgical theater" bright. It’s not great for late-night vibes.
Comparing Falls to Other Texas State Dorms
If you’re comparing Falls to somewhere like Beretta or Chautauqua, the difference is night and day. Beretta has that historic, dark-wood, "Hogwarts" feel but lacks the modern suite layout. On the flip side, something like San Jacinto is often considered the "premier" hall, but it’s even further out and usually more expensive.
🔗 Read more: December 12 Birthdays: What the Sagittarius-Capricorn Cusp Really Means for Success
Falls sits in that "sweet spot." It’s modern enough that you don’t feel like you’re living in the 1970s, but it’s not so expensive that you’re eating ramen for every meal just to afford rent.
People often ask about the "Sayers vs. Falls" debate. They are identical. Literally. They were built at the same time with the same floor plans. The only difference is the people inside and which way your window faces. If you get a room on the east side of Falls, you're looking toward the rest of campus. West side? You're looking at the hills and the sunset.
The Logistics of Moving In
Move-in day at Texas State is a choreographed chaos. For Falls Hall, it’s particularly interesting because of the one-way streets and the elevation.
Don't bring a trailer. Just don't. You won't find a place to park it easily, and maneuvering it through the west campus curves is a nightmare. Stick to SUVs and cars. The university usually provides "Bobcat Movers"—volunteers who help lug your boxes—but they can't be everywhere at once.
What to pack specifically for Falls Hall:
- A powerful fan: Even with central AC, the air circulation in a small room with two people can get stuffy.
- Shower Caddy: Even though you're sharing a bathroom with just a few people, you don't want to leave all your stuff in the shared space. Keep it organized.
- Command Hooks: You cannot nail anything into the walls. They will charge you for every tiny chip in the paint when you move out.
- A Rug: The floors are hard surface. They’re easy to clean but cold on your feet in the morning.
- Ethernet Cable: The Wi-Fi (TexasStateEverywhere) is generally good, but if you’re gaming or doing heavy video editing, the hardline in the wall is much more reliable.
Addressing the Common Misconceptions
People say the walk to the Quad from Falls is "impossible." It’s not. It’s about 12 to 15 minutes at a brisk pace. If you're coming from the Houston or Dallas suburbs where you drive everywhere, it feels like a marathon. But you get used to it.
💡 You might also like: Dave's Hot Chicken Waco: Why Everyone is Obsessing Over This Specific Spot
Another myth is that the west campus is "dead" on weekends. Actually, because Harris Dining Hall stays open and the Rec is right there, a lot of people stay on this side of town. It’s quieter than the dorms right next to the Square (the downtown bar district), which most students actually prefer when they're trying to sleep on a Tuesday night.
Is there mold? This is a common question for any dorm in the humid Texas climate. Texas State’s facilities team is actually pretty responsive. If you see something, you file a "Fix It" request. The key is keeping your room at a consistent temperature. If you blast the AC and then leave your window open to "let in fresh air," you’re creating a petri dish. Don’t do that.
Financial Considerations
Living in Falls Hall Texas State is a mid-to-high tier expense on the housing chart. You have to weigh the cost of the suite-style bathroom against the cheaper, communal-style halls. For most, the extra couple hundred dollars per semester is worth it for the privacy of sharing a toilet with three people instead of thirty.
Remember that housing contracts at Texas State are for the full academic year. You’re locked in. If you decide mid-semester that you want to move off-campus into an apartment at Copper Beech or Vistas, it’s a very difficult and expensive process to break that contract. Make sure you’re okay with the dorm lifestyle before you sign.
Actionable Steps for Future Residents
If you’ve been assigned to Falls or are putting it on your preference list, here is how you handle the next steps effectively.
- Check your roommate assignment early. Reach out on Instagram or GroupMe. Decide who is bringing the micro-fridge and who is bringing the microwave. There is no reason to have two of each in a space that small.
- Study the bus routes now. Download the Texas State mobile app. Look at the "Routes" section. Understand the difference between the campus loops and the apartment shuttles.
- Invest in a good pair of walking shoes. This isn't a fashion suggestion; it's a survival tip. Those hills are brutal on cheap flip-flops.
- Coordinate your move-in time slot. Texas State uses a tiered entry system to prevent traffic jams. Stick to your time. If you show up early, they will likely make you wait in a holding lot.
- Measure your plastic bins. The space under a lofted bed is prime real estate. Measure the height of the bed frame (usually adjustable) before you buy massive storage containers that might not fit.
Living in Falls Hall is a foundational part of the Texas State experience for hundreds of students every year. It’s where you’ll meet people you’ll eventually move into an apartment with junior year. It’s where you’ll pull your first all-nighter. It’s not a five-star hotel, but as far as college housing goes, it’s a solid, modern, and reliable place to call home while you’re figuring out life in San Marcos. Keep your expectations realistic, bring a good pair of headphones, and get ready to conquer that hill.