Daniel
Google
I lived at Bobcat Village during the Fall 2023 semester as a freshman, and overall, I’d say there are both pros and cons to living here. The apartment-style dorms are a unique setup that offer a level of independence and privacy you wouldn’t typically get in a traditional dorm. Each unit includes basic furnishings and appliances, and you don’t have to worry about paying monthly rent or utilities since those are bundled into your tuition bill. While it’s technically on-campus housing, Bobcat Village is located off the main campus and sits along a Texas State bus route—which is helpful but often crowded. The location is also convenient for getting to the stadium and H-E-B.
Pros:
You have the option of choosing a one-bedroom or two-bedroom layout. I lived in a two-bedroom unit with a randomly assigned roommate. While we didn’t interact much, I’d strongly recommend living with someone you know or who matches your preferences. The apartments come furnished with essential appliances like a fridge, stove, and washer/dryer. The bedrooms are fairly spacious, and it's nice having your own private bathroom.
Cons:
Unfortunately, the negatives outweigh the positives. Bobcat Village tends to be loud and rowdy, which is expected since most residents are freshmen. It’s also located right next to a train track, and the train noise is frequent and disruptive, especially at night.
Security was a concern during my time there. Each unit comes with an alarm system, but it was difficult to use. There are deadbolts on the front doors, but I still had several incidents where people—often intoxicated—tried to open my door thinking it was theirs. One time, a drunk student even attempted to enter my apartment at 3 a.m. While UPD does patrol the area, there are very few security cameras and minimal surveillance, especially in the smaller lots.
Parking is another hassle. The lot closest to my building was often full, and the parking permit is expensive for what you get. On move-in day, my roommate and I encountered issues right away. The apartment reeked of cigarette smoke, his bedroom door was broken, and the entire place was dirty. Throughout the semester, multiple things broke or didn’t function properly—lights flickered, the stove was unreliable, and the dryer took multiple cycles to dry anything. While the bedrooms are a good size, the kitchen and living room are quite small, and wear and tear was visible throughout the unit.
As for amenities, the pool was rarely cleaned, and the gym was essentially unusable—almost every machine was broken. I ended up using the Rec Center instead. The water quality in my unit was also questionable and contributed to hair and scalp issues. Lastly, the bug situation is bad. During cricket season, the breezeways and walkways were infested, and other pests were common too.
Bobcat Village can be a decent starter apartment if you're looking for privacy and a bit of independence as a freshman. However, the poor maintenance, cleanliness issues, and lack of effective security are hard to ignore. It seems like many residents don’t take care of the property, which contributes to its overall condition. If you’re just trying to get by and want convenience, it’s passable—but don’t expect a high-quality living experience.
