Texas State University Creates a Seamless Housing Journey from Campus to Community with StarRez and College Pads

Meeting the Growing Demand for Housing

Over the past several years, Texas State University has experienced impressive growth—and the momentum continues. With record enrollment numbers, the need for both on-campus and off-campus housing options is higher than ever. In Fall 2025 alone, the university will offer 10,000+ beds on campus—including within a brand-new residence hall, Castro Hall. But with thousands of students requesting housing accommodations, there’s a critical need to provide guidance and access to alternative off-campus options. To meet this demand, Texas State University utilizes College Pads as their solution for educating, connecting, and enabling students with off-campus housing options and resources.

Building a Better Off-Campus Experience for Staff and Students  

Texas State’s Off Campus Living office has long been committed to supporting students in their search for housing, working closely with the City of San Marcos, apartment managers, and university partners. Partnering withenhanced these efforts by providing a centralized, student-friendly platform that connects students with off-campus housing options and gives staff access to valuable usage insights—such as active listings and where students are logging in from.

The platform simplifies the housing search for students through a streamlined, easy-to-navigate marketplace. At the same time, the College Pads team supports staff with tools and resources—like usage data and event ideas—that help shape the University’s off-campus strategy and engagement efforts.

“Texas State grows and grows every year, and we saw a need to have off-campus housing for students supported by a marketplace that could easily connect students to those options. College Pads helped us understand and market our local housing inventory in ways we had never done before.”  

-Tyler Barstow, Off Campus Living Senior Coordinator, Texas State University

College Pads also helps the team at Texas State teach students best practices for apartment hunting. From how students search and compare housing options to how they ask questions and evaluate leases, the College Pads platform has empowered students to feel confident and informed.

Supporting the Entire Housing Journey

At Texas State University, supporting students through every stage of their housing journey is a top priority. With more than 10,000 beds managed through StarRez—soon to include the newly built Castro Hall—Texas State has optimized its on-campus assignment and room change processes to meet the evolving needs of its growing student population.
 
The University has recently shifted from self-selection to a more streamlined auto-allocation model powered by StarRez to better serve large incoming classes. From initial assignments to post-move-in room change requests, StarRez provides the operational flexibility and customization Texas State needs to stay responsive and student-focused.

“Ideally, we would be able to house students all the way through graduation. That just is not the case. So what is the resource that you're providing to help those students be successful off campus?”

‍-Jason O’Neill, Director – Housing Administrative Services, Texas State University

Recognizing that the majority of students will move off campus after their first year, Texas State expanded this ecosystem by adding College Pads as an off-campus solution. Together, StarRez and College Pads provide a connected, education-forward experience—giving students the tools they need whether they’re selecting a dorm or signing a lease.

The College Pads platform offers more than just a place to browse off-campus housing listings—it serves as an educational hub that helps students make informed decisions about where and how they live. Resources on renters’ rights, budgeting, and lease education are built directly into the digital-first experience, helping students develop critical life skills and navigate their options with ease and confidence.

“Students are always surprised at how much is built into the site. They think it’s just listings, but then they realize there are tools to help them with leases, legal questions, and budgeting. It’s a huge support system they didn’t know existed.”  

-Tyler Barstow, Off Campus Living Senior Coordinator, Texas State University

This type of student education is particularly valuable for upper-division students, who are no longer required to live on campus and may be navigating the off-campus rental market for the first time.  

“There’s always going to be a desire to live on campus, and we’re growing our capacity,” Barstow said. “But students know that after their first year, they’ll likely need to live off campus. Our goal is to give them the tools and the confidence to do that successfully.”

Texas State has already seen an over 20% increase in signed on-campus housing contracts for first-year students compared to the same time last year. While not a direct result of the College Pads platform, it reinforces the importance of having a robust, multi-channel housing strategy to meet demand both on and off campus.

New Events, Stronger Engagement, Better Off-Campus Housing Visibility

As part of their broader strategy to support students both on and off campus, Texas State has continued to evolve how they engage students and the local housing community through events. While the Off Campus Living office has long hosted successful housing fairs, they’ve recently expanded their event offerings to create even more dynamic and student-focused experiences—drawing on fresh ideas and guidance from the College Pads team to enhance what was already in place.

For example, in addition to their traditional fall housing fair, Texas State launched an education-focused spring fair and introduced a brand-new presence at River Fest. This outdoor campus celebration features live music, food, and now, apartment managers engaging with students in a laid-back, festival environment.

“This was completely new for us,” said Barstow. “It was the first time we’d done something like River Fest, and apartment managers loved it. They were getting more exposure and connecting with students outside of the traditional school environment.”

While Texas State has built strong relationships with housing providers over the years, College Pads has supported recent efforts by helping reach out to apartment managers and sharing engagement ideas based on successes from other campuses. This collaboration has contributed to increased visibility for off-campus housing and helped enrich the student experience in meaningful, memorable ways.

Exceeding Off-Campus Housing Expectations with College Pads

With enrollment growing and student needs evolving, Texas State University is building a more holistic and student-centered housing experience. By partnering with both StarRez and College Pads, the University has extended its reach—helping students feel confident, informed, and connected whether they’re living on campus or venturing off.
 
The work the team completes is rooted in the belief that housing stability, student education, and community connection are all essential to student success, which impacts student retention. Their integrated approach is paving the way for a more seamless, supportive experience from move-in to graduation.

Bridging the Gap Between On and Off Campus

By integrating StarRez for on-campus processes and College Pads for off-campus exploration, Texas State has been promoting a unified housing journey for over 10 years. This dual-platform strategy not only helps students navigate transitions with greater ease but also empowers the Housing team to focus more on education, student wellness, and long-term success.

“We’re excited about the future of having both systems working in tandem. StarRez helps us serve students while they’re with us on campus, and College Pads ensures they’re supported when they move off campus. It’s a comprehensive approach that puts student experience first.”

-Jason O’Neill, Director – Housing Administrative Services, Texas State University

Interested in learning how College Pads can enhance your students’ off-campus housing experience? Connect with our team to discover more.