Texas State plans new parking, apps to ease student commute challenges

By Kaylee Gonzalez

Blog Content Contributor

SAN MARCOS – As classes begin at Texas State University, many students have noticed an increase in enrollment, including more difficulty finding parking on and around campus.

Texas State reported a record enrollment for Fall 2025 with 44,596 students. While the growing student body brings new opportunities and connections, it has also raised concerns among commuting students about parking availability.

Natalia Rincon, a Texas State student who lives off campus, described the challenges she faces when trying to park during peak class hours.

“I have to leave my apartment about an hour before class starts to make sure that I find parking as close as possible. If I can’t find parking nearby, I’m left walking almost 20 minutes in the Texas heat,” said Rincon. “I take the shuttles the days I don’t feel like driving, which is a bit more convenient, but I’d rather have my car close so I can just head straight to it and not wait outside for the shuttle.”

Rincon said she appreciates the shuttle system for those without vehicles but hopes for more parking availability across all permit types.

To address parking concerns, university officials point to existing solutions and future plans. Texas State President Kelly Damphousse and Executive Vice President for Operations Eric Algoe discussed ongoing efforts to improve the parking experience for students.

One resource they highlighted is the “ParkZen” app, available for download in the App Store and through the Texas State mobile app. The app uses crowdsourced data to help users find available parking spots more efficiently.

“It is crowdsourced so the only way it could be really good and work really well is if we get the word out to download the app,” said Algoe. “Other large universities like LSU and other places are using it. It basically helps you find the right parking.”

Damphousse and Algoe said they hope more students will use the app, and that they have brought in parking consultants to help improve infrastructure and efficiency.

“They are very good at what they do, they do this for universities around the country,” said Algoe.

Damphousse added, “I think people get frustrated when they bump into the same problem. If they don’t know there’s hope coming, or don’t know of solutions that are already in place, that can get really frustrating, so we are trying to solve both of those issues.”

Both administrators emphasized the importance of student feedback.

“We can’t fix what is broken,” they said.

According to Damphousse, parking was the top concern in a recent campus survey. In response, the university has several plans underway. This includes the construction of a new 500- to 600-space commuter parking lot on Thorpe Lane, which is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving.

“You get off the freeway exit and it’s immediately right into the commuter lot from I-35. We will also have buses there. They should be there every 10 minutes to pick you up and get you back to campus quickly,” Algoe said.

Looking further ahead, Damphousse and Algoe said the university’s long-term Master Plan includes the addition of three new parking garages over the next decade. They also shared that the plan outlines more on-campus housing and environmentally sustainable developments as the campus continues to expand.

As Texas State grows, university officials say they are working to meet student needs and improve the overall campus experience.