Study in the U.S.
Safety at Texas State University: What Parents Should Know About Campus Security
Safety is the first question every parent asks before sending a child abroad. Texas State University is in San Marcos — a mid-sized college town far calmer than big metros — and has its own 24/7 security system.
University Police Department (UPD)
TXST has its own sworn university police force (not security guards), licensed like any Texas police, patrolling campus 24/7 by car, bike and on foot. Headquarters are on campus; 911 and the UPD line are staffed around the clock.
Layers of student protection
- TXState Alert: emergency SMS/email/app notifications to all students during incidents or dangerous weather.
- Blue light emergency phones: across campus, one button connects directly to UPD.
- Campus safety app: share your location with friends/UPD when walking late, request help fast.
- Night escorts: safe-walk/ride services on campus in the evening.
- Residence halls: student-ID card access, Resident Assistants on duty, registered guests only.
Is San Marcos safe?
San Marcos is a city of ~70,000 built around the university and river tourism. As anywhere in the U.S., basic habits matter: don't walk alone late in quiet areas, lock your apartment, never leave valuables in your car. The campus perimeter and downtown are dense with students, well lit and busy.
Transparency
Under federal law (the Clery Act), every U.S. university publishes an annual security report with incident statistics on and around campus. Parents can read TXST's report directly on the UPD website — a level of transparency few education systems offer.
Support for international students
TXST's international office runs orientation on safety, basic U.S. law and emergency procedures. The Vietnam Office stays in touch with students and families throughout their studies — parents can reach us directly on +84 989 869 268.
