We know that commuter students approach school differently than those who live on campus. That's why we offer resources to make life easier as a commuter, from arranging transportation and parking or finding a place to relax between classes.

What is a Commuter Student? 

At MSU, a commuter student is a student who lives off-campus and takes another mode of transportation to campus. The student could live at home with parents, relatives or friends, live with their own family or dependents or live alone. They either walk, bike, take the bus, or drive to campus. 

Transportation

On-campus

MSU has partnered with the Wichita Falls bus system to provide transportation for MSU students during the weekdays and weekends. Students must have valid Mustangs ID with them. 

  • Mustangs Shuttle provides transportation along the Taft Blvd/Maplewood Ave. corridor and Southwest Parkway to Professional Dr./Greenbriar Rd. to students living near campus.
  • MESA Bus Routetakes MSU Mustangs where they need to go on weekend evenings.

Track the Mustangs Shuttle location, including the expected arrival time at your bus stop using the TransLoc app. Download TransLoc from the App Store or GooglePlay for free and select the City of Wichita Falls.

Find more information on the routes here.

 

Parking on Campus

Commuters can register their vehicle for a permit to park on campus. Make sure to register for commuters to receive the correct permit. All permits will be mailed to you.

Click here for permits. 

Commuter spots are marked where you can park. Find the current parking map here. 

Off-campus

If you're looking for transportation off campus that is not provided by the Mustangs Shuttle or MESA, you can also use the Wichita Falls transit system or Falls Ride.

Hours of service is 5:30am – 7:30pm (Monday to Friday), 10:30am – 5:30pm (Saturday).

Plan your route  here!

Download TransLoc from the  App Store  or  GooglePlay  for free and select the City of Wichita Falls.

What to Know

  • Buses pick up passengers only at designated stops that can be identified by bus stop signs. Arrive at your pick up point at least 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
  • You can purchase a bus pass at the Downtown Travel Center located at 306 Scott Street. Find more information 
  • Route Deviation/Demand Response system for passengers who may not be able to get to a regular bus stop. Under this system, buses will deviate for a distance of up to 3/4 mile from the regular route to pick up and drop off passengers. Reservations must be made, at a minimum, the day before the service is required. Service is available Monday thru Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To make a reservation or for more information, please call 940-761- RIDE (7433) or email  transitdispatch@gmail.com and speak with a dispatcher.

Renting off campus

Nothing contained on this page should be construed as legal advice and we recommend that you consult with an attorney before you enter into any binding agreement such as a lease.

Finding the right place for you

  1. Make sure to ask your landlord any questions that you have. 
    • Examples include:
      • Is parking available and if so, is there an additional fee? 
      • Who do I call in an emergency?
      • Who pays for other utilities (telephone, cable, etc.)?
      • What do I do if I lose my key?
  2. Learn more about the place you are renting. Look up your apartment or home before by going on apartmentratings.com 
  3. Learn more about the safety and security of the place you are looking to rent. 
    • Does the building have a security system?
    • Is the exterior lighting sufficient?
    • Are the windows unbroken, functioning and lockable, especially on lower floors?

Before you sign a lease

  1. Understand your responsibilities as a tenant. 
    • Practice cleanliness inside the home as well as in the common areas
    • Inform the landlord of any damages or maintenance issues during the tenancy
    • Dispose of the garbage properly and practice proper sanitation
    • Pay rent on-time every month and any late fees they may be charged
    • Follow the rules, policies and regulations in the rental agreement and those that are mandated by local, County and State laws
  2. Understand your lease
    • What is a lease? A lease is a binding contract between tenant and landlord that lists the obligations of both parties. The lease should be a written document, signed by both the landlord and the tenant. Oral agreements tend to result in misunderstandings and disagreements about their terms. Be sure to read all of the terms of the lease before signing. Learn more about leasing in Texas here. 
  3. Protect yourself (and your stuff!)
    • Look into renter's insurance to make sure your belongings are safe and find the right one for you. 

Learn more about your rights, landlord's obligations, etc. 

Engage in your community

Fall in love with the Falls! 

Discover Wichita Falls and find your community in the city. Embrace your community and become an active citizen by learning about the various organizations and activities that are unique to your new neighborhood.

Resources

On-Campus Resources

  • Mustangs Pantry is an emergency aid program at MSU Texas designed to improve lives and help supplement the needs of students experiencing food insecurity.
  • Rest in between classes at the Commuter lounge located in the Clark Student Center.

Emergency Contacts

Emergency Alerts

  • The CodeRED system is used to send emergency notifications, from evacuation notices to missing child alerts.
  • Learn more about Wichita Falls Ready on their website.