HARLINGEN — For many Texas State Technical College students, a great college journey begins with an engaging program experience, an enjoyable campus culture and a pleasant dormitory.
Lorena Garza-Garcia, TSTC’s student housing director in Harlingen, said the TSTC student housing team does its best to ensure a comfortable living environment for new and returning students.
“TSTC student housing offers competitive rates to make living on campus affordable,” Garza-Garcia said. “We host fun, educational activities and opportunities for all of our residents. More importantly, we have an open-door policy so residents can address their concerns. We are here to listen and adjust or handle what we can. The safety and well-being of our student residents is our top priority.”
The student housing team welcomed more than 100 students on move-in day, Saturday, August 27.
Annica Vela, of Edinburg, is a fourth-semester Dental Hygiene student, and she is new to the college’s dormitory.
“The convenience of living on campus for the first time is great,” Vela said. “Previously I had to commute due to the pandemic. Campus life is great, and it feels like a home environment. From the friendships I have formed with my fellow classmates, to speaking with my program instructors and communication with the campus counselors, it’s like a family, and I feel safe.”
Giovanni Guerra, of Mission, is a first-semester Welding Technology student.
“The main individual I have spoken to is the TSTC housing director,” Guerra said. “She has been very considerate and helpful with my concerns. In my first few days here, I am enjoying the living experience. Now I’m looking forward to meeting the Welding Technology instructors.”
Garza said students were reminded of important rules regarding campus life.
“TSTC is always a drug- and alcohol-free zone,” she said. “Regardless of age, alcohol is not allowed in the complexes. As for visitation hours, there are no curfews. However, we do ask the student residents to adhere to the guest policies. These are set hours that guests are allowed to be in the residences and at the Las Palmas, Palo Blanco and Oak Tree dormitories.”
Students can apply for housing via the TSTC student housing webpage (https://www.tstc.edu/campus-housing/) or by visiting the office in person. Students who visit in person will receive a tour of the entire complex to see the layout that best suits their needs.
In the event of any life-threatening emergency, students can contact 911 or the TSTC Harlingen campus police department. The campus police are available 24 hours a day and seven days per week.
For nonemergencies, community assistants who are residents in student housing will be able to assist students after business hours. During regular business hours, the student housing office is available.
For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
