Back-to-school basics: Here are the 5 things everyone needs to know

AUGUST 19, 2025 — Whether you're new to the university or returning for another year, knowing what essential resources are available through Campus Services, and how to access them, can make all the difference to a Roadrunner’s experience. 

Every Roadrunner needs a UTSACard

The UTSACard is the official UTSA identification card. This all-in-one card provides access to meal plans, residence halls, sporting events, exams and more. Funds can be added to the card in the form of Rowdy Dollars and used like a prepaid campus debit card for printing, textbooks, dining and other purchases.

Students, faculty and staff should visit Campus Services at the Main or Downtown campus to request a new or replacement UTSACard. Be sure to have your Banner ID number and a government-issued photo ID on hand.

Parking on any UTSA campus requires a permit

You will need a valid parking permit to park on campus.

Campus Services offers a variety of options to fit different needs and budgets, including permits for parking lots, garages and reserved garage spaces or evening-only access.

You can purchase a permit for the 2025-2026 academic year online at MyParking. Payment options include credit or debit card, student billing, or for faculty and staff, payroll deduction. Your new permit is mailed within 5-7 days, but you can begin parking immediately using the temporary dashboard permit provided during checkout.

Each permit includes a list of approved parking areas, and color-coded maps offer a clear view of where to park on each campus. You can also use UTSA’s interactive campus map.

Hourly parking options include:
- The reloadable FastPass makes parking in Main Campus garages easy without a full permit.
- ParkMobile makes it easy to pay hourly from your phone when you park in designated zones across campuses.

Need a free ride? UTSA has that covered

The university offers a variety of easy and convenient transportation options to help you get to and from your classes, and around San Antonio. 

UTSA’s transit system, The Runner, is a reliable and free option for travel between the Main Campus and nearby student housing. It’s especially useful during peak times, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when parking is in high demand. Check out routes and schedules for The Runner online.

Students, faculty and staff can also take advantage of the VIA U-Pass program, a partnership with VIA Metropolitan Transit that offers free, unlimited rides on all VIA buses and select VIA Link on-demand service zones. To use the service, get the VIA goMobile+ app and register with your UTSA email address to activate your pass.

For those traveling between UTSA’s downtown locations, or to enjoy historic, downtown San Antonio, VIA Link offers free transportation for UTSA students, faculty and staff. Using the VIA U-Pass, you can request an on-demand ride from anywhere within the VIA Link Downtown Zone.

The Little Runner also provides free pick-up and drop-off between San Pedro I, the Dolorosa Parking Lot and Parking Lot D1.

As UTSA’s downtown footprint continues to expand, VIA provides a valuable connection between campuses. Learn more about traveling between campuses. 

There's a meal plan for everyone

UTSA Dining offers a variety of locations and meal plan options to suit most dietary needs and lifestyles. A meal plan makes dining simple, whether you're living on campus or commuting.

Roadrunner plans are designed with residential students in mind, offering unlimited entry to Roadrunner Café up to seven days a week.

Rowdy plans provide a set number of meals per semester, making them a great fit for students who live off campus or who prefer a more structured option.

All plans include Dining Dollars and Meal Trades, which can be used at any UTSA Dining location, offering flexibility and convenience all semester long.

Some favorite spots to use Dining Dollars on the Main Campus include Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Panda Express, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Union Perk — plus the Roadrunner Café, an all-you-care-to-eat dining hall featuring a brand-new feel and an updated grab-and-go market inside.

The Downtown Campus features convenient dining in the Frio Street Building and at The Eatery, a dining option at San Pedro I.

Housing provides a student-centered experience

Housing and Residence Life, the newest addition to Campus Services, plays a vital role in supporting on-campus residents’ academic, personal and career growth.

In addition to offering campus housing, the team works to cultivate a strong sense of belonging and provide meaningful guidance that helps create a positive, student-centered residential experience. From move-in to move-out, Housing and Residence Life is committed to fostering a safe, welcoming and supportive campus community where students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Likewise, the Housing Facilities team provides maintenance and custodial support for all on-campus residence halls, ensuring Roadrunners have an excellent experience in their on-campus home. If something in a residence hall requires maintenance attention, you can get help through the online housing portal.

— Kevin Arnold