SAN ANTONIO — Texas A&M University-San Antonio is proud to announce the upcoming opening of Estrella Hall, its second on-campus residence hall, slated for fall 2024.

Spanish for the word "star," Estrella Hall joins Esperanza Hall (Spanish for "hope") to offer a combined 744 beds for A&M-San Antonio students. This expansion reflects the University's commitment to student growth and development. 

Estrella Hall is suite-style, mirroring the successful design of Esperanza Hall. Each floor will feature comfortable lounge areas for studying, with expansive views of the campus. Estrella Hall will also feature a canteen that provides hot and cold foods. Combined with a supportive residential environment, these features help contribute to students’ success and well-being throughout their academic journeys. 

Suggested by a current residence hall student, Estrella Hall's name is emblematic of the star that sits atop the Torre de Esperanza. The tower at A&M-San Antonio's main entrance serves as a community beacon of light and hope, guiding students toward a bright future.

"Estrella Hall enhances accessibility for students from outside San Antonio and fosters a supportive environment for returning students," said Dr. Reba Sims, director of student housing. "This will contribute to higher retention rates, allowing students to focus on their studies and graduate on time, without housing concerns." 

Research indicates that on-campus residents tend to be more connected to the university, experience a stronger sense of belonging, and achieve higher GPAs. Estrella Hall's convenient location provides easy access to all campus resources, eliminating the need for a vehicle. As the University celebrates its 15th anniversary, Estrella Hall marks a new and exciting chapter for the vibrant and growing campus community. 

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About Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Established as a stand-alone university in 2009, Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a comprehensive four-year public university that reflects the culturally diverse, heritage-rich community it serves. Situated on nearly 700 acres in South San Antonio, the University offers 39 undergraduate degrees and 23 graduate degrees to about 7,620 students. A&M-San Antonio is home to the Henry G. Cisneros Institute for Emerging Leaders, the Cyber Engineering Technology/Cyber Security Research Center, and the Mays Center for Experiential Learning and Community Engagement. The University holds the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation and is one of 39 higher education institutions in the U.S. to have received the Seal of Excelencia certification from Excelencia in Education for its support of Latino student success. More than 77 percent of A&M-SA students identify as Hispanic, and approximately 72 percent are the first in their families to attend college. A&M-San Antonio is a military-embracing institution; the University was recently awarded the 2023 Gold Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA) from the Texas Veterans Commission. Visit tamusa.edu for more information. #onamission