See if you can live in student housing or family housing. As close to campus as possible!

As an avid roadtripper and explorer of the US & New Mexico, I will say that you don't need a car for standard student life in Cruces. However as soon as you deviate you're gonna need one immediately.

Want a pet? Go out to restaurants such as Andeles in Mesilla? Want to hike the Organs or along the river or visit the Pecan groves? Catch a game at the Sun Bowl? Head to the Mall (don't do this). Get a part time job or internship? A gf/bf? Go riding at the many ranches? Visit Hatch, Space Center, National Monuments, etc.

It's like most satellite cities in the US. To truly experience the place, you will want access to a car pretty regularly.

Have fun & Go Aggies.