First Six Weeks

With the first football game approaching, figuring out how to make the day successful may be stressful. However, with the proper preparation, game day should run smoothly! Below are some useful tips on how to go about navigating your first game day at Texas A&M University.

Understand new ticket pull changes:

Ticket Pull is now fully digital! There are new policies and procedures for pulling tickets as an individual or as a group. Seniority still applies and is as follows:

Seniors/Grad Students: Monday (12 days before gameday)
Juniors: Tuesday (11 days before gameday)
Sophomores: Wednesday (10 days before gameday)
Freshmen: Thursday (9 days before gameday)

Visit the 12th Man Foundation website to learn more!

Know your transportation options:

For those with a Texas A&M parking permit, make sure your car does not need to be relocated, as certain lots and garages require you to move it before 6 a.m. on game days. However, if you plan to drive your car to campus, follow Transportation Services’ game day parking guidelines and review their Football Fan Guide for more information regarding parking specifics.

If a car is not an option for you, or you would like to avoid parking jams, Texas A&M does offer a free shuttle service to and from campus.

Extra tips for a smooth experience:

Stay hydrated. You can bring one sealed bottle of water up to one gallon in size. Pro tip: freeze it so you can use it as an icepack. There are also cool zones and a hydration station within the stadium if you get overheated.

Bring a clear bag. Like most big venues, clear bags are required if you want to take a bag into the stadium. You want to avoid being turned away at the gate or having to throw stuff away to be able to attend the game.

Make a Plan. Cell service in and around the field can be challenging on gameday. You might not be able to communicate as quickly as you normally do. Plan with your group before and after the game. What is your plan before kickoff? What is the meet-up spot if you get separated and can’t get ahold of the group?

Have fun! This experience should be tailored to you. Participate in the yells and make the most of the experience, but feel free to leave if an issue arises.

Semester Fatigue: A Student Perspective

February 19, 2025 by mariahp

By Ryn Olivarez

Between assignments, quizzes, projects, and exams, the semester is starting to ramp up. I have four exams this week and have absolutely no clue where to begin. It’s to the point where I don’t do anything because there is so much that needs to be completed. College burnout is a real thing, and I’m here to tell you that it’s okay.

It can be hard when you have so many things to do for your classes while also being involved in other things (such as a job or an organization on campus). Coming from someone with an on-campus job and being involved in two campus organizations (a sorority and a Sophomore Leadership Organization [SLO]), let me tell you, my brakes are wearing thin. On top of all of these things, I am also trying to maintain the relationships that I have built.

I feel overwhelmed while also having no motivation. How can that be? There’s so much I can be doing, so why do I feel stuck?

Burnout. It’s a real thing, and if no one has told you this before, it’s okay to not feel like you can give 100% to everything. When it comes to my life and all of the extracurriculars I am involved in, picking and choosing is a constant battle. My assignments need to get done, but what about that date party I signed up for?–No, scratch that. My friends asked me to go out shopping with them…but I also have a social for my SLO.

Learning to prioritize can be a game changer. By focusing on what’s essential and allowing yourself a few personal indulgences, you can avoid overloading your plate. This strategy isn’t a permanent fix, but it can help during particularly stressful times. When life feels overwhelming, concentrate on completing necessary tasks and make sure to carve out time for yourself.

Here are a few strategies that I have found helpful and might help you manage your burnout:

Create a plan: Break things down into small, manageable chunks. Having a clear-cut plan can help things feel less overwhelming.
Set boundaries: Remind yourself that it is ok to say no to your extra commitments. Focus on your needs and what truly matters to you.
Practice self-care: Make time for personal activities that help recharge your energy.
Ask for help: Reach out to friends and loved ones for support. Texas A&M University is a large campus, and it’s important to know that you are not alone.

Keep in mind that college can be challenging. Make your well-being a priority and recognize that your 100% can vary. What might be easy to accomplish this week could be more difficult the next. Finally, your best is unique to you. We are all running our own race, with different hurdles and challenges, so avoid comparing yourself to others. It may be cliché, but college isn’t a sprint, it is indeed a marathon!

Finding Comfort and Joy: Overcoming Homesickness

February 3, 2025 by mariahp

By Ryn Olivarez

Starting a new chapter at a new university is an exciting adventure, but let’s be real–it can also be a bit daunting, especially when homesickness sneaks up on you like a pop quiz. The longing for home and familiarity, paired with feelings of loneliness even if surrounded by people, can be overwhelming. It’s natural, and encouraged, to seek comfort when experiencing these feelings. Here are some effective strategies to help combat these feelings and make the transition smoother:

Practice self-care. It’s important during this time to prioritize your mental health. Whether it be by cleaning and caring for your physical space or your mental one. Pursue your hobbies and do things that bring you joy. Making your space feel like home is another great way to practice self-care. Spruce up your home or room with pictures or paintings, rugs and lamps, etc.

Get active! While staying home can be a great source of comfort, too much time alone can be isolating. Spend time outdoors, try a new sport, or get involved on campus! You can also explore new environments, so if you’re looking for new places to try, check out Visit College Station or Destination Bryan.

“My whole life I have lived in the same house, so moving away was definitely out of my comfort zone. At the beginning of the year, I was extremely homesick and constantly wanted to drive back home. Overcoming it is not easy, but it is possible when you realize there is so much to offer here at Texas A&M University, and there are so many opportunities to look forward to,” said Avery Morgenroth ‘28.

Stay connected. Maintain strong relationships with your hometown friends and family through regular calls and texts. Aside from staying connected with loved ones, focus on yourself too. Set short- and long-term goals, establish a routine, and prioritize your personal growth.

Vanina Poulsen, ‘25 says “Getting homesick as a transfer is super common. I left a whole group of friends to come to another school with all new people. To get through it, I talk to my family every day, and I go see my friends from my old college.”

Embrace the transition. Understand that homesickness is a perfectly normal feeling, especially among college students. However, instead of bottling things up and pushing those feelings aside, embrace them. Talk about it with friends and family, and most importantly, stay positive. Recognize that not all transitions are easy, and some take time to conquer.

“Everyone gets homesick eventually, and having people to lean on made it easier to handle. It’s so important to have a support system, even if it’s not the one you’re used to,” said Claire Lewis, ‘25.

No matter where you are in your college journey, from your first semester to your last, homesickness can hit when you least expect it and is a natural part of the transition. Embrace the process, make new friends, and find your rhythm. It's okay to miss home, but don't forget to enjoy the present and all the opportunities that come with it.

The Hidden Benefits of Attending Class

January 27, 2025 by mariahp

By Ryn Olivarez

When it comes to college, there are times when going to class seems like an option. Attendance may not be required, lecture slides and videos may be posted to Canvas, both eliminating the need to attend in person. However, being present in your courses provides you with both immediate and future benefits.

Short-Term Benefits

Obtaining important information. Sometimes, while the slides may be in Canvas, all the information you'll need may not be in the slide deck. You can lose important details by missing a lecture.

Connecting with professors. While the benefits of this are not a given, building a relationship with your professors by going to office hours or participating in lectures shows dedication. This can make it easier to get help and potentially gain leniency on grades. Professors can also inform you about internships or Teaching Assistant positions, which are great for resume-building.

Forming study groups. Study groups are a great way to maximize your learning potential, especially in difficult classes. They provide opportunities to discuss content with peers and serve as a helpful study tool for exams. However, be sure to follow class policies and adhere to the Aggie Honor Code

Preparations for exams and finals. Some professors treat the class (or two) before an exam as a review period, going over any questions or reviewing must-know content. While some may notify you of this review, others may not, making regular attendance beneficial; a missed class is a missed opportunity.

Understanding the material. Attending class helps expand on assigned readings and emphasizes important topics. Often, the lecture and assigned readings go hand-in-hand, making it beneficial to hear the professor’s connections.

Long-Term Benefits

Creating positive habits. The routine of attending class will help you reinforce good habits that will serve you well in your future career. Punctuality, time management, and consistency are just a few habits you gain from attending class regularly.

Enhancing soft skills. Employers value soft skills like communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, all of which are in the top 10 of LinkedIn’s list of “Most In-Demand Skills.” You are actively practicing and learning these skills by attending and participating in class.

Networking and building connections. Classes within your major or field of study provide opportunities to network with classmates, guest speakers, and professors. These can lead to potential job opportunities or, at the very least, spark interest in specific career paths. Having these professional connections is a big help in finding future employment. The saying “it’s who you know,” isn’t unfounded.

Now that you know the benefits of committing to making it to class, it’s essential to recognize what's best for you and set yourself up for success. Whether you function best in the mornings or afternoons, use your personal experience to set your schedule and make the most of your productive hours. It’s all about balance and finding what works best for you. So, before skipping class, think about the opportunities and growth that await you by showing up. Your dedication will pay off in the long run!

First Six Weeks

Texas A&M Mobile App

Navigate

TELUS Health Student Support

Code Maroon Emergency Notifications

Transact Mobile Ordering

Dine On Campus

12th Man Mobile

Texas A&M Rec Sports

Understand new ticket pull changes:

Know your transportation options:

Extra tips for a smooth experience:

Resources Available

Short-Term Benefits

Long-Term Benefits