First Six Weeks

Stay Safe, Party Smart: 5 Tips for a Successful Game Day

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Students waving their 12th Man towels in the student section at Kyle Field

The first football game of the season brings a lot to celebrate! For some, those celebrations might include alcohol. Student Life wants to make sure students are celebrating responsibly and safely. Below are some things to think about as the Aggies take on Notre Dame.

The Legal Drinking Age

An individual must be at least 21 years old to drink legally in the United States. Underage drinking (yes, even just holding or being near a container of alcohol) is a punishable crime and can create complications for you during your academic journey. If you’re underage, finding an alternative beverage of choice is best. Campus and community police officers are on-site during gameday to ensure the safety of the 12th Man.

Plan Ahead

If anyone in your group plans to drink at an event, plan ahead by designating a sober driver or arrange for alternative transportation like the Aggie Spirit buses or a rideshare like Uber or Lyft.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Whether you plan to drink or not, Texas’ summer weather can pose its own problems. Stay hydrated and eat well before venturing out into the heat of the day. You are allowed to bring your own water bottle to Kyle Field as long as it is sealed. Eat something with protein and carbs to sustain you through the day. Know the signs of heat-related illnesses to ensure you can help your friends if they need it.

Know Your Limits

Avoid binge drinking by pacing your alcohol intake. Binge drinking is described as five drinks in less than two hours for those identified as male at birth and four drinks in less than two hours for those identified as female at birth. If you plan to drink, know your limit and stick to it. A Public Intoxication charge is a Class C Misdemeanor and could result in a charge of over $500. There are separate charges for being a minor in possession of alcohol.

Emergency Preparedness

Have emergency contacts on hand in case you need them. Familiarize yourself with the nearest First Aid stations in Kyle Field, and know the signs of alcohol poisoning.

 

 

Creating Community During Your First Year

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Students standing in a circle outside with one dancing in the middle.

Welcome to Texas A&M University! You're here, have moved in, and read your syllabi (right?); now what? We recommend you begin building a community for yourself. Call it a community, a friend group, or a support system; they all serve the same purpose: to enhance your college experience and provide emotional support and comfort. These connections you cultivate will not only be your support system but can also grow into life-long connections you can call upon.

You can lean on your friends for advice and resources during your academic journey as you share a common experience. This group will help to curb those feelings of loneliness and homesickness. Although they may not have set in yet, it is only a matter of time for most! Below, we have listed five tips on how you can start building your community.

Embrace the experience!

Everyone around you is experiencing this at the same time you are. As a new Aggie, you and your classmates are all searching for friends and familiar faces. Attend campus events, join clubs, and participate in class discussions. You make the experience, so make the most of it!

Start small.

Don't feel like you need to dive headfirst into a large group. Begin with conversations in class, study groups, roommates, or the dining hall. Over time, small chats can transform into deeper connections.

Find those with common interests.

Join clubs or organizations related to your interests! This is a great way to meet like-minded people in college. Texas A&M has over 1,300 recognized student organizations that cover a variety of interests. There is an activity for everyone at Texas A&M; you just have to search for what you are interested in.

It takes time.

Building connections takes time. Be patient with yourself and others, and it's okay if you don't click with everyone you meet immediately. Friendships develop over time as you grow and share experiences.

Be kind to yourself!

Starting college involves many significant changes, and it's natural to feel anxious as you navigate the transition. Celebrate the small victories and remember that each step forward is progress. If you find yourself struggling, reach out for help, whether to a friend or a resource on campus.

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