First Six Weeks

Aggie Game Day Hacks

August 28, 2024 by mariahp

With the Notre Dame 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:

Changes have been made to the way ticket pull campout works. Starting after the Notre Dame game, tents can only be set up starting at 6 a.m., the Sunday before the official ticket pull begins. For more information regarding specific detail changes, visit the Division of Student Affairs website.

How to get together for ticket pull:

You’ll need to know the right day according to your classification.

Freshman: Thursdays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sophomores: Wednesdays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Juniors: Tuesdays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Seniors and Graduate Students: Monday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fridays and Game days are walk-ups. Any remaining tickets will be available for purchase.

Our advice: Go with a group! Either designate a specific person to grab tickets or go together. Remember that your Sports Pass will need to be handed over, so be cautious of who you give it to. Remember: with group pull, the majority wins; A freshman going with a group of sophomores means sophomore pull day (Wednesday) for all.

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.

MSC Open House: What to Know Before You Go

August 20, 2024 by mariahp

MSC Open House is right around the corner and is open to all Texas A&M students! Getting involved outside of the classroom is an important part of the college experience. MSC Open House brings together over 400 recognized student organizations in one place for you to explore, but this can feel overwhelming if you are looking for the perfect fit. Below we have some tips on how to make the most of your MSC Open House experience!

Have a plan:

Get an idea of what type of organizations you want to join before you head to MSC Open House. A lot of students aim to join one academic related organization and one hobby related organization for a good balance. Review the list of 457 approved student organizations participating in MSC Open House to make a short list of options.

Have fun with the plan:

Make the experience fun and grab a group of friends, roommates, or even your Fish Camp discussion group to go with! You can also explore on your own if you’re more of a solo flyer. Tailor your MSC Open House experience to what works best for you.

Execute the plan:

Arrive early and stay charged! Make sure your phone has full battery life to scan QR codes and take notes. Be prepared with questions you want to ask organizations such as:

How often does the organization meet?
What is the time commitment?
Are there specific requirements for joining?
What is the organizations impact on the campus or community?

Stay hydrated:

As you have probably heard many times, August in Aggieland is hot and humid. While many of the booths at MSC Open House will be inside, there will be others that are stationed outside. Make sure to hydrate before, during and after the event!

Creating Community During Your First Year

August 20, 2024 by mariahp

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.