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.

Although classes have just begun, it is never too early to prepare for the first testing round. This point in the semester is always nerve-racking, but utilizing these campus resources ensures you’re ready to tackle exam season!

Useful Student Resources:

If you’re struggling with specific courses, see if a Supplemental Instruction (SI) session is held. SIs are student-led, typically by those who excelled in the course the previous semester and allows for those who do not understand the material to work through problems as a group. If you need more one-on-one guidance or the subject you need assistance in isn’t offered for Supplemental Instruction, the Academic Success Center provides drop-in and by-appointment tutoring and small group sessions!

Tips and Tricks:

• Download the Navigate app if you haven’t already done so. It has many useful features, but you will also need it to schedule those tutoring sessions mentioned above.
• Prioritize your exams. If you have multiple exams within the same week, prioritize. Create a plan and decide which ones need immediate attention. Do not spread yourself too thin by trying to study for multiple exams simultaneously.
• Go to office hours. This cannot be emphasized enough. Your professors and teaching assistants can provide additional resources and material clarification. Receiving help earlier in the semester is always better than scrambling at the end when office hours will be more crowded with other students.
• Be sure to clarify with your professors what is and isn’t allowed. In some classes, the use of AI technology, such as ChatGPT or Grammarly, is allowed. Others, however, completely discourage them. Refer to the syllabus and go to office hours to clarify their policies on outside resources. Doing so may keep you from getting in trouble with the Aggie Honor System

“Aggies do not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do.”

Remember, college is hard! Take it day by day, and remember that one bad score does not define you. Don’t dwell on the past: Move forward, trust in yourself, and do what you can. There are countless resources available to you on campus as a part of your tuition and fees, so take advantage of them! If you’re unsure where to seek help, contact us! Student Life is always here to help point you in the right direction!

The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) recognizes its responsibility to cultivate a welcoming, supportive, and affirming environment that instills a sense of belonging in an ever-changing campus community. Individualized student care and support is a crucial part of cultivating that environment.  

Like many universities nationwide, Texas A&M is navigating increasing enrollment and an environment where mental health is at a crisis level, meaning that student well-being and care have become a primary focus. With more than 70,000 students who frequent the College Station campus, many resources are in place to ensure that each Aggie is cared for in their moment of need.  

Tell Somebody Report (TSR): Often, after a tragedy, people come forward with information and observations that, in retrospect, may have signaled a more significant issue. The Tell Somebody Reporting system is a proactive approach to viewing this information collectively, which can help prevent tragic events and initiate assistance to an individual. Members of the Texas A&M community can submit a report at any time and choose to be contacted for more information or to remain anonymous. A team of professionals manages TSRs and often results in outreach to students to help them learn about resources and support that may help them through any challenge or concern they are experiencing.  

Special Situations Team (SST): The Special Situations Team exists to enhance existing processes and align Texas A&M University with emerging national standards for dealing with troubled or at-risk faculty, staff, and students. They meet regularly to assess circumstances, enhance communication, and initiate appropriate responses to behavioral problems that may involve threats to the safety and security of the university community. TSRs route to the Special Situations Team, whose authority comes from the university staff members comprising the team.   

Student Behavioral Issues Committee (SBIC): The Student Behavioral Issues Committee provides high-level care for students in crisis or of concern at the university. SBIC convenes routinely to review student cases and intentionally create strategies of care and support to prioritize student well-being and success. The committee comprises campus stakeholders who directly support student success, including academic advisors, case managers, and representatives for various special populations on campus. 

Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT): The Critical Incident Response Team is a service unique to Texas A&M. Comprised of university staff members, the team is on-call 24/7/365. CIRT is activated when a student is transported to a local hospital or if the student is involved in an emergency incident. Suppose a student is sent to a hospital after an auto accident. In that case, a CIRT member is there to provide support, which can include sitting with the student until a family member arrives or providing other logistical support. Another example is assisting students who experience an apartment fire. CIRT will work with them to cover immediate basic needs until a more sustainable solution is found. Critical incidents can be traumatic, and having the CIRT member present provides a different type of care in the moment, which speaks to DSA’s commitment to excellence and selfless service.   

Focusing on individual needs, the Division infuses care through basic needs support, providing resources for students who experienced a critical incident, are pregnant or parenting, or are navigating a barrier prohibiting their opportunity for excellence. Support is also offered for more profound struggles, partnering with University Health Services and the University Police Department on mental health and physical concerns, from working through hospitalization and car accidents to managing concerning behavior that causes anxious feelings in our larger campus community.  

Often, a case manager is assigned to the student during these challenges. The case manager meets with the student routinely to provide initial care and then develops a plan. This plan usually involves various supporting factors, such as individuals from the DSA, academic advisors, faculty, student organization advisors, and parent and family members who play a critical role in helping a student during a trying time. Successful implementation of the plan is essential to providing individualized care and support to ensure that the student can achieve their academic goals.  

The Aggie community, including faculty, staff, and student supporters, such as parents and family members, is crucial in caring for our students. Each supporter has a unique interaction and insight to their students and will notice challenges and behavior changes that others may not. Luckily, no supporter, Division or department is alone in providing excellent care. It is a collaborative effort across campus, and the Division of Student Affairs is here to help contribute to those efforts. 

Faculty and staff who want more information about concerning student behavior and the resources available should visit the Tell Somebody website. Those with questions about the mentioned resources or who may be worried about a student should submit a Tell Somebody Report or reach out to Student Life at 979-845-3111 or studentlife@tamu.edu. 

People always talk about the wonderful and lifelong friendships they made in college. Roommates become bridesmaids, lab partners turn into godfathers; but how do those relationships happen? During those first few weeks of college, it can be hard to imagine how connections with classmates might evolve. Some may become lifelong friends, while others dissolve into weekly semester acquaintances. It leaves you to wonder, “Will I ever find my people?”

First Connections

Attending college can be overwhelming. In addition to figuring out how to navigate your classes, finding friends may seem daunting. It’s almost like your first day of Kindergarten: Everything and everyone is new. As scary as it may sound, putting yourself out there and pushing past your comfort zone is a key aspect in meeting new people.

You might meet potential friends in your classes or major, or where you work. One of the most popular ways to meet new people with similar interests is by joining a student organization. With over 1,300 organizations on campus, there is something for everyone. The Student Activities webpage has a search-by-category option, which is useful when looking for something specific. Some organizations are competitive, some are philanthropic, and others are purely social; it all depends on what you are looking for.

Whether it be an academic/professional group or a social men/women’s organization, Texas A&M University has an endless list of things to join that will help get you involved. Just remember: Be yourself, and don’t be afraid to go up to new people.

Degrees of Friendship

Not everyone you meet is meant to be your best friend. There are different types of friendships, especially in college, and each one is important in its own way.

• Educational: These friends are there to provide informational and professional assistance. Think of people who would be your study buddies or you would look to for information (either about jobs, registration, or advice about school and careers).
• Social: This is a person who you would have a good conversation with, and someone you want to hang out with. Maybe you text these friends when you need a coffee or a friend to go with you to an organization informational. These are people who would attend a football game with you.
• Emotional: These friends are your shoulder to cry on; someone you can vent to and get more personal advice from. They are there for your highs and lows, and you can count on them for support.

Friends can be all three! However, it’s also okay to recognize that everyone has a different role in your life, and there is no specific mold for friendships.

Navigating the Ups and Downs

Every good friendship has setbacks, but how you respond to them defines its future. The key is communication. Whether you’re feeling left out, someone said something that rubbed you the wrong way, or you simply need time to yourself, conversations about feelings are essential. If a conflict arises, take a step back to cool off. Usually, initial feelings simmer down after stepping away from the issue. When it comes time to have that conversation, have an open mind. Listen to what the other person is saying and try to understand where they’re coming from. Lastly, find a compromise. It’s not about who’s right or wrong but figuring out a way to correct the behavior and move forward.

So, as you dive into this new chapter, remember friendships are like Rome – they aren’t built in a day. Don’t stress if you haven’t found your crew right away. Keep putting yourself out there, join those clubs, and be open to new experiences. Before you know it, you’ll have a mix of friends who support you in different ways, from study buddies to game day pals. Embrace the journey, and enjoy every moment of it. College is a wild ride, and the friendships you make along the way will be some of the best parts. You’ve got this!

Connecting to campus is important to all students’ success here at Texas A&M University. As you look ahead, past the core curriculum, you may want to get involved directly with your major. We have a few suggestions on how to connect with your major and prepare yourself for your chosen career path.

On-Campus Jobs

One way to get involved within your major is to get a job, and Texas A&M offers various employment opportunities that will help your professional career.

• Jobs For Aggies: Jobs For Aggies is a great resource for finding open positions in your field of study both on and off campus.
• Become a Teaching Assistant (TA): If you want to be more hands-on with other students, look into becoming a TA. Talk to your professors and department heads, as well as keep an eye out on your email for any information on open TA positions.

Internships (on- and off-campus)

Looking for something with more professional hands-on experience? Try an internship! Attend career fairs and use them to find one that would best fit your interests. They’re a great way to network and find a potential job after graduation!

Research

If research sounds appealing, it’s never too early to start planning. Research opportunities are competitive, and some degree plans require it to graduate. You can visit LAUNCH to explore the variety of research possibilities available to you at Texas A&M.

Academic/professional organizations

If a job or internship isn’t for you right now, try looking into an academic or career-centered organization. The Student Activities webpage has a “Search by Classification” feature, with options to search for educational organizations that fit your degree.

Study abroad opportunities

Studying abroad is an opportunity to connect you with others in your major. You can filter by subject area on the Education Abroad site to find a program that best suits your interests. This is a great way to explore your industry in different parts of the world! There are also funding options like scholarships and financial aid for those who wish to study abroad.

Whether it’s snagging an on-campus job, landing an internship, diving into research, joining a club, or studying abroad, there’s something for everyone. These opportunities not only help you connect with your major but also set you up for your future career. So, don’t wait—explore your options and start making those connections today. Being proactive will serve you the best in the future!

When living with others, conflict is bound to arise. Whether they leave dishes in the sink or you listen to music too loud, inevitably, disagreements will arise. Knowing how to deal with it is the key to ensuring a healthy and long-lasting roommate relationship.

Do

Communicate: Communication is one of the most important tools in any relationship, but it becomes essential when you share a space with someone. Usually, when an argument with a friend occurs, you can step away from the situation. However, you come home to it when it comes to roommate conflicts. Respectfully voice your concerns, and do so with the intent to fix, not to scold.

Create a plan: After the issue at hand has been communicated, create a plan to resolve it and ensure it doesn’t happen again. Set boundaries and outline expectations to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Don’ts

• Shared friends? Avoid speaking to them about your issues. If you need to rant, talk to someone outside of the situation.
• Never bottle things up. It’s easier to talk with someone about a recent issue than to let it fester and build to the point of anger.
• Be careful when communicating over text. Texts can easily be misinterpreted due to loss of nonverbal signals and tone. Be sure to be clear or wait to have the conversation face-to-face.

If it’s gotten to a point where conversations have been had, and the issue still hasn’t been resolved, you can make an appointment with Student Life for more support.

• Lease and contract issues
• Not paying rent or utilities
• Roommate Contracts

Living with people will always have its challenges. Knowing how to navigate them on your own is important, but it’s also perfectly okay to ask for help. Student Life is here to support you!

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.