Freshman Guide 2015

FRESHMAN GUIDE - VOL. 12, NO. 1 - MAROONWEEKLY.COM

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HOWDY Welcome to Aggieland, Class of 2019!

In the following pages, we’re going to introduce you to your new home away from home. This guide will give you a taste of Aggieland and help smooth your transition into Texas A&M. Whether maroon runs in your blood or you’re a first-generation Aggie, there is plenty to learn about Bryan/College Station.

Inside, you’ll find tips on managing your hectic course load, how to handle crazy assignments, and even how to choose the right professors. Nervous about heading to Fish Camp? This guide will go over what to expect at Lakeview and talk about how incredible the experience is. Most importantly, we’re going to introduce you to life outside of the classroom. We’ll acquaint you with fun things to do in your free time and cool places to hang out with friends.

Maroon Weekly is Aggieland’s arts and entertainment paper and distributes issues every Wednesday on campus and throughout the Bryan-College Station region. We keep you updated with what concerts and events are happening around town as well as what’s trending outside of the region. Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook and Instagram to know what’s going on in Aggieland every day of the week.

From all of us at Maroon Weekly, welcome to Aggieland and Gig 'em!

Chris Shepperd Publisher

BUSINESS MANAGER Leisha Shepperd MANAGING EDITOR Luke Murray ASST. EDITOR/COPYEDITOR Barbara Hosler WRITERS

Brad Cox Linley McCord Annabeth Reeb Adrianna Zampieri INTERNS Jordyn Smith Madison Matous

DISTRIBUTION Cody Atkinson Lindsay Cox Daryl Dorman

Maroon Weekly is an independent, publication and is not affiliated with Texas A&M University. Maroon Weekly receives no student fees or university funding.

Opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the editor, publisher or the newspaper staff. Maroon Weekly is not liable for omissions, misprints or typographical errors. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express consent of the publisher. © Copyright 2014 Campus Press LP

FISH CAMP 2015 You may think you know everything about Texas A&M, or you may know nothing about where you’re about to spend four or more years. Either way, Fish Camp will provide you with the opportunity to meet new friends, ask questions about life as an Aggie, and to begin your college career confidently and enthusiastically.

begin their journey. Fish Camp takes place at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Palestine, Texas. Students ride buses from the Texas A&M campus to Lakeview, where they stay in air-conditioned, furnished cabins.

“Fish Camp is a great time to learn about all the resources we have at A&M,” says Cottingham. “The recreation center, the writing center, the student counseling helpline--just to name a few--come to camp and put on great presentations. You learn about a lot of things available on campus that you might not have known otherwise. Freshmen will even get to meet the student body president and the yell leaders for the first time while at fish camp.”

“You have so many opportunities to make connections with at least one person,” says Catie Cottingham, a class of 2013 Fish Camp counselor and co-chair.

“Fish Camp is for everyone; so no matter what your background or personality, you’re bound to at least find one person in your DG, cabin, camp, or even session that you connect with.”

Every Aggie is a unique individual, yet all are members of the Aggie family. Often, the friendships forged at Fish Camp live on long after graduation.

“I came into fish camp being a very close-minded, shy freshman and didn’t know what to expect at all,” says Cottingham. “As soon as I arrived to Reed, though, the counselors immediately made me feel comfortable by talking to me and making sure I had everything I needed.

I quickly learned why so many people said A&M felt like one big family--everyone is so friendly and accepting of each other. A lot of my best friends to this day are people I’ve met through Fish Camp, and they’re people who are so different from me that I might not have been friends with them otherwise.”

Fish Camp is a four-day orientation program led by Texas A&M students who are passionate about making the first year of college a success for incoming freshman. Every counselor has valuable personal experience, so they can offer advice about classes, fun things to do in College Station, and anything else students need to know as they

During free time at Fish Camp, dance teams Fade to Black and The Aggie Wranglers offer free dance lessons to liven up the day. If dance isn’t your thing, you can head to the pool, chill in the cabin, or go to the “Aquarium” where you can hang out with other fish and counselors.

At night, Fish Camp puts on two themed mixers where you can dance with your friends and meet even more of your class. The Aquarium is also offered at night if you just want to relax after a long day of events.

At Fish Camp, you can expect to learn all you need to know about traditions, yells, organizations, campus life, academics, and what being an Aggie is truly all about.

Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to get connected as you make your entrance into the Aggie family.

Well, dear freshmen, it’s the same in Aggieland. There are so many traditions that Aggies hold deep within their hearts that it seems you’ll never get the hang of them all. But we’re here to help you get a head start. Here’s a quick guide to some of the more important traditions that should help prepare you for life as an Aggie.

One of the most important traditions among Aggies is the traditional greeting, “Howdy!” You’ll hear it as you walk around campus, on and off the bus, and most definitely at one of the numerous sporting events. While the importance and significance of the greeting is unchanging, its use has seen a decline in recent years. So pick up the torch and carry it proudly!

Something else you need to know is that Texas A&M used to be an all-male school aimed at military education—much like West Point or the Naval Academy. With that in mind, many of Texas A&M’s former students are male. One of the most prominent positions held by a student at A&M is as a “Yell Leader.” There are no cheerleaders for Aggie sports teams. Instead, A&M (stemming from their all-male student years before 1964) has Yell Leaders who lead the student body in yells—not cheers—to support our teams. The Yell Leaders are comprised of five students who are elected to serve by the student body.

That leads us to another important tradition Aggies love: Midnight Yell. Midnight Yell is Texas A&M’s version of a pep rally the night before a big game. While it’s held mostly for football games, other sports have Midnight Yell from time to time. As the name suggests, it’s held at midnight at Kyle Field where the Yell Leaders lead over 20,000 students and Aggie fans in yells to drum up energy before the big game.

To experience your first yell in Kyle Field at maximum capacity is highly intimidating and exciting. It’s definitely a moment when being a part of the Aggie family sinks in. It’s important you take the time to learn the yells; it’s part of what makes A&M so unique.

Silver Taps is a ceremony honoring current students who have passed away while enrolled at Texas A&M. It’s held at 10:30pm on the first Tuesday of the month when a student has passed away the previous month. Hundreds of students and members of the community meet in the plaza in front of the Academic Building to honor the fallen Aggies and support their families.

It’s a serious, somber time, and it reminds the families, as well as the Aggies who attend, just how much love we have for each other.

Another more serious Aggie tradition is Muster, which annually occurs on April 21. Muster is an all-day event that celebrates the camaraderie of Texas A&M and honors the lives of Aggies who have passed since the last Muster roll was read. As the names are read out loud, a family member or friends answers “Here,” and a candle is lit for them in remembrance. Though the tradition has changed through the years, the basis remains that “If there is an A&M man in one hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas.”

Another important tradition is based upon our special canine mascot. Reveille, the first lady of Aggieland and official mascot of Texas A&M, is a full-blood collie and is the highest ranking

member of the Corps of Cadets. She symbolizes our pride and multiple traditions at Texas A&M. Although she is a mainstay now in Aggieland, it has not always been the case. It was in the 1930s that a group of cadets hit a small black and white mutt on their way back from Navasota. They brought this dog back to school to take care of her while she healed. The next morning, when a bugler blew “Reveille,” she began to bark. Thus, Reveille was named after the morning wake-up call.

The following year during football season, Reveille was officially named the school mascot when she led the Aggie band onto the field during their half-time performance. Aggies love her so much that when each mascot passes away, she is buried at the north end of the Zone in front of the football stadium and given a military-style funeral. She is so admired that if you are in class with Reveille and she barks, it’s a well-known fact that the class must immediately be dismissed.

Although these are wonderful time-honored traditions, it is the tradition of The 12th Man that’s most recognized in Aggieland. The tradition was born January 1922 when an outmatched Aggie football team was playing #1 Centre College. As the game wore on and the Aggies dug into their limited reserves, Coach Dana X. Bible remembered a corpsman who was not in uniform. The cadet was in the press box helping reporters covering the game as they tried to identify players. His name was E. King Gill, a former football player who was on the basketball team at the time.

Gill was called from the press box, suited up, and stood ready throughout the rest of the game to relieve a player from the team when needed. The Aggies won the game, 22–14. When the game ended, E. King Gill was the only man left standing on the sidelines, waiting patiently to relieve his teammates. The idea of the 12th Man is that although there are 11 men on the field fighting to win the game, the students are in the stands ready at a moment’s notice to help support the team in any way possible.

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One big decision that can affect your time at Texas A&M is whether or not you should rush a fraternity or sorority.

The Greek system can be a great way to make friends, a way to try on leadership roles, and also a way to become an active philanthropic member of the community.

has their own specific philanthropy, and through fundraising, every chapter’s charity and event is unique. Whether it’s a national charity or a local organization, there are always opportunities to take on a leadership role and be active in the creative/logistical process of fundraising.

Entering the Greek system is no easy task. From filling out forms to letters of recommendation to shopping for new clothes for rush, going through recruitment can be confusing and draining.

However, the tedious work pays off once you receive the coveted invitation on bid day to your new chapter. If you’re on the fence regarding recruitment, below is a list of questions that may help you decide if going Greek is the right choice for you.

Can you afford membership?

Joining a sorority or fraternity is a big financial commitment. Remember to take that into consideration before making an emotional investment. Also, take into account that dues will not be the only financial contribution you’ll be making.

From t-shirts for every occasion to buying outfits for formal events, membership can be costly. However, many fraternities and sororities offer scholarships throughout the year that can help with your financial obligation.

How big is the commitment?

Every chapter is different. However, your level of involvement depends on what kind of impact you want to make. Other than the mandatory weekly meetings and once or twice a semester philanthropy events, the time invested is up to you. If you’re looking for an opportunity to make a change, running for a leadership position will greatly increase the time involved.

Do Greek organizations allow opportunities for service and leadership?

Absolutely! Every Greek chapter at A&M

What should you expect from the recruitment process?

Everyone is nervous, so don’t panic.

Everyone has a unique rush experience, but the most important thing to keep in mind is to be yourself. When meeting individuals from each chapter, they will not get a good sense of your personality if you’re acting how you think you should act. Instead, try to put your anxieties aside and let your true self shine through.

Also, remember that you are evaluating

Greek organizations as much as they are evaluating you.

Can you take rejection?

The truth is, recruitment is an extensive interview process, and you may not like some chapters just as much as they don’t like you. Don’t take it personally; it all comes down to whether or not you will be a great fit for their group. It always works out in the end, and each chapter has the process down to a science. Every individual will end up where they fit; so if initially you feel you got rejected unfairly, just be optimistic and know that it just means you’re closer to finding the group where you’ll be happiest.

1. ATTEND YOUR CLASSES AND READ THE MATERIAL Seems obvious, right? But this is the most important rule because most professors’ tests are over material covered in class. Going to class means staying awake, paying attention, and taking notes. Texting, tweeting, and Facebook stalking do not count as paying attention in class. If you don’t read the assigned reading, you will most likely suffer on the tests. Lots of professors will test you on stuff they assume you read. Read your syllabus frequently and make sure you keep up, at least most of the time.

2. FIND A BUDDY IN CLASS IN CASE YOU MISS NOTES Consider finding a study buddy from each class. Not only would a friend in your class be useful for missing a lecture, but finding a study buddy will make you feel more inclined to actually study.

If you study by yourself, you are more likely to procrastinate. StudyBlue.com allows you to see other students in your class and lets you view their flashcards. This site is also a great resource to create your own online flashcards, which saves a lot of time and money.

3. IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS IN A PARTICULAR CLASS, CONTACT THE PROFESSOR OR TEACHING ASSISTANT IMMEDIATELY If you tell them in a timely manner, they are more likely to help you. Most professors will not help you if you wait until finals to tell them you are struggling with the class.

4. USE THE UNIVERSITY WRITING CENTER FOR YOUR PAPERS While they won’t write your paper for you, the writing center will assist you with clarifying your thoughts, outlines, and drafts. They will teach you the skills to write a college-level paper for free on the 2nd floor of Evans Library. For help with papers, visit writingcenter.tamu.edu to view several videos on common grammar and writing mistakes.

5. TO PERFORM SUCCESSFULLY ON A TEST, YOU NEED A FULL NIGHT OF SLEEP Do not go out the night before a test or pull an all-nighter. Many studies have proven that rest helps you perform better on tests. A full night of sleep is better than a night of cramming with Red Bull.

6. GO TO TUTORING For freshmen, it’s a big jump from high school to Texas A&M classes, so use all the services included in your tuition. There is free tutoring on campus, and most math and science classes offer free supplement instruction sessions. There are also many off-campus tutoring services in College Station. A great tutoring service is 4.0 & Go, which offers reviews for most classes at A&M. 7. LEARN TIME MANAGEMENT Freshman year is when you should learn to balance studying and hanging out with friends. Some students learn faster than others. Figuring out how to manage your time by finals is too late.

It’s not cool to flunk out of college. It’s time to readjust the expectations of your workload from what you had in high school. In college, teachers expect you to put in 2-3 hours—and sometimes more—of work outside of the classroom for every credit of coursework.

8. JOIN AN ORGANIZATION THAT IS DIRECTED TOWARD YOUR MAJOR OR INTEREST On-campus organizations help you learn more about your major and interests in a social environment. Guest speakers and networking are central to student organizations. If you don’t enjoy what you’re learning, you’re only a freshman and haven’t wasted any hours yet. College gives you an opportunity to try out lots of new things and to befriend lots of new people, so explore!

9. USE MYEDU.COM OR ANY SERVICE THAT POLLS STUDENTS TO RANK PROFESSORS The professor you get in your classes will determine what you learn and how you’re graded. For example, you could work hard for a C teaching yourself the entire course when your friend that has only paid attention in class received a B. MyEdu.com is great for picking professors for your classes.

There, you can see what other students say about their course experiences, the grade they received, and whether or not they would recommend the prof. MyEdu.com is also great for planning your semester classes before registering for classes, as well as finding internships and jobs.

10. DOWNLOAD THE TAMU APP The app is full of info about bus routes, dining, news, events, athletics, and more! You can look at a map of campus that shows every building at Texas A&M, which comes in handy the first week of school. Type in the building you need to get to and your map will help you find it by showing you your current location and a route. The app also has a portal for eCampus (where each of your classes will post grades and assignments) and for Howdy.

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Adventure. Discovery. Identity. These are but a few words that describe the beginning stages of freshman life.

For many, the transition to college is simple: move in and go. For others, there’s a bit more trepidation. It’s okay to be wary of what the first few days and weeks of the college experience will look like. Bumps and bruises are sure to come as you find your way to class, figure out how to use the sports pass, learn all of the nuances of being on your own, and also while learning the traditions that make Aggieland unique.

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Networking. Connection. Potential. All of these things are possible in your time here. Everyone who finds his or her way to A&M has heard of the Aggie network. But one network often overlooked is the faith-based network. Some students grew up in the pews of their hometown church. Every time the doors were open, they found themselves somehow involved in what was going on. For others, it was the occasional visit on major holidays: Easter, Christmas, a few other days of the year.

If you grew up in Texas, you 're used to a church on every corner. If not, Aggieland might present a different scene than you’re accustomed to. Whatever your religious background, one thing is certain: you have plenty of options here.

Each Tuesday throughout the semester, thousands of students join together for live music and a short message at Breakaway. Breakaway Ministries offers students a midweek break from the insanity of studying, work, family and personal stress. In a high-energy environment, Breakaway mixes loud music with a brief talk that will challenge the committed, the convert, and the critic alike.

Breakaway meets on campus and is geared toward all students. On any given Tuesday, you'll find athletes, Yell Leaders, classmates, and strangers cramming into Reed Arena, Kyle Field, Rudder Tower, or wherever breakaway is being held that week. Breakaway is more than happy to connect students with local churches, but they don’t force anything on anyone. Because of their laid-back, non-denominational approach, breakaway is home to more than 5,000 students each week.

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In Aggieland, there are churches to fit every person, too. Brazos fellowship on SW Pkwy road offers a great worship experience. Their Sunday service offers an opportunity to connect with peers and to worship in a large group setting. Pastor Will Lewis is relatable, friendly, and engaging. They also have their college ministry, Two42 that meets on Thursday night at 7pm. For more info, check them out at brazosfellowship.com If you're looking for something that reminds you of home, there are many options. A&M Church of Christ is located right by campus on George Bush across from the campus golf course. The church offers multiple ways for students to plug in. Or you can check out University Lutheran, Grace Bible Church, or First Baptist Church College Station. Each church offers unique opportunities for students to get involved and to feel at home.

Whatever your preference, there are places in Aggieland that can offer a safe haven from the craziness of life. College creates a unique opportunity for students to find out who they really want to be, to discover truth, to connect with a cause, and to make moments count. Getting involved in one of these ministries, or any of the numerous other options available, gives students an instant connection and a place to belong.

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Take

a journey around campus through the eyes of an alum

Just like your own neighborhood, over time you learn every crack in the cement, familiarize yourself with landmarks, and discover clever shortcuts to beat someone home. Earning your stripes on campus works much the same way. Let’s take a walk together, so we can introduce you to your new neighborhood: Aggieland.

First, for reference, any direction on campus you may be given will be in the form of Northside, Southside, West Campus, and Main Campus. Easy, right?

The major Southside attraction can be found nestled in the tangled web of corps, all-girl, co-ed, and engineering dorms (also perceived as a Harry Potter-like maze of hallways).

It’s called the Commons. It’s the place you go to eat the best pasta bowls (among other various, um, edible items), to chill out with friends, listen to someone try to play the piano (it’s really hit-or-miss, but sometimes Beethoven’s heir starts playing and all of your problems disappear), travel downstairs for some studying, watch TV, or to play foosball. But most importantly, you’ll visit the oh-so-greatlyappreciated Rattlers store

when you need a last-minute, pre-test Scantron and a post-test pint of rocky road.

After you’ve had your fill of chop sticks and bowties with marinara, you might take a gander at the SCC (Student Computing Center)--that’s the place where you had to make up your username on-the-spot during New Student Conference (Twinkle_Berry17 was the only thing you could come up with? Unfortunately, you’re stuck with your original username for the next four years). You’ll spend quite a bit of time in this never-ending sea of desktops, mouse pads, keyboards, and rolling chairs. This place is your printer heaven, too; keep up with your 300 free prints.

You might notice the Quad in this area—or hear the Quad is more like it. This is the home for your very own Aggie Corps of Cadets. From fish to leather senior boots, most cadets reside on campus, march, practice, and run drills in the Quad. Lucky you, you get front row seats.

The Corps also has a book of their own lingo, which you’ll learn as needed if you’re a “nonreg.”

A special feature in the Quad is the Aggie Honor Code Statue. It reads, “An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal; nor tolerate those who do.” You will live by these words as an Aggie whether on or off campus. It’s taken so seriously that you’ll give your John Hancock on the first page of most tests you take at A&M, testifying to your honor (so don’t cheat; the guilt is everlasting).

Look a little further past the newly developed road in front of Rudder Tower, also where most of your college theater experiences will be performed, and you’ll see the pride of Aggieland: Kyle Field. It’s your place to stand and be the 12th Man. This is where you’ll belt “Hullabaloo, caneck, caneck,” along with the rest of the Aggies in Kyle. It’s crazy to think that 80,000 fans yell and sing the Aggie war hymn in a concrete slab you will walk by almost every day.

Look to your right and it’s almost like the heavens have beckoned you with this cloud-reflecting, architecturally suave building with chiseled words above the doors such as “Loyalty” and “Respect.” What is this place of such wonder and might? That, our friend, is the MSC, the Memorial Student Center. Walking into the building, you’ll notice the “Hat’s Off, Please” signs greeting you. Out of respect for fallen Aggies, the Memorial Student Center is a reverential center devoted to leisure, eating, studying, Starbucks sipping, art gallery hopping, and more. Not only are you able to see more history on the walls of the MSC than in the Lascaux cave

stop and make an awkward motion to avoid the arching limbs? Or…just go for it?

Let us not forget about the little coffee shop tucked inside Evans Library. This is the on campus Starbucks. So, get excited to grab one of their iconic frappuccinos on your way to class in the early Fall semester heat!

paintings, but you can sit, relax, and enjoy the mellow setting of the quiet flag room, play video games downstairs on flat screens, play pool in the lounge, purchase that t-shirt for your brother you’ve been meaning to buy, and have your Mac checked out. And don’t forget about the food! You’ve got that “freshman 15” to put on. And don’t forget — you cannot walk on the grass.

Making your way between Rudder and the MSC, you’ve now planted yourself on Main Campus. Cool, old buildings under live oak trees surround you. The towering Evans Library and crowded, pebble walkways will remind you that you’re a student. Different organizations are usually promoting their events on the sidewalks or in the plaza. You might catch a proposal or two in this neck of the woods, too, under the famous Century Tree. It is said that whomever you walk with under the tree will remain with you for a century (and that’s grand...until you’re walking with your class buddy and you both realize the trajectory of your path. Do you

While you are looking around Academic Plaza make sure you find Sully. This statue is a tribute to the former president of A&M Lawrence Sullivan Ross. As the story goes, he would tutor students on a regular basis for a penny.

So now we make weekly treks to “place a penny on Sully” for good luck. This is especially useful on test days!

Sbisa’s underground food court, which is quite similar to the Commons, except for the sweet smell of Smoothie King.

Attached to Sbisa is Einstein Brothers Bagels, and in the Fall, the adjacent space will introduce a Smashburger and a Lime Fresh Mexican Grill.

Now we’re headed over to West Campus. What’s that?

You hear a train? That’s a remarkably complicated thing, to have train tracks in the middle of campus. But the tracks were here before most of the campus. College Station used to be just a train station with a small college. Us Ags built around them, and the train tracks (still operational) divide the campus to this day. So, yes; you need to beat the train. The coolest thing about the train is at the baseball games. When you hear one approaching, everyone holds up one, two, or three fingers in competition to see who can guess how many engines will be leading the train.

While you’re on West Campus, you’ll be surrounded by Mays Business School and West Campus Library. You’ll want to

Watch out for bikes. The worst day ever is when it’s raining and the front wheel of a bike tire crashes between your legs on your way to class. Wham!

The Chemistry Building, Blocker, HECC, Psychology—these are pretty basic buildings and landmarks. Learn those and you’ve got Main Campus down.

Then there’s that Coke Building before the Bell Tower. You’ll never have a class there, but you will always wonder about those basement windows.

Now, as you walk out of nostalgic Main Campus, you’re getting awfully close to the smell of stale beer. Well, then—you must be on Northside, named strategically after its black sheep brother, Northgate—the Aggie bar crawl just steps away from campus. Northside is an odd side of campus that you can’t ever drive into far enough to get anywhere. You’ll see what we mean. Sbisa (suh-bee-suh)-some people call it Suhgreasa— is one of the biggest and most poppin’ places on campus to eat. This is the epitome of buffet.

Try it. Don’t forget to check out

remember there is a Which Wich in the cafeteria. You can take your sandwich over to the gardens made for you by the horticulture students, near the West Campus cafeteria.

Look across the parking lots and you’ll find Reed Arena. Just know where that is and you’ll be fine. A note: You should think of it as that place where you’ll turn your Aggie Ring around for the rest of the world to see. That place is where you’ll walk in one day and walk out a Texas A&M University Former Student, an Aggie Alumni. Now that’s some Good Bull (an expression used to promote the Aggie Spirit, y’all).

Aggieland is your neighborhood now. Get to know the cracks in the concrete. This is your stomping ground and where some of the best memories of your life will be forged.

Gig’ em, and good luck!

Get the Goods: Like us on You packed your television, laptop, and your backpack is filled with school supplies. But there are 10 more things you shouldn’t forget to bring to college.

1. Water Filter and Water Bottle College Station doesn’t have the best water, no matter where you live. So bring a filter to avoid the hard water taste. Bringing a water bottle to put your filtered water in is also a good idea to save money.

2. Power Strips Most dorm rooms aren’t the newest pads in town. Coming prepared with power strips makes it easy to set up your room with lamps, a microwave, and other things you’ll need to plug in.

3. Bedding Essentials If you’re living in a dorm, you’ll need to make sure to buy extra-long twin sized sheets for your bed. You should also bring a mattress pad, as the mattresses in the dorms won’t guarantee a comfy night’s sleep.

4. First-Aid Kit You don’t need to bring a mini doctor’s office, but you should have the essentials (band-aids, cold medicine, pain relievers, etc.) available in the event that you hurt yourself. Remember: you won’t have your parent’s trusty medicine cabinet nearby when you’re injured.

5. Containers The closets in the dorms don’t exactly offer a ton of storage space, so bringing plastic tubs to store your snacks, shoes, and other personal items would be a smart move. This also prevents roommate conflict by keeping your stuff separate from theirs.

6. Small Iron or Steamer Believe it or not, there will be occasions in college when you need to look somewhat presentable. Having a wrinkled shirt on a first date or job interview won’t make the right impression.

7. Shower Caddy If you’re staying on campus (or even off campus), you will more than likely be sharing a bathroom with your roommate. Transferring your toiletries to and from the shower is a good way to avoid issues with roommates using your shampoo and toothpaste.

8. Wall Décor Let’s be honest: the white walls of dorm rooms aren’t pleasing to the eye. Make your room more like home by bringing posters, mirrors, and wall art.

9. Microwave and Mini Fridge You’re definitely going to want a fridge to keep your drinks cool and a microwave to zap your midnight snacks. The dorm doesn’t provide either; so talk with your roommate to decide who will bring what. You can also rent them together.

10. Headphones or Earplugs When you realize your roommate snores, earplugs will come in handy. It’s also crucial to have headphones because they allow for late night jam sessions or Netflix binges while your roomie is asleep. Not to mention, the two of you will likely have different musical tastes. Also, if you like to listen to music while you study, you’ll need them when you’re cramming in the library.

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L ATE NIGHT EATS

College is full of long nights spent cramming for tests and working on assignments. Every student is bound to encounter a late night of studying every once and awhile, and when those nights come, you’re going to need some study fuel to keep you going. Here are some options for late night eats:

Denny’s: Another great option if you’re looking for a DENNY’S diner to kick back in is Denny’s. Denny’s is a popular spot for finals when coffee shops fill up and all of the usual study spots are packed. Denny’s also has cozy booths and a variety of food options to satisfy your late night cravings.

Fuego: This grill has marinated meats, handmade

FUEGO tortillas, and is open 24 hours a day. Fuego is the ultimate late night destination in College Station. Although their tacos alone are worth the trip, queso connoisseurs live and die for their roasted poblano salsa. If you’re wanting Mexican food late at night and need “that fix”, head to Fuego.

Whataburger: Staying up past 11pm and heading over WB to your local Whataburger to devour a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit is basically a right of passage for college students. With breakfast starting at 11pm, students flock to Whataburger to enjoy breakfast options such as pancakes, taquitos, hash browns, biscuits, and cinnamon rolls.

IHOP: They offer comfy booths and never-ending IHOP coffee – great for late night study sessions. Bring a few friends and kick back for a while. They have tons of menu options, and breakfast is served 24 hours a day.

Jimmy John’s: The Jimmy John’s on University is open until 3am and is a great option if you’re looking for something a bit healthier late at night. Maybe not the best option for an all-night study session, but great for getting a late-night bite.

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Antonio’s Pizza: Antonio’s, located on Northgate, has more pizza topping combinations than you could imagine. They’re open late during the week and even later Thursday-Saturday. Of course, its location isn’t prime for studying, but you can have Antonio’s delivered right to your front door through AggieFood.com.

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Mickey’s Sliders: This fantastic burger place stays MICKEY’S open until 10:00pm in their brick-and-mortar location.

However, on weekends the burger joint grows wheels and places a food truck on Northgate to satisfy your late night cravings.

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MUGWALLS If cozy spaces and a friendly staff are a must for studying, MugWalls is the perfect spot.

It has patio seating, a living room space, and a loft area upstairs. With quirky mugs, great coffee, and delicious pastries, studying or hanging out at MugWalls is ideal for one or a small group.

STARBUCKS If chains are your thing, head to one of the many Starbucks in town. If you’re in a hurry to grab a drink, be sure to get there before or after the morning rush, because the lines get long quickly. This is a great place to head if you’re planning to study by yourself because seating is limited. There are three Starbucks on campus alone, and many others throughout town— including a new location opened this spring in south College Station.

If the dorm room or library isn’t your study atmosphere of choice, it might be nice to find a place to relocate for a while. Even if coffee isn’t your thing, the atmosphere, wifi, and snacks at the variety of coffee houses in College Station are excuses enough to ditch the dorm room.

SWEET EUGENE’S This is a great place to get some good studying in and also serves as a great hangout if you and a group of friends are looking to get together to catch up. There are a number of small rooms with comfortable furniture, and the place is studded with pieces of art on the walls.

Because it’s so popular, it can fill up fast; but there's seating outside and couches can be shared. Not only does Sweet E’s have awesome coffee, but their menu also includes crepes, sandwiches, slices of cake, bagels, cinnamon rolls, and an array of donuts.

HASTING’S AND BARNES AND NOBLE Both bookstores house small cafés that offer some of your favorite coffee drinks. These are great places to go if you’re looking to sit and read for a while. While the chairs are wooden, unpadded, and not the most comfortable, the stores are usually always quiet and not packed.

Bring books from school or grab one from the store. Hasting’s recently added more space to its cafe for students. It also has a cozy fireplace for those cooler winter months.

LUPA'S A brand new coffee house, Lupa's opened this spring and offers all of the amenities of similar venues such as Muldoon's and Sweet E's. Another great perk: it's located directly next to a brand new Planet Fitness. You can work out before or after your study sessions right next store. The venue is fairly large in space, and because it just opened, many Aggies haven't found it yet. This may be your secret spot.

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SPARKLING POOLS, COMMUNITY EVENTS & SO MUCH MORE!

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Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts 2015-2016 Season Split Knuckle Theatre Curious Case of Phineas Gage A thrill packed evening that just might change your life...forever!

So you have a penchant for Picasso and Mondrian but you’re a little worried that the nearest art museum is 1.5 hours south in Houston. Well, that’s not exactly true. Bryan/College Station has a vibrant arts scene, and as Texas A&M continues to bolster its humanities department—especially with the opening of a new Arts and Humanities building last semester—more and more artists are populating the region.

In 2012, the newly renovated Memorial Student Center also opened its doors, and behind those doors the University Art Galleries wasted no time presenting exhibitions by acclaimed artists. In the past few years, works by Picasso, Dali, Magritte, and many more world-renowned, regional, national, and international artists have hung from the MSC’s walls.

There are two major galleries in the MSC: the Forsyth and the Stark Galleries located on two separate floors. On the first floor, the Stark Galleries’ vast exhibition space extends from the flag room and snakes around to the MCS’s east end. The galleries have hosted excellent exhibitions, including a traveling Surrealist collection that visually charted the history of the movement with representative works by leading artists of the era. The Stark Galleries’ permanent collection has a number of modern and contemporary paintings that are rotated within the space seasonally.

Sculptures and installations are also frequently exhibited.

On the second floor, the Forsyth Galleries are home to a permanent collection of English cameo glass works, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and paintings by American masters such as Winslow Homer, Joseph Henry Sharp, and Frederick Remington.

The annex gallery attached to the Forsyth Galleries plays host to a number of smaller, intimate traveling exhibitions.

September 10, Rudder Theatre, 7PM

60X60 Dance/Music/Video This one-of-a-kind performance, where each minute of the hour features a new composer, a new choreographer, new actor and/or new artist.

Think of it as a night of artistic hors d’oeuvres!

October 27, Rudder Theatre, 7PM DJ Spooky

Dance Music Theatre Visual Arts

Peace Symphony: 8 stories That Subliminal Kid is a composer, multimedia artist and writer.

February 18, Rudder Theatre, 7PM RIOULT Dance NY

If you’re a student of the visual arts, the art galleries also host numerous painting, photography, and sculpture workshops throughout the school year. And you might also want to exhibit your work at ArtFest, the annual juried art contest held in March. Aggie artists compete in drawing, painting, digital arts, and mixed media categories for best of show.

The art galleries are always looking for docents, or volunteers who learn about the collections and educate visitors about works exhibited in each gallery. It’s a great way to get involved in the campus arts scene.

You can learn more about the university’s permanent art collection and learn about upcoming exhibitions at the MSC by visiting uart.tamu.edu.

“Powerful. Precise. Poised.” — Royal Gazette, Bermuda April 29, Rudder Auditorium, 7PM For more information call 979.847.2787 avpa@tamu.edu • academyarts.tamu.edu • www.facebook.com/AVPAatTAMU

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1. NO MORE THAN FOUR Living off campus? Since at least 1972, the city does not allow for more than four unrelated individuals to occupy a dwelling unit. As an example, four friends living together in a home are complying with the ordinance.

Four siblings living together o are also complying with the ordinance, but if an unrelated friend moved in, it would be a code violation.

2. MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

TO HELP in College Station

When you choose to attend a university, you’re also choosing a home for the next four (okay, five+) years of your life. Now that you’re here, it’s important to learn about your new hometown and how to be a good neighbor. To make the transition easier, here are five tips to thriving in our community (in addition to going to class):

Introduce yourself and exchange contact information in case of emergencies or other problems.

If an issue arises, p would you rather they call you or the police?

3. KEEP THE NOISE DOWN That includes barking dogs. It’s unlawful for anyone to willfully make or allow continued loud noise, especially from 10 p.m.-7 a.m. If you can hear the noise at the end of your property p line, then it’s too loud and everyone on your lease risks receiving a citation.

4. AVOID CODE VIOLATIONS Many people don’t even think about city codes until they receive an unwelcome citation.

Familarize yourself with our city codes by visiting cstx.gov/codeenforcement.

5. STAY INFORMED Keep up with city events, programs, emergencies, traffic, construction, utility notices and etc., by following us on Twitter (@CityofCS) or Facebook.com/CityofCollegeStation.

We’d love to hear from you too!

Life is full of random adventures; but sometimes it’s nice to know what you’re getting yourself into—especially when you’re trying to make the best out of your college experience. With that in mind, the staff at Maroon Weekly put together 10 things we wish someone had told us before our first day on campus.

1. Don’t date seriously until your junior or senior year You will leave here in four (or more) years a completely different person, so it stands to reason that the type of person you choose to be with will change, as well. Don’t waste your time or your heart on someone who isn’t what the grown-up you is going to want in four years. Don’t tie yourself up with someone who isn’t going to be supportive of you going out and networking or taking that internship in another state.

2. Save up and plan for the best senior year spring break trip ever Another must. Remember that once you get that first job out of college, it’s going to be a long time before you get a week-long vacation. If you rush out and start your career, get married, and have kids…you can forget about having a week to yourself for a long, long time.

3. Eat right and exercise – don’t leave college 50 pounds heavier than when you started The Freshmen 15 is more like the Freshmen 50. Students seem to make bad food and beverage choices while also neglecting physical activities. They excuse themselves by claiming to be too busy studying. But you need to budget your time and allow for some exercise. Find something active you enjoy doing and make time for it each week.

4. Don’t stop going to church just because your mother isn’t here to make you You will face many challenges over the next four or five years, and staying spiritually healthy will help you get through your most trying times. There are many different options for students looking for a place of worship and fellowship. Many of the ministries for students meet at non-traditional times.

5. Get a job and work your way up to manager while still in school Potential employers favor applicants who’ve worked their way through college. When you go to your first “real” job interview, you will be more confident, more experienced, and compensated accordingly when you get a job.

6. Use one summer to intern in the city you think you’ll end up in You don’t want to find out after you’ve taken a job in San Diego that your allergies are so bad your eyes are swollen shut the moment you walk outside. You also don’t want to end up somewhere that makes you miserable because you don’t feel you belong there. Also, you might want to re-think moving to a city far from your parents. You might initially think you won’t need them close by...but wait until you get married and have kids.

7. Don’t leave College Station with a diploma and a criminal record If you don’t make it a priority to stay out of trouble, College Station is a great place to get into some. The police don’t play around here. If you drink under age or you drive while intoxicated, they will catch you. Maybe not the first time, but they will catch you. Again, not something future employers like to find out about.

8. Join volunteer organizations and use your spare time to help others It really does make you feel good and you meet other nice people who share your interests and concerns. Many students tend to make connections that result in future door openings.

9. Take road trips with your friends This is an absolute must. It’s a right-of-passage. Some of your best college memories will come from road trips. Plus, if your friendships can withstand an extended period of time confined in a small hatchback with beef jerky belches, then you know you have lifetime friends.

MSC OPAS PRESENTS A “POSITIVELY ENCHANTING!” 43RD SEASON TO THE BRAZOS VALLEY MSC OPAS season 43 is sure to be “Positively Enchanting!”

Of the new season, OPAS Executive Director Anne Black states, “We just closed one of the most exciting, popular and successful seasons in our history. We had a number of sold out performances, and we couldn’t be more grateful to the community for supporting us. This new 2015-16 season continues our mission to enlighten, entertain and inspire our audiences. In addition to the events we’re announcing today, we just might have a few more surprises to be announced a bit later. So, stay tuned to OPAS on social media and our website to find out breaking news!”

The stars have aligned for a “Positively Enchanting!” lineup of events on the Ann Cobb Wiatt Main Stage series.

The OPAS signature series will open with a concert by the popular finalists from NBC’s hit television a cappella singing competition “The Sing Off” – VoicePlay (September 17, sponsored by Allstate). The most beautiful love story ever told comes to life in Disney’s smash hit Broadway musical Beauty And The Beast (October 20 & 21, sponsored by Aggieland Credit Union). More Disney comes to the stage with the help of four spectacular vocalists and a 38-piece orchestra with Disney in Concert: Magical Music from the Movies (November 16 & 17).

This unique concert invites audiences to enjoy classic Disney songs from hit movies like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Mary Poppins, The Lion King, Frozen and more.

Next up is the high voltage Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by the phenomenal true story of the famed

recording session with Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash in Million Dollar Quartet (February 19 & 20). One of the most enduring Broadway shows of all time finishes out the Main Stage series – Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (March 8 & 9). Season ticket packages for all five events start at $142. All Main Stage events will be performed in Rudder Auditorium at TAMU. An all-new national touring performance of a cultural phenomenon that began as a simple community mail art project will be performed in Rudder Theatre as a Special Event. PostSecret: The Show is a visual, auditory and emotional journey through the beauty and complication of our deepest fears, ambitions and confessions. Find out what the PostSecret sensation is all about on February 2 (7:30 PM) in Rudder Theatre. Tickets range range from $20-$40.

The Intimate Gatherings series, begins with a concert by legendary R&B artist and Texas native Grady Gaines and The Texas Upsetters (September 24). The concert coincides with the release of Mr. Gaines’s new autobiography I’ve Been Out There, published by Texas A&M University Press. Former member of The New Christy Minstrels Tom Becker and his top-notch band pay tribute to one of America’s most gifted singer-songwriters in Back Home Again: A Tribute to John Denver (October 6 & 7, Miramont Country Club). Jazz it up this holiday season as one of the hottest acts currently touring the country hits the stage for The Hot Sardines Holiday Stomp (December 9). The famed Aquila Theatre returns to Rudder

to perform The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (February 17).

The final Intimate Gatherings performance is a concert by Irish sensation The Gloaming (March 29). The quintet recently won the prestigious Meteor Choice Award for Album of the Year (nominated against U2, Sinead O’Connor and Hozier).

Unless noted otherwise, all Intimate Gatherings events will begin at 7:30 PM and will be performed in Rudder Theatre at TAMU. Most performances will include a Q&A with the artists following the performance. Season tickets to all five events start at $202. All tickets to the John Denver Tribute include a three course meal.

Now in its third season, family members of all ages will enjoy the big event coming to the 2015-16 OPAS season as part of the OPAS Family series. Sponsored by OPAS Encore!, the series features a program that invites audiences of all ages to find out what happens when a wacky bike shop mechanic interacts with cyclists and bikes to create a wondrous largerthan-life machine. It’s called Cirque Mechanics: Pedal Punk (March 30, 7 PM, Rudder Auditorium). Tickets are $30.

OPAS JR welcomes two events selected for families with pre-school and early elementary aged children. The series features Room on the Broom (October 11) and Miss Nelson is Missing (April 3). Both programs will begin at 2 PM and 4 PM in Rudder Theatre. Season tickets to OPAS JR are only $44.

For more information about all of the events coming to the new OPAS season, please visit www.MSCOPAS.org.

See All 5 Main Stage Events for as Little as $142!

OPAS logo FB TW mscopas

Broadway Shows & Concerts Coming to Aggieland!

VOICEPLAY Sep 17, 2015 Sponsored by

Allstate

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Oct 20 & 21, 2015 Sponsored by

DISNEY IN CONCERT: Magical Music from the Movies Nov 16 & 17, 2015

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Feb 19 & 20, 2016

Aggieland Credit Union

SPECIAL TICKET PRICES FOR STUDENTS Season 43 | 2015-16

MSC Box Office • 979-845-1234 • MSCOPAS.org

mscopas

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT Mar 8 & 9, 2016

NO START-UP FEES UNLIMITED ATTENDANCE MULTIPLE CLASSES OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

CrossFit is a culture. When you join a typical gym and are assigned a personal trainer, you’re most likely going to be treated not as an individual but as an anonymous body. CrossFit is different. When you join CrossFit Aggieland, you—all of you—becomes an integral part of a community.

Before you begin your training regimen, your body is assessed for everything from dexterity, muscle mass, and age, to limiting injuries you may have sustained. But on top of being assessed physically, CrossFit evaluates who you are, what you want to be, and what you think you’re incapable of being. The latter assessment is what truly makes CrossFit different than any other workout routine. The trainers learn who you are, they connect with you.

Consequently, being treated as a complete human being rather than just a body results in one of the best programs for physical self improvement.

CrossFit Aggieland trains seasoned athletes at the height of their physical health and even elderly individuals with heart disease. The programs are scaled for load and intensity based upon each person’s physical and mental signature.

Take CrossFit Aggieland coach and former Aggie football standout, Seth McKinney, for example.

After an illustrious career in maroon and white and then as a professional football player for 8 years, Seth left the NFL, gained 15 pounds over his playing weight (he weighed a total of 325 pounds), and suffered from a significant decrease in physical activity after sustaining injuries during his career. In short, he was out of shape. He was also reluctant to try CrossFit. But after making the commitment and becoming a part of the family, Seth lost 85lbs and is in the best physical shape of his life. CrossFit taught him how to work hard and how to eat right, supporting him throughout his journey. And today he is now a CrossFit Level II Trainer and competitor.

Seth is just one example of the results you can achieve at CrossFit Aggieland. He and the other trainers on staff—Paige McKinney, Will and Rebekah Shaub, Jesse and Melody Shulse, Lance Yancy, and several more—comprise a team that will nurture your inner athlete and help you achieve peak results beyond your expectations.

You don’t have to take our word for it though; you can try CrossFit Aggieland for one week free. Visit their website at crossfitaggieland.com and sign-up for a trial. It might turn into the best decision you—all of you—has ever made.

Call & Ask About our Specials • Fully Furnished, Upscale Rent-By-The-Bed Apartment Living • Easy Walk To Texas A&M Campus • Luxury Amenities • Controlled Access • On-Site Retail • Two Private Group Study Rooms • Resident Lounge And Coffee Bar • Resort-Style Pool • Wi-Fi Hotspots Throughout • Outdoor Grill Stations And Fire Pit • Computer Center With Mac/PC/Printing • 24-Hour Fitness Center • Free Tanning • Group Fitness Studio: Fitness On Demand • Covered Parking Available • Granite Countertops • Stainless Appliances • Private Bedrooms & Baths

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Leasing Office Located Across From Northside Garage at 505 University DR, College Station TX 77840 domainatnorthgate.com • 979.703.6883 • Text LIVEDOMAIN To 47464

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