Issue 200 | Freshman Guide 2011
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BRYAN, TX 77802 PERMIT # 23
2 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
Freshman Guide
Aggie Traditions Aggie Traditions
c/o Billy Uran
As they say, ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Well, dear freshmen, it is the same in Aggieland. There are so many traditions that Aggies hold deep within their hearts it seems that you will never get the hang of them all. So here is a quick guide to some of the more important traditions that should help prepare you before the first day of school. One of the most important traditions among Aggies is the traditional greeting: Howdy! This is a word that defines who Aggies are. You can hear it as you walk across campus, on and off the bus and most definitely at one of the numerous sporting events. While the importance and significance of this 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. As such, most of Texas A&M’s prominent
former students are male. One of the most prominent positions is the Yell Leader. There are no cheerleaders for the Aggie sports teams, rather Texas A&M,
stemming from their all male student years before 1964, has Yell Leaders who lead the student body in yells not cheers (continued on page 32)
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 3
Freshman Guide
Fish Camp
You may think you know everything about Texas A&M, or you may know nothing about where you are about to spend four (or more) exciting years. No matter where you come from, Fish Camp will provide you with the opportunity to meet new friends, ask questions about life as an Aggie, and begin your college career confident and enthusiastic about your college experience. Every Aggie is a unique individual, yet we are all members of the Aggie Family. The students who organize Fish Camp are so excited welcome the incoming freshmen to Texas A&M. Often, the friends that are made at Fish Camp stay in each other’s lives until long after graduation, marriage and new families of their own. Fish Camp welcomes the Freshman class to Texas A&M each year with the purpose of giving them an opportunity to have fun, make friends, and learn more about life at Texas A&M. Fish Camp is the perfect opportunity to find your place in the Aggie Family before classes even begin. Fish Camp is a fourday orientation program that 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 led by Texas A&M students who are passionate about making the first year of college a success for the incoming freshmen. 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 as they begin their journey as Aggies. 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 entrance into the Aggie family.
Hours
Sun-Thurs 11am till 9pm Fri-Sat 11am till 10pm
979-846-3306 3600 S. College Ave., Bryan TX
Rentals Available for ANY Event 4 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
Freshman Guide
Keep the Spirit: Aggies show support The 12th Man is not a myth. It is a living, breathing, integral part of what makes Texas A&M so amazing and unique. Current and former students all play a huge role in the movement that is the 12th Man. But there are a few special groups that go above and beyond the normal 12th Man call of duty. These athletic support groups define what being an Aggie is all about. “The Sugar Daddies are all about 100% supporting the TAMU Softball Team. We do this by creating an atmosphere in the stands to pump up the team and also give them the best home field advantage possible,” Bob Locke, one of the head Softball Sugar Daddies, said. “The basic purpose of the Sugar Daddies is to support the team as best we can, whether that be attending and promoting home games, attending road games or just getting the word out about Aggie Softball.”
The same can be said for the Reed Rowdies for men’s basketball. And the Women’s Rowdies for the National Champion women’s basketball team. “First and foremost, we attend every home game and make as much noise as possible. We also work with the marketing department to develop strategies for attracting students to WBB games,” Women’s Rowdies President Paul Rodgers said.
The Sugar Daddies have been creating a unique softball atmosphere at the Aggie Softball Complex for the past four years. They found their beginnings when some Fish Camp staff started attending games. They noticed there wasn’t a fan group and the Sugar Daddies were born. The list continues with the Raggies and the Diamond Darlings for baseball. According to www.aggieathletics.com the Diamond Darlings “promote attendance, serve as bat girls at both home and road games, sell programs, hand out promotional items, help
MANAGING EDITOR Chris Zebo Design/Layout Cara Matocha, C2-Studios Inc.
Membership is open to anyone who is in good standing with the university and will be a full time student for the upcoming fall and spring semesters.
Even sports such as tennis draw a faithful crowd. The Mitchell Maniacs insure that the game atmosphere at the Mitchell tennis center will be unlike any other in all of college tennis.
That is exactly what they do. The Women’s Rowdies do their best to make sure anyone who visits Reed Arena to play the Aggies knows whose house they are in. Rodgers, who noticed a low student turnout for wbb, said that you could find the Rowdies at all the home games, selling shirts, yelling loud and just having fun. “We really got our start out of necessity. There was a need for a student support group, so we started the Women’s Rowdies. Now anyone can be a part and help us grow bigger and better.”
Caviar Dreams: Font
Business Manager Andrea Maynard Editor in Chief Chris Shepperd
in the recruiting process and more.”
The Raggies, much like the Sugar Daddies, are all about making Olsen Field a tough place to play. With faithful allegiance and dedication, the Raggies are sure to be heard at every home game.
Publisher Mick Maynard
writers Kassie Cessna Autumn Dawson Turner Dawson Josh Howell Sarabeth Lacy Mara Minsberg Sherrill Mogonye
Gabrielle Nguyen Brandon Nowalk Erica Pitman Megan Roiz Ian Soares Joey Trevino
Another support group for the Texas A&M basketball team is the Aggie Angels.
Photographers Valerie Clark Steven Heger
According to www.aggieathletics.com, the Aggie Angels “assist in increasing the awareness of the Aggie Men’s Basketball Program and assist in increasing attendance.” Even Football has a support group.
Distribution Kyler Dillon Andy Nguyen Becca Nelms
According to their Web site, the Aggie Hostesses “are an elite student support group whose main goal is to support the Texas A&M Football program. The Hostesses work year-round, assisting the coaching staff in a variety of ways, including game day assistance and special events such as Chalk Talk, Coach’s Clinic, Kick-off events and Summer Football Camps. No matter who you are, there is a place for everyone. The 12th man is more than just being an Aggie. It is about being there for your team. Each group prides itself in one main thing: atmosphere. As fans, the game is not just about what happens on the field. Fans control the atmosphere. It does make a difference. Former Softball centerfielder for the Aggies Jami Lobpries said, “We really appreciated everything the Sugar Daddies did and the support they gave us. It really does make a difference in how we played the game.” The best part is, there are never too many fans. Next time you make it out to support the Aggies look around. You are sure to see one of these groups. You might even decide to join.
interns Vladimir Amador
Maggie Dotson Ryan Frische Cameron Gott Lana Rothe
Maroon Weekly is an independent, student-owned publication and is not affiliated with 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 to typographical errors. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express consent of the publisher. 1st copy is FREE, additional copies are $0.50 each Maroon Weekly 110 Lincoln St. #107 College Station, Texas 77840 ph: 979.696.3971 | fax: 281.312.5160 © Copyright 2010 Legacy Media Inc.
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 5
6 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
Freshman Guide
Avoiding the Weed Outs!
A cheaper, less stressful alternative to “weed-out” classes at A&M? Yes, please! The definition of Weed-out classes: Classes that are required to be taken by undergraduates; usually ridiculously timeconsuming and sometimes overly difficult classes (if taken at Texas A&M) considering the fact that most upper level classes at A&M are half as much work to pass. Regardless, these classes are used by the university to “weed-out” freshmen who cannot pass their first or second semester classes, in an effort to judge which students will make it through the rest of their college career successfully. Many Aggies take these classes at A&M (as I did) not knowing the frustration that would come out of it…and, of course I am exaggerating slightly about the annoyance that these classes can be in your life in the future, but I just want to get the point across so that you can benefit from other options available that I didn’t particularly know about as a freshman at A&M. And
what options might those be, you ask? Well, I have two words for you, my friend: Blinn College. First founded in 1883, and located at 2423 Blinn Blvd. in Bryan, Blinn College is a historic community college located just minutes from the main A&M campus in College Station. For years, Blinn has been a cheaper, less stressful alternative for students wanting to avoid taking the same weed-out classes at A&M. You can even take some Blinn classes on the A&M campus in College Station. Generally speaking, money is something that most college students have very little of. That is why Blinn College is such an attractive alternative to taking certain classes required at A&M. For example, the cost of attending Blinn is about a third of the price per credit hour than it would be to pay for the same class at A&M. There is also a lot to be said for the smaller campus and consequently more comfortable class sizes at Blinn College compared to those at A&M. As a freshman, it is also a lot easier to get to know the
professor on a personal level and not feel so lost in a huge campus when you attend certain classes at Blinn. So many students at A&M have taken a class or two at Blinn in order to save money and not have to stress about getting those required (and usually somewhat frustrating) classes out of the way. Applying to Blinn, either while taking classes at A&M full time, or just for summer school, is simple when you visit blinn.edu/ Brazos, because the college has an online registration, application and information system on their website. Blinn also has a variety of online and evening classes for the working Aggie trying to graduate on time. While nothing can compare to the experience of going to school at Texas A&M University, it is nice to know that when money gets tight or you need to get a required lower-level class out of the way, you always have the option of taking classes at Blinn College
Don’t get caught in the weeds! www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 7
Freshman Guide
Great bars with underage fun Just because you aren’t drinking doesn’t mean there aren’t some great things to do for the 18 and up crowd at the bars around town. Whether you like dancing, live music, darts or billiards, check out these hotspots for some good clean fun. There are so many different places in town to choose from, but these are just some of the highlights. Carney’s Pub One of the local landmarks. Great for watching the game, good food specials and billiards. Watch where you park though, they don’t joke about threatening to tow your car. Dixie Chicken If you have ever visited Bryan College Station, you know that the Chicken is the place to be. Whether its for a game of 42 or pool, or you are just grabbing a burger between class, the Chicken is laid back and casual but offers great specials. Try their Tijuana fries!
Fox and Hound Under 21 pays to play pool, but cash in on their great food and make a night out of it. They have TVs all over the place so you can watch the game and play one too. Halo Bar Located in Downtown Bryan, Halo is a split level bar that offers billiards and a lounge like vibe downstairs but has a rocking dancefloor upstairs. Check out the drag show on Fridays at midnight. Always great DJs and has safe, bright parking spaces. Fitzwilly’s Bar and Grill A two story entertainment venue that showcases local bands, Fitz’s offers great food as well as darts and billiards upstairs. Check out their burgers and spiced fries— amazing! O’Bannon’s Taphouse Known for its gargantuan list of over 75 beers on tap, O’Bannons also offers a pub quiz night on Sundays and karaoke on Tuesdays that are always packed. Look out
8 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
for a show from The Blaggards, a band from Houston, and get there early. It will be packed by 10pm. Revolution Café and Bar Located in Historic Downtown Bryan, Revolution instantly sets itself apart from the other entertainment venues in BryanCollege Station. With a laid-back, cool atmosphere, come and enjoy live music and great drink specials. Revolution is the alternative to most bars in Bryan/College Station, welcoming everything involving culture and most things counter culture. Revolution takes pride in consistently booking the highest quality music that you will hear in the area. Revolution Cafe and Bar specializes in jazz, funk and reggae. It features, premium coffees, gourmet panini and a large patio. Zapatos Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere at Zapatos; live music and Mexican food with your friends--it doesn’t get any better than this!
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 9
WHEN YOU GET TO COLLEGE...
DON’T GO TO CHURCH BE the church!
at First Baptist College Station
8:30am or 11:00am Worship 9:45am Bible Study Small Groups throughout the week 2300 Welsh Ave * 979.696.7000
fbccollegestation.com expressionministry.com
10 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
Freshman Guide
Dorm Room Cookbook Crème brûlée is normally associated with the ’80s and French restaurants, but this lowfuss version doesn’t take itself seriously as it gets cooked in the microwave. Though not as elegant as the classic fancy dessert, it’s still packed with vanilla flavor and finished off with a crackly caramel top. Game plan: Do not put custards in the refrigerator immediately after broiling, because the caramel tops will liquefy. Also, the timing used in this recipe is based on our averages from multiple tests. Since each microwave and toaster oven operates differently, you may need to adjust the times slightly.
INSTRUCTIONS In a large microwaveable mixing bowl, microwave cream uncovered for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together egg yolks, 1/4 cup sugar, and vanilla extract in a separate large mixing bowl until well combined.
Whisking constantly, pour heated cream in a thin stream down the side of the bowl of egg mixture. Once combined, divide custard among four 1/2-cup ramekins (or any ovenproof or microwaveable container, like a mug). Place custards in a shallow microwaveable dish, making sure they don’t touch one another. Pour hot water between the ramekins until it reaches two-thirds of the way up the sides. Microwave until center of custards is just set, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the microwave and let completely cool in the water. When cool, refrigerate covered for at least 1 hour. Once custards have rested, heat toaster oven to broil and, once heated, sprinkle about 4 teaspoons sugar on each custard. Place custards under broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the tops are caramelized and golden brown; watch carefully to avoid burning. Remove from oven and serve. (Alternatively, heat a conventional oven to
Crème brû lé
e
INGREDIENTS high broil and arrange 1 1/2 cups hea vy cre the rack in the upper third of the oven. Once 3 large egg yolk am s the broiler is heated, sprinkle sugar on each 1/4 cup granula custard and place ted sugar, plus under the broiler until 5 tablespoons f or topping tops are caramelized and golden brown, 1 teaspoo about 2 minutes; n vanilla extract watch carefully to Hot water avoid burning.) Post your tips on MaroonWeekly.com or on Twitter @ MaroonWeekly.
Easy Fruit Crisp
Layered Bean Dip
Marshmallow Crispy Treats
Topping Ingredients: ¼ cup butter or margarine ½ cup graham-cracker crumbs ½ cup quick-cooking oats 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon About 7-8 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin ¼ granulated sugar
Ingredients: 2 cans (16 ounces, each) Refried beans 1 can (4 ounces) Chopped Green Chilies, drained 1 envelope (1 1/4 ounces) Taco Seasoning Mix 2 ripe avocados, peeled, and pitted 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 jar (16 ounces) Taco Sauce (mild, medium or hot, divided usage) 1 1/2 cups sour cream 3 cups shredded lettuce 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, black olive slices, Tortilla Chips
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons margarine 6 cups crisp rice cereal 38-40 Jet-Puffed Marshmallows
To make the topping: Melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the remaining topping ingredients until blended. Set aside. Put apples and granulated sugar in an 8-inch square microwave-safe baking dish; toss to mix. Sprinkle topping evenly over apples. Microwave uncovered on high 8-10 minutes until apples are tender when pierced, rotating dish ½ turn once. Let stand directly on heatproof surface 30 minutes until warm and topping is firm. Makes 6 servings. – Barb Wright
Directions: Microwave spread in large microwavable bowl on high 45 seconds or until melted. Add marshmallows; toss to coat with spread. Microwave 1 1/2 minutes or until smooth when stirred, stirring after 45 seconds. Immediately add cereal; mix lightly until well coated. Press into greased 13x9-inch baking pan. Cool; cut into squares. Makes about 24.
Directions: In a Medium bowl, mix together refried beans, green chilies an taco seasoning mix. Spread on a 12-inch round serving platter. Blend avocados, lemon juice and 1/2 cup taco sauce until smooth. Spread on top of bean mixture. Spread sour cream on top of avocado mixture. Top with shredded lettuce, cheese, taco sauce and olive slices. Serve with Tortilla chips. www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 11
Freshman Guide
Is Greek for me? College is a defining time in everyone’s life. From choosing a major to finding friends, every decision helps mold your future. One huge decision that can affect your time at Texas A&M is whether or not you rush a fraternity or sorority. The Greek system can be a great asset to making friends with common goals and interests, taking on leadership roles and becoming an active philanthropic member of the community. Entering the Greek system is no easy task. From forms to letters of recommendation to shopping for new clothes for rush, going through recruitment can be confusing and draining. However, for most, the tedious work pays off in a huge way once you receive the coveted invitation on bid day to the chapter of your choice. If you are 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.
time invested is up to you. If you are looking for an opportunity to make a change, running for a leadership position will greatly increase the time involved.
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
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
Do Greek organizations allow opportunities for service and leadership? Yes, every Greek chapter at A&M has their own specific philanthropy and through fundraising events, every chapter’s charity and event is unique and allows them to help out others in need. Whether it is a national charity or a local organization, there are always opportunities to take on a leadership role and be active in the creative or logistical process of raising money to benefit others. Some who have local philanthropies even take time each week to personally develop relationships with the individuals they monetarily contribute to.
you will be making. From t-shirts for every occasion to buying outfits for formal events, it is much more than a twice a year check. What should I 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 grasp a good sense of your personality if you are acting how you, “think you should act.” Rather try to put your anxieties aside and let your true
self shine through. Also, remember, you are evaluating Greek organizations as much as they are evaluating you. Can I take rejection? The truth is, recruitment is basically an extensive interview process and you may not like some chapters just as much as they don’t like you. Do not take it personally, it all comes down to whether or not you will be a great fit for their group. Believe me, it always works out in the end and each chapter has the process down to such a science to where they know exactly what they are doing. Every individual will end up where they fit in and so if initially you feel you got rejected unfairly, just be optimistic and know that it just means you are closer to finding the group where you will be happiest. There are many more questions to tackle but when it comes down to it; you have to go with your gut. Come pref night, when you have to make a decision, you need to dig deep and really ask where you see yourself spending the next four years of your life. These people will be around for the best times and the worst and potentially stand next to you in your wedding someday. Most importantly choose independently, do not rely on your friends to help you make your decision or choose a chapter because that’s what they chose. College is all about growth and independence and exploring new avenues and sometimes that involves new friends to help you find your way.
12 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
NEW STUDENT TOWNHOMES OPENING FALL 2012
L I V E N E W. L I V E B I G. L I V E U. club townhomes ON MARION
PUGH
U CLUB TOWNHOMES.COM
Marion Pugh & Luther Street rendering subject to change
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 13
14 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 15
Freshman Guide
10 Things You packed your television and DVD collection and your shower caddy is filled with any toiletry you might need but there are 10 things that you absolutely must not forget to bring with you to college.
you don’t want to leave at home
1. Quarters: Doing laundry costs you more than all Sunday afternoon. It takes anywhere from $.50 to $1.50 to wash one load and sometimes more than that to dry. 2. Extension Cords: Most dorm rooms aren’t the newest spots in town. Coming prepared with more outlets means you’re ready to plug in faster than everyone else. 3. Air Freshener: Nobody wants to be the smelly kid. Having cleaning supplies doesn’t actually mean you’ll use them. This should buy you a couple extra days until cleaning day. 4. Mattress Pad: Top bunk, bottom bunk, lofted beds; choosing a room arrangement doesn’t guarantee a comfy night’s sleep. Buy this and make your own pillow-top. 5. Water Filter: Older buildings typically mean older piping. Older piping means you’ll need help to work toward some higher quality H2O. BCS isn’t the best water around no matter where you live. So bring a filter and get your hydration in shape. 6. Change of Address Form: If you receive any monthly magazines or bills in the mail, it’s best to have them forwarded to your new home. 7. Umbrella: Getting caught in the rain can be fun. Getting caught in the rain with a freshly typed term paper in hand is not. This is Texas afterall. 8. School Supplies: You can buy most of your pens and pencils on campus. You can buy them off campus cheaper. Come prepared. 9. Bike: Getting to class faster means you get to sleep in longer. Back to back to back classes all over campus means you need wheels to make it with time to spare. 10. Can Opener: Canned eats make for quick, easy meals. Make sure you can open 16 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com those containers.
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 17
18 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
Freshman Guide
Avoiding
STRESS As you have probably been told over and over again (by guidance counselors, parents, and TV) the transition from high school to college can be a big adjustment. Yes, a world of freedom opens up, but along with that freedom can come the stress of managing it. By acting now and making a plan to counteract and manage this stress your transition to college life can be a whole lot easier. Stress usually does not leap upon you in a flash; it is much more likely to build up on you slowly. At college you will find that you are very much in demand. There are a multitude of organizations, clubs, and causes practically begging you to join. Add those in with your new (and likely more difficult) classes and your burgeoning collegiate social life, and pressures can start bringing you down. By taking a deep breathe and remembering these simple steps you can be on the road to de-stressing your life. Manage your time wisely. Sounds obvious, right? Well, it is the single most important key to not being overwhelmed with stress. Start at the very beginning; use a daily planner and schedule in time to study. As you continue through the semester you can adjust the time you allow each class specifically. Spanish might need an extra hour, and Calculus might only need fifteen minutes (its unlikely, but you never know). If you get your schoolwork done the time you are spending on everything else is FREE TIME. Free time, as the name suggests, can be free of stress. If you cannot take on a new activity without cutting into your schoolwork time- scratch said activity off your list. Be sure not to cut into your vital sleep, eating and bathing times as well. Exercise. It is great for helping you work through stress and it can combat that
scary “Freshman 15” which would only multiply your stress. Susan Fee, a licensed counselor and author of “My Roommate is Driving Me Crazy!” lists stress as her number one way to reenergize during a time of stress. The National Sleep Foundation also reports that exercise in the daytime can help you sleep better and more restfully at night. So go jogging and pump some iron; you will look and feel better! Stay connected. Moving away to college can sometimes mean losing touch with old friends. An article from Mental Health America emphasizes that connections to friends and loved ones are essential for dealing with stress because they allow us avenues to discuss and cope with our problems. Being immersed in a crowd of thousands of strangers makes it more important than ever to stay connected to some good ole friendly faces. Discuss your stress; this can lead to helpful advice from friends as well as an opportunity for you to work out your problems instead of letting them pile up. Don’t freak out. Everything is not going to go perfectly. If you accept that now, along with that fact that you have the power to fix things and make changes, you will be on the road to a happier college experience. If, by some cruel twist of fate, you make some Cs on your first round of tests: take a deep breath and a step back. Look at the larger picture. Change your plan of action. Find a study group, talk to your professors, and review where you went wrong. Everyone messes up now and again but it is a sign maturity to take a mistake as a catalyst for
becoming something better instead of an excuse to give up and let things fall apart. Get help. As I said, stress and college go together like Paris Hilton and paparazzi. So if you feel like you are way in over your head, ask for help. Most every school has student-counseling programs available that are paid for by student service fees. Texas A&M’s Student Counseling Services can
be accessed at www.scs.tamu.edu. These resources can give you professional help in coping with all of the new stress. And since your already paying for it- take advantage! Your college years should be full of found memories of learning and fun. Yes, stress is probably inevitable, but by remembering these tips you can minimize your stress and maximize your fun!
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 19
Freshman Guide
Underage Drinking: A Dangerous Combination According to the Texas A&M University Police crime statistics for 2006, in the month of February alone there were 37 charged alcohol-related offenses, including possession and consumption of alcohol by a minor. Now, if you keep in mind that that statistic only deals with the police who are making charges on campus, and that there are a far greater number of Bryan and College Station PD who are also on the streets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making sure that underage drinkers are caught and charged with the appropriate penalties around Bryan/ College Station, it becomes clear that sooner or later, if you are an underage drinker, you will be caught! Police officers in Bryan/ College Station are notoriously tough about finding and charging underage drinking and they know what signs to look for when they are out on the streets. If you’re curious as to what kind of punishment goes along with being charged with an MIP or a DUI, fines and jail time only scratch the surface. According to MADD (Mother Against Drunk Driving), it is estimated that 4,000 deaths occur every year due to an alcohol overdose and that 60% of college teens are frequent binge drinkers report that they drink and drive. The fact is that, whether underage or not, stopping a friend from drinking and driving can save a life… and not necessarily the life of the person who is drinking. My sister had a friend in High School who was killed by a drunk driver in a car crash. The sad reality, however, is that my sister is just one of so many people who have lost loved ones unnecessarily due to alcohol and/or drunk driving. Obviously, you don’t have to be drinking to be affected by alcohol in extremely negative ways. At Texas A&M there are also a lot of really great options for anyone who has had too much to drink at the bar and needs a ride home. The most popular (and widely used) option for safe rides home in Aggieland is known as Carpool and gives free rides to those in need every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from 10pm to 3am. Drinking irresponsibly at any age is just stupid, but when a minor drinks irresponsibly
it adds a multitude of fines and dangers to the equation. Remember, you can still be charged with an MIP, even if you don’t actually consume the alcohol. MADD statistics show that 3 out of every 5 people will be affected by a drunk driver. As responsible college students, we can start changing those statistics and make the streets of Texas A&M University and Bryan/College Station safer for everyone. Know the signs of Alcohol Poisoning: Remember, if you see any of the following symptoms of alcohol poisoning in a friend or family member after drinking, CALL 911, stay with the victim and tell the EMT the symptoms and amount of alcohol ingested by the victim: Confusion or coma Seizures Breathing is less than 8 breaths per minute or 10 seconds between breaths Hypothermia, low body temp Bluish skin color, paleness No response to pinching Vomiting while sleeping Educating yourself on how to care for someone who has been drinking too much is one of the smartest things any college student can do. After all, people who have been drinking themselves are usually the caregivers for others who have had too much to drink and, generally, drunk people cannot successfully care for anyone else in their state of health, though I know they would tell you otherwise. However, the most important thing to remember is that the statistics are against the underage drinker and it is just NOT worth the risk of drinking, driving and having an accident, or having to pay large sums of money for just being in possession of alcohol – whether you consume it or not - to drink before you are 21. Take it from an Aggie who is over the legal drinking age: no drink is worth the cost of a tainted driving record, possible jail sentence or the price of a fine and, believe me, you will have the rest of your life to drink responsibly and legally after you turn 21, so don’t rush (or risk) it! For more information and statistics on underage drinking and the risks involved, go to www. maddbv.org, or visit carpool.tamu.edu.
20 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
A Snapshot of Annual High-Risk College Drinking Consequences The consequences of excessive and underage drinking affect virtually all college campuses, college communities, and college students, whether they choose to drink or not. Death: 1,700 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die each year from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes. Injury: 599,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are unintentionally injured under the influence of alcohol. Assault: More than 696,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking. Sexual Abuse: More than 97,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape. Unsafe Sex: 400,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 had unprotected sex and more than 100,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 report having been too intoxicated to know if they consented to having sex Academic Problems: About 25 percent of college students report academic consequences of their drinking including missing class, falling behind, doing poorly on exams or papers, and receiving lower grades overall. Health Problems/Suicide Attempts: More than 150,000 students develop an alcoholrelated health problem and between 1.2 and 1.5 percent of students indicate that they tried to commit suicide within the past year due to drinking or drug use. Drunk Driving: 2.1 million students between the ages of 18 and 24 drove under the influence of alcohol last year. Vandalism: About 11 percent of college student drinkers report that they have damaged property while under the influence of alcohol. Property Damage: More than 25 percent of administrators from schools with relatively low drinking levels and over 50 percent from schools with high drinking levels say their campuses have a “moderate” or “major” problem with alcohol-related property damage. Police Involvement: About 5 percent of 4-year college students are involved with the police or campus security as a result of their drinking and an estimated 110,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are arrested for an alcohol-related violation such as public drunkenness or driving under the influence Alcohol Abuse and Dependence: 31 percent of college students met criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse and 6 percent for a diagnosis of alcohol dependence in the past 12 months, according to questionnaire-based self-reports about their drinking. Sources: Hingson et al., 2005, Hingson et al., 2002, Engs et al., 1996; Presley et al., 1996a, 1996b; Wechsler et al., 2002, Presley et al., 1998, Wechsler et al., 2002,
Freshman Guide
Talking the talk:
Campus Lingo The campus of our fine university can be an overwhelming place if you let it be. There are several places that students frequent and MUST be familiar with. This guide will give you an inside look at just a few of the terms and names of locations that you will need to know. If all else fails, don’t be afraid to ask for help — you are on one of the friendliest campuses in the world. Just start your question with a “Howdy!” and someone will be more than happy to help.
MSC
The short term used when talking about the Memorial Student Center. In the past it is home to the MSC Bookstore and several eateries such as The 12th Man International Café, Hullabaloo and Rumors. It is currently being remolded and is closed for business. But lucky for you it is slated to reopen on April 21st 2012. When it does reopen be sure to “uncover,” or remove your cap before entering. Remember that no one steps on the grass surrounding the MSC, which was built in honor of Aggies who have died in battle worldwide.
Sbisa
The largest dining hall on campus, located on the north side of campus, offers a wide variety of dishes and cuisines. What makes it even better is that it’s all you can eat, all the time! G. Rollie White Coliseum The “Holler House” has been home to Aggie volleyball, Aggie Basketball, graduation and Muster. Since Reed Arena was built all of these things have moved. It is currently housing the MSC bookstore while the MSC is being renovated. Lots of history lies within these walls.
Sully
The statue of Lawrence Sullivan Ross, former governor of Texas and former president of Texas A&M, stands in front of the Academic Building. When Sully was president at A&M he would tutor students. They always wanted to pay him for his time and generosity. His common response was “Give me a penny for my thoughts.” Be sure to place a penny upon Sully’s feet before any big test for good luck!
The Rec
One of the most state-of-the-art recreational facilities in the nation has a spot right here on our campus. Located on West Campus, be sure to try out the pool, rock climbing, weight room or take one of the many free classes! Your student fees pay for it…use it!
The Commons
The four dormitories located on the south side of campus (Krueger, Mosher, Aston and Dunn) are attached by a “common” area with dining facilities, post office and a convenient store. This is a popular hang out, as well as a great place to grab a quick lunch.
The Quad
Located next to the Commons, it is the home of the on-campus dorms used by the Corps of Cadets. On football game days you can see the band and the Corps of Cadets step off from the quad as they prepare to enter Kyle Field.
SCC
SCC stands for Student Computing Center. The SCC is a great resource for preparing projects or for checking Facebook. It is the largest computer lab on campus. Any student is free to use it. The SCC is Located next to Evans Library.
West Campus
Main things Located on West Campus: Wehner, Kleberg, Reed Arena, The Rec, West Campus Library, Olsen Field and the Aggie Softball Complex.
Main Campus
Everything else….dorms, MSC, Rudder Tower, Koldus Building, SCC, Evans Library, Zachry, Blocker, Academic Building, etc.
Century Tree
A Texas A&M Landmark located in Academic Plaza. Don’t walk under it unless you’re with the one you love or you’ll end up alone forever. You’ll know which one it is — the tree with the branches sleeping on the ground.
Spence Park
Spence Park is home to some of the greatest tailgates during the Fightin’ Texas Aggie football season. It is located right behind University Central Parking Garage and the John J. Koldus building across from G. Rollie and Kyle Field.
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 21
Freshman Guide
Keeping the casa chic for cheap As college students, we do not always have large amounts of expendable money. Yet entering college is one of the most expensive times of our college career. Moving into a new dorm or apartment demands a lot of forethought. One of the most important things facing many students is how to decorate their very own place. Yet, reality sets in, and trips to the grocery store, tuition and having to buy a semester’s worth of books tends to drain the average college student’s bank account. Now, before you are deferred from that perfect room you are planning because of expenses, here are a few tips on how to decorate your new room, while still saving money. The first place to start when planning a room is to start with the bed. Picking the comforter and color determines the entire scope of the room. Before you pick the bedspread, make sure that it is capable of being washed. As barely responsible young adults, we are still prone to eat on our bed and, like mom said, we will spill on it. So, if the bedspread is machine washable, it will save a lot of time
and money in the long run.
Now that the main focus of the room is taken care of, the remaining features are simple decorations and accessories. This is the fun part. The easiest way to save money for decorations comes down to how crafty you are. This my sister is probably the craftiest person I have ever met, and through her help, I saved plenty of money and made an amazing room my roommates envied. First of all, having everything match in your room is just too much. It is better to have hints of other accents to make your room more tolerable. My sister had this old lamp that we used to use in our bedroom in high school, and to spruce it up, she redecorated the lampshade itself with various colored ribbon glued in strips. It surprisingly looked amazing and was very unique. Ribbon is inexpensive, and fixing an old lamp to look new is easy. If that doesn’t work for you, simply buying a new lampshade is slightly less crafty and just as easy to fix up an old lamp, as well. As we all know, posters with our favorite
band or actor on it are far too childish to keep as “mature, responsible adults.” To decorate the walls of this brand spanking new room is going to take time. A really interesting idea that is inexpensive and doesn’t take much time is something I did in my own room. I love black and white with a splash of maroon, and I had an idea to decorate my walls. I found numerous black and white cards with iconic buildings on it, and thus I found my theme. Cards are reasonably inexpensive as compared to big paintings or elaborate posters and are easily upgraded by putting them in picture frames. Not to mention, this is an easy project on a budget. Another version of a wall decoration can come in the form of an inspirational creation. I put printed computer paper that you can buy at any Hobby Lobby or printing store and set it as the background of this picture. On top of it, I put a metal bookmark reading, “dream” and “believe.” Now these pictures are indeed girly and sentimental, but can easily be made to fit the personality of each room. This was one of the easiest things to make it
this entire room. An easy accent to any room is a candle. In my case, I hung up a small shelf, that I purchased at Hobby Lobby, on the wall and bought both small black-and-white candles to accent the room. At Christmas, my roommate gave me a mirrored candleholder, which went nicely with the look I was going for. All in all, I ended up with a stylish and mature room my roommates envied — and it didn’t cost me much to decorate. The most expensive thing in decorating a room is the time involved. To make the bed, to paint a picture, to hang up pictures on the wall takes time and patience. Yet, the outcome is a reward that you can enjoy for your tenure at college. Having the room of your dreams is definitely achievable — just as long as you have the imagination and patience to see it finished.
FOR NEARLY TWENTY YEARS
BRING THIS IN FOR A FREE REV’D UP COMBO chips/dip and soda or dessert/soda with the purchase of any regular menu item limit one per person
GATEWAY
NORTHGATE
TEXAS AVE.
W W W. F R E E B I R D S. C O M 22 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
ROCK PRAIRIE
e
ma
rti
n
st
ve
Season & Single Tickets On Sale Now! Sign Up for OPAS Tickets with the Student Ticket Option! See 7 shows for only $200. Visit MSCOPAS.org for all the details.
MAIN STAGE
STEVE MARTIN with THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS Bluegrass & Comedy
Tuesday, August 30 Sponsored by Aggieland Credit Union
NATIONAL ACROBATS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA Friday, October 7 YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The Mel Brooks Musical
Joe Sears & Jaston Williams
A TUNA CHRISTMAS Tuesday & Wednesday, November 29 & 30 MOULIN ROUGE THE BALLET Wednesday, February 1 MAX RAABE & THE PALAST ORCHESTER Monday, February 27 Sponsored by Allstate
Tuesday & Wednesday, October 25 & 26
BLUE MAN GROUP Friday- Sunday, March 2-4
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s
Sponsored by Blue Bell Ice Cream, SKANSKA and Britt Rice Electric, L.P.
SOUTH PACIFIC Monday & Tuesday, November 14 & 15
IN THE HEIGHTS Tuesday, March 27 Sponsored by Wells Fargo
OPAS Main Stage events are performed in Rudder Auditorium at Texas A&M University.
Stay Connected!
mscopas
mscopas
OPAS ticket information is available at the MSC Box Office. Call 979-845-1234 or visit MSCOPAS.org.
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 23
you picked the right school,now pick the right Place. ow Sign n e for th S EAL D T S BE ar! e y e of th Fully Furnished
Fully Furnished
All Inclusive Rent (including Cable, Internet, Water & Electricity*) Home of the 2818 Beach Club with Pool, Hot Tub & Cabana
All Inclusive Rent (including Cable, Internet, Water & Electricity*) Chill Out in our Multi-Level Pool with Outdoor Cabana Large Walk-In Closets
Shared Amenities with Parkway Place
Shared Amenities with 2818 Place
*Green Cap of $25
*Green Cap of $25
2818 Place
Parkway Place www.ParkwayPlaceApts.com
www.2818Place.com
1300 Harrvey Mitchell Pkwy College Station, TX 77840 979-696-9500
Located between Holleman and Luther on FM 2818.
1350 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy College Station, TX 77840 979-693-5900
Connect with us. 24 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com 2818 PARKWAY_10.25x11.5_edit.indd 1
6/6/11 1:00 PM
Freshman Guide
Local Legends:
Check out these Unique Aggie Establishments!
There are genuinely Aggie owned and operated restaurants, hang-out spots and businesses throughout College Station, Texas. You cannot miss out on these great places and the history that allows them to hold such a special place in every Ag’s heart! Wings ‘N More is a restaurant legend here in College Station. Opened in 1989 by Mark Dennard, Wings ‘N More has a great sports atmosphere, which is only fitting as Dennard himself played for the Aggies before playing pro football throughout the 1970s and 80s. If there is an Aggie game being televised, you better believe that Wings ‘N More will be playing it on one of their many TVs. Of course, the real reason to go to Wings ‘N More is — obviously — for the wings! Don’t be fooled by other wing restaurant chains in town. Wings ‘N More is the real deal. They are always serving great food at a great price and have locations on University, Texas and Deacon, so no matter where you are in College Station, you can find a good basket of wings within a fiveminute radius. Layne’s in another Aggie favorite and their original restaurant location can be found at 106 Walton Drive, right off Texas Ave. They also have a new location at 1301 Wellborn Rd., at the corner of Southwest Pkwy and Wellborn Rd. Along with their “soon-tobe-famous” chicken fingers, Layne’s has a special “secret sauce” that cannot be beat. They also serve just about the best fries I’ve ever had and a slice of Texas toast (that is to die for!) alongside every order of their famous chicken fingers. The cool, comfortable atmosphere of Layne’s and their super-friendly employees continue to make this restaurant a hit with Aggies and
their families. FitzWilly’s Bar & Grill on Northgate is a restaurant that has continued to be a huge part of the off-campus Aggie tradition. I won’t even go into the details of the menu, because no matter what you order you will love it, and the casual atmosphere of FitzWilly’s adds to the enjoyment of the food and company that you will find there. Los Norteños is known around town for their amazing breakfast tacos (they are the biggest breakfast tacos you will ever eat for just a couple bucks!), along with a variety of other great traditional Mexican dishes and is the oldest Mexican restaurant in historic downtown Bryan. Freebirds restaurant is always a popular place to go in College Station and locations can be found all around town. The first Freebirds to be opened in Texas was in College Station in 1990 and ever since then, the restaurant has been a tradition for Aggie burrito lovers everywhere. The Chicken Oil Company, located on S. College Ave. in Bryan has been serving Aggies since 1977 when it started out as a gas station and burger joint. Chicken Oil is a great place to bring your family and has a uniquely rustic atmosphere that makes it a truly one of a kind place. Double Dave’s Pizzaworks restaurant is probably already known by a great deal of incoming Aggies. After all, the franchise is all over Texas. But what you might not know is that Double Dave’s was first started
in 1984 right here in our beloved College Station, Texas. The restaurant now has three locations in College Station and is more popular than ever.
first hand, because the atmosphere is so fun and unique to Aggieland. I can honestly say I have never been to The Hall where I didn’t have a great time.
Copy Corner is a favorite local business here in Aggieland. Although at first glance you would not expect Copy Corner to be linked in any way to Double Dave’s, surprisingly, the popular copy shop does have a link to this popular pizza chain. Actually, Copy Corner is a very popular copy center in town owned by Larry Hodges, who originally started up Copy Corner with two other Aggies in 1988. Though their business had a rough start, eventually Larry and one of his original partners of the business, Nick, bought out all of the Double Dave’s in town as well. Larry is a popular guy within the community because of all he does to give back to the people and businesses of College Station. In fact, Larry even speaks at the Mays Business school every once in a while, so you might just see this local business owner around campus (that is if you don’t already see him frequently when you go to pick up class notes at Copy Corner, because he is there almost all of the time).
Of course, there comes a time when you have to stop eating and going out to dance halls in order to study every once and a while. If you have not gotten your books by the time your midterms role around, you will want to go and get those at one of the two main bookstores around town. The first is Traditions Bookstore, formerly called Rother’s bookstore.
The Texas Hall of Fame has been a staple to Aggie off-campus living since 1978. The dancehall is always putting on concerts and has been honored to have, among countless other talented and famous performers, Willy Nelson in concert on their stage. “The Hall,” as it is affectionately called by locals, is owned by Johnny Lyon, who himself has a band called “Johnny Lyon and the Country Nu-Notes.” The Texas Hall of Fame is a place that has to be experienced
Because so many Ags have to drive long hours to visit friends and/or family back home, Wolf Creek Car Wash & Oil Change is a great local choice when you need, well, obviously — a car wash or an oil change. With locations off of Texas and Harvey Road, Wolf Creek Car Wash & Oil Change has been around College Station for as long as I can remember and will definitely not disappoint when it comes to great service.
Traditions has been serving college students for over 25 years and is a popular place in town for both buying books, as well as selling books back when you need a little extra money at the end of the semester. Loupot’s bookstore is another bookstore that is full of history. Loupot’s was started by Judson E. Loupot, Class of ’32, and has remained an off-campus tradition at A&M for 75 years because of the amazing life that the late Mr. Loupot and his store were able to experience in Aggieland!
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 25
Freshman Guide
Keeping the faith Adventure. Discovery. Identity. These are of belonging to something bigger than you. but a few of the words that can typify the Belonging to a movement, a way of life. beginning stages of freshman life. This is certainly no different in Aggieland. Networking. Connection. Potential. All of these things are possible in your time here. For many, the transition to college is simple. Everyone who finds his or her way to A&M Move in and go. For others there is a bit has heard of the Aggie Network. But one more trepidation along the way. It is ok to be network often overlooked is the faith-based weary of what the first few days and weeks network that is so prevalent at A&M. Some of the collegiate experience will hold. Bumps students grew up in the pews of their and bruises are sure to ensue as fish find hometown church. Every time the doors their way to class, figure out how to use their were open they found themselves somehow sports pass, learn all of the overwhelming involved in what was going on. For others it nuances of being on their own, find out was the occasional visit on major holidays. where they fit in and of course discover the Easter, Christmas, a few days a year. No tradition that makes Aggieland so unique. matter where you fall on the scale, there is a The sense of family is what draws many to place for you to call home. Texas A&M. The thought of being a part of the Aggie family is very inviting. It is the draw If you grew up in Texas you are used to the
notion of a church on every corner. If not, Aggieland might present a different scene than you are accustomed to. Whatever your background, one thing is certain; you should get involved. Just one of the many ways to do that is through the faith-based organizations on and around campus. College is a time of discovery. But on each journey, people need support. Getting involved is a great way to find stability. Each Tuesday throughout the semester thousands of students join together for live music and a short talk at Breakaway. Breakaway Ministries is run by Ben Stuart and offers students a chance for a midweek break from the insanity of studying, work, family and stress. In a high-energy environment, Breakaway mixes loud music with a brief talk from Stuart that will challenge the convert and critic alike. Breakaway meets on campus and is geared toward all genres of students. On any given Tuesday you might 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 this laid-back approach, Breakaway is home to more than 5000 students each week. For more information check out www. breakawayministries.org. There are churches to fit every need. Brazos
26 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
Fellowship on Harvey Road offers a great worship experience. With four Sunday morning services to choose from, it is easy to find a time that fits your schedule. Pastor Will Lewis is relatable, friendly and engaging. If you are looking for something more like home there are options all around. A&M Church of Christ is located right by campus on George Bush across from the campus golf course and offers multiple ways for students to plug in. Or you can check out University Lutheran, Grace Bible Church on Anderson or First Baptist Church College Station. Each church offers unique opportunities for students to get involved and feel at home. Whatever your preference, there are places in Aggieland that can offer a safe haven from the craziness of life that bombards you every day. College creates a unique opportunity for students to find out who they really want to be. To discover truth, connect with a cause, make moments count. Getting involved in one of these ministries, or any of numerous other options available, gives students an instant connection to family, and a place to belong. Life wasn’t meant to be lived alone. College wasn’t meant to be experienced alone. Find out where you fit and get plugged in. Take it from someone who has been in your shoes. The course you set in college will define you for the rest of your life. Choose the path you follow wisely and seek council along the way. There is something special about Aggieland. It is said that, “There’s a spirit can ne’er be told, it’s the spirit of Aggieland.”
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 27
Freshman Guide 2011 36
Li nc ol n
e. Av ge lle Co
rv ey R
Ha so
n
.22 Dr
an
Dr .
42
21Sou 11 44 2
y.
281
e. Av
2818
st e thw
w Pk
h
40 1
26
St .
29 18 5
els W
31
27 38
Ho
Ge
7
m
ge r o
h s37 u B
llo
Un
32
22
er
35 36 24
. ve sA
An d
17
8
xa Te
s
r e iv
12 4 28
33
d.
21 30 25
34 41 23 20 13 16 29 15 22
. Rd 6
ity
vd l B
6
Av e.
h ut
rn
bo ell W
43 19
36
16 Spring Loop
23
So
d.
2818
ll
Vi
t. 9th S
rR
. ve sA xa Te
e th fea Fin
aM
ia r a
2 East
10
9
14
lb
el W n or . Rd 3
Locations are approximate, map not to scale 28 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
1. 2818 Place 1300 Harvey Mitchell Parkway – (979) 696-9500 2. Aggie Station 4151 Wellborn – (979) 691-0100 3. Aspen Heights 3405 Treeline Dr - (979) 703-7944 4. Bed Bath & Beyond 1430 Texas Avenue South - (979) 696-2699 5. BVMMA 2414-A1 Texas Avenue South – (979) 229-0493 6. Café Eccell 101 Church Ave – (979) 846-7908 7. Calloway Villas 305 Marion Pugh – (979) 695-2300
6
8. Campus View 505 Harvey Road – (979) 693-1111 9. Chicken Oil 3600 South College Ave. – (979)846-3306
N
.
Hig 6 ay hw
6
10. College Edge 1512 HollowHill Dr. – (979) 775-6700 11. Crossing Place Apartments 907 University Dr E - (979) 680-8475 12. Double Daves 1410 Texas Ave South – (979) 764-3283 3505 A Longmire Dr. – (979) 696-3283
8
n Lo 43
gm D ire
Rd . am
oc
Gr ah
R
ri a r kP
39
12 16
r.
d. R e
6
25. Raising Cane’s 1045 Texas Ave South – (979) 696-2800 26. Red Mango 614 Holleman Dr #1150 – (979) 696-1840 27. Stadium View 400 Marion Pugh – (979) 696-7871 28. Sweet Eugenes 1702 George Bush Dr. #100 – (979) 696-5282 29. Texas Aggieland Bookstore 2307 Texas Ave. – (979) 696-3118 327 University Dr. – (979) 846-4518 30. The Cambridge 501 University Oaks Boulevard (979) 694-1500 31. The District on Luther 601 Luther Street West – (866) 690-6007 32. The Lofts at Wolf Pen 614 Holleman Drive East - (979) 693-5638 33. The Rec Center On Olsen Blvd. – (979) 845-7826 34. The Tradition at Northgate 301 Church Avenue - (979) 268-9000
14. First Baptist Church – College Station 2300 Welsh Avenue College Station (979) 696-7060
35. Tiki Tan 900 Harvey Road – (979) 693-8454
16.
43
24. Parkway Place 1350 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South (979) 693-5900
13. Duddley’s 311 University – (979) 846-3030
15. Fitzwilly’s 303 University Dr – (979) 846-8806
18
23. MacResource 3828 South Texas Ave – (979) 314-0535 313 Church Ave – (979) 314-0537
Freebirds 319 University Drive - (979) 846-9298 3525 Longmire Drive - (979) 485-8829 700 Earl Rudder Fwy S - (979) 260-9086
17. George Bush Museum 1000 George Bush Drive – (979) 691-4000 18. Hope Pregnancy 205 Brentwood Drive East - (979) 695-9193 19. Knockouts 980 University Dr. – (979) 268-4101 20. La Bodega 102 Church Ave. – (979) 691-8226 21. Laynes 106 Walton Drive - (979) 696-7633 1301 Wellborn Rd. – (979) 696-6933 22.
Loupots Bookstores 335 University Drive - (979) 846-6312 1907 Texas Avenue South - (979) 693-0838 308 George Bush Drive - (979) 693-2278
36.
Traditions Bookstores 303 College Avenue - (979) 268-600 907 Harvey Road - (979) 764-3969 1123 East Villa Maria Road - (979) 775-0360
37. Treehouse 200 Marion Pugh – (979) 696-5707 38. UClub Townhomes Corner of Marion Pugh & Luther Steet 39. United Realty 727 Grahm Rd. – (979) 260-1200 40. University Heights 1101 Luther Street West - (979) 485-8000 41. University Lutheran Chapel 315 College Main - (979) 846-6687 42. Waves Z Islander 3803 Wellborn Road (979) 268-ZZZZ (9999) 43. Wings N More 1511 University Dr. – (979) 691-2100 3230 Texas Ave South – (979) 694-8966 1803 Deacon Dr. – (979) 680-1498 44. Woodlands of College Station 1725 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy – (979) 703-5747
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 29
affordable luxury living
close to campus
great location to campus + private bedrooms and bathrooms + resort-style amenities + hardwood-style floors
Callaway Villas
Aggie Station
Callaway Villas
college station student housing.com
resort-style am 979.691.0100 | 4151 Wellborn Road
979.695.2300 | 305 Marion Pugh
amenities subject to change. see office for details.
30 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
Freshman Guide
10 tips
Top 5 Places to Study On Campus:
to a better college experience
SCC 5th Floor of Evans Library Rudder
1. Attend Class & Read the Material This is the most important rule because most professors’ tests are over the material covered in class. Going to class means staying awake, paying attention, and taking notes. Texting, tweeting, and Facebook stalking does 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 the class in case you miss notes/have a study partner for tests Normally, if you have someone to study with you feel more inclined to actually study. If you study by yourself, you are more likely to procrastinate.
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, or at the very least know your name when it comes time for grades. 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 The writing center will assist you with clarifying thoughts, outlines, and drafts; however, they will not write the paper for you. They will teach you the skills to write a college level paper for free on the 2nd floor of Evans Library.
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 will help you perform better on a test. A full night of sleep is better than a night of cramming with Red Bull. Study well in advance so you can comprehend every step of the material.
6. Go to tutoring It is a big jump from high school to Texas A&M classes, so use all the services that are included in your tuition. There is free tutoring on campus, most math and science classes offer free supplement instruction sessions, and there are helpful tutoring services in College Station.
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 how to manage their time. Figuring out how to manage your time by finals is too late. It’s not cool to flunk out of college, trust us we know many that have done so. It’s time to readjust your expectations of workload from what you had in high school. In college, teachers expect you to put in 2-3 hours of work outside of the classroom for every credit of coursework-- and sometimes more.
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 the key points to student organizations. If you do not enjoy what you are learning, you are only a freshman and have not wasted any hours switching to another major. College gives
you an opportunity to try out lots of new things and befriend lots of new people, so explore! Don’t just join a fraternity or sorority because that’s what you think college is supposed to be like-- and don’t decide not to join a fraternity or sorority because your friends turn up their noses. Don’t get involved with student government because that’s what your dad did. Be yourself.
9. Use Pick a Prof, or any service that uses students to rank professors Normally, this service costs around $30 for four years; however, get a group of friends together and all pitch in for this service. The professor you get in these classes will make a huge difference in what you learn and grades. 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. Lots of majors also have peer advisors. They are there to help you when making class decisions. So take advantage of the help and make the smart choice.
10. Have an open mind On campus, you’re going to be exposed to all kinds of ideas that are different from your own, and all kinds of people you never thought you’d be dealing with. While this may be uncomfortable, it’s one of the reasons why college is such a great learning experience, so be prepared to listen and learn.
West Campus Library 6th Floor of the Annex
Top 5 Places to Study
Off Campus: Sweet Eugene’s Mugwalls Barnes and Noble Research Park Muldoons
Tutoring Services: Tutor John 4.0 and Go 99tutors.com Princeton Review A+ Tutoring Multicultural Services
Tutoring (tutor.tamu.edu) Student Learning Center University Writing Center
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 31
Freshman Guide
Aggie Traditions Aggie Traditions Continued from Page 3
— to support our team. 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, mostly football games, though other sports have Midnight Yell from time to time. As the name suggests, it is held at Kyle Field at midnight. The Yell Leaders lead thousands of students and Aggie fans in yells to support the team. To experience your first yell in Kyle Field at maximum capacity is highly intimidating, yet completely exciting. It is definitely a moment when being a part of the Aggie family is incredible. The sense of belonging to such a large family is incredible. It is important you take the time to learn the yells. It is part of what makes A&M so unique. Silver Taps is an Aggie tradition that leaves
the students and community saddened, but Silver Taps is a ceremony honoring current students who have passed. It is held on the first Tuesday of every month at 10:30 p.m. in the plaza in front of the Academic Building. Hundreds of students and members of the community come together to support the family of fallen Aggies. It is a serious and somber time, yet it is an interesting tradition to experience. It reminds the families of fallen Aggies just how much love we have for each other, how important every Aggie really is, and how much we support each other no matter what the situation is. Another important tradition is found in our mascot. Reveille, the first lady of Aggieland, is a collie. She symbolizes our pride and multiple traditions at Texas A&M. Although she is a mainstay now in Aggieland, that has not always been the case. It was in the 1930’s that a group of
32 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
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 this morning wakeup call. The following year, during football season, Reveille was officially named the mascot when she led the Aggie band onto the field during their half-time performance. Aggies love her so much that when each mascot dies, she is buried at the North end of The Zone in front of the football stadium and given a military styled funeral.
player who was on the basketball team at the time.
Although these are wonderful timehonored traditions, it is the tradition of the 12th Man that stands prominent in Aggieland. This tradition was born January 1922, when an underdog 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. This 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
There are so many more traditions at Texas A&M that it would take pages upon pages to discuss them all. Yet, it is important to be familiar with them all. To be an Aggie is such a remarkable thing, because there is such a feeling of family here. It is difficult to explain it to others, because they do not always understand what we are doing or even why it is important to us. Just remember when in Aggieland, do as the Aggies do.
Gill was called from the press box, suited up and stood ready throughout the rest of the game to relieve the football team, which Texas A&M won 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.
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 33
34 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
Freshman Guide
MSC OPAS is going Blue The biggest news of the new OPAS season is that the international phenomenon Blue Man Group will appear for four performances March 2-4 (Sponsored by Blue Bell Ice Cream and Skanska/Britt Rice Electric). Season ticket packages for all 9 events start at $249 or patrons may choose to select 7 for as little as $196. All Main Stage events will be performed in Rudder Auditorium at TAMU.
Texas A&M University’s MSC OPAS will present a variety of fun events during the 2011-12 season. The organization unveiled a roster of performances to be presented from August 2011 to April 2012 that includes nine events on the Main Stage series, five on the Intimate Gatherings series and two on the family-friendly OPAS JR series. Season and single tickets may be ordered through the MSC Box Office (979-8451234) or online at MSCOPAS.org. Season ticket packages offer savings opportunities ranging from 15-20% off single ticket prices. Unless noted otherwise, all events will be performed in the Rudder Complex at TAMU in College Station, Texas. The “For the Fun of It” season was planned by the 2010-11 OPAS Program Advisory Committee, chaired by Ricky Griffin, Distinguished Professor of Management and Blocker Chair in Business at TAMU’s Mays School. Of the committee, Dr. Griffin states, “We all agreed to come in with an open mind, provide careful consideration of patrons’ expectations and piece together a season that would have broad appeal. And we did it!” The other members of the committee are Ashley Hilgemeier, Tim Jones, Molly Marks, Gretchen Sippial, Steve Smith, Michael Wesson, TAMU students Alex Bushunow, Laura Duffie and OPAS Executive Director Anne Black.
Black states, “I knew this was going to be a fun committee from the first meeting. They were determined to share their enthusiasm for OPAS by building a season that would appeal to our community. The committee made a point to piece together a festive and upbeat season of unforgettable events with careful consideration of the present and the future - especially as we look forward to celebrating our momentous 40th anniversary season next year.” The MAIN STAGE series will open early with a one-night-only concert of bluegrass and comedy starring Steve Martin with The Steep Canyon Rangers on August 30 (Sponsored by Aggieland Credit Union). There are four other single night engagements on the Main Stage series; National Acrobats of China on October 7, Moulin Rouge ® – The Ballet (Royal Winnipeg Ballet) on February 1, Max Raabe and The Palast Orchester on February 27 and the 2008 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical, In The Heights, on March 27 (Sponsored by Wells Fargo). Two other Broadway musicals will be performed for two nights each with the all-new, Tony Award®-winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific November 14-15 and Mel Brooks’ hilarious Young Frankenstein October 25-26. Expect more hilarity on the Main Stage during the holidays when Joe Sears and Jaston Williams return to the Brazos Valley to perform A Tuna Christmas November 29-30.
The INTIMATE GATHERINGS series, sponsored by Sterling Auto Group and Ashford Square Realty, is also loaded with fun offerings including the return of political satirists The Capitol Steps (September 22), the dynamic fiddling duo of Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy in Masters of the Fiddle (October 18) and A Valentine from Broadway starring four-time Tony Award® nominee Gregg Edelman (February 14-17 at Miramont Country Club). All tickets to Mr. Edelman’s cabaret performances include a 3-course dinner. The Intimate Gatherings series includes moving dramatic works too with the Pulitzer Prize winning play Doubt: A Parable performed by Montana Repertory Theatre (March 7) and two performances of Unsinkable Women: Stories and Songs from The Titanic, a one woman tour-deforce created and performed by Deborah Jean Templin (April 17 and 18). All Intimate Gatherings events will be performed in Rudder Theatre at TAMU unless noted otherwise and will include a Q&A with the artists after each performance. Season tickets start at only $137. The season of fun continues on the OPAS JR series, supported by OPAS Encore!, with the musical telling of the classic Charlotte’s Web (October 2) performed by TheatreWorks USA and ImaginOcean (February 11), an all-new glow-in-the-dark puppet musical created by Tony Award® nominee and “Johnny and the Sprites” star John Tartaglia. ImaginOcean has been a hot ticket at New York City’s New World Stages receiving rave reviews by critics and families. Season tickets to OPAS JR are only $24. All OPAS JR events will be performed in Rudder Theatre at TAMU.
Of the 2011-12 OPAS season, Griffin and Black conclude, “The committee sincerely hopes that everyone in our community will be as excited about the new season as we are.” For more information about all of the events coming to the Brazos Valley as part of the new season, please visit www. MSCOPAS.org.
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 35
Freshman Guide
Welcome to Froyoland By Chris Zebo No introduction to Aggieland would be complete without introducing incoming students to Bryan-College Station’s frozen yogurt culture. In the past two years, the nation’s self-serve frozen yogurt craze arrived in Aggieland and is now one of the fastest growing consumption trends in the region. As of this story, there are a total of six frogurt stores now open--with two more on the way. If you stand on the corner of Texas Avenue and Harvey Road, down the street from campus, you can literally walk to three different frozen yogurt businesses. The self-serve frozen yogurt craze began over 6 years ago, when the concept--originally conceived in South Korea--made its way across the Pacific and landed in California. Pinkberry, the first chain to introduce the modern froyo concept to America, opened its first 650 square-foot shop in West Hollywood in January of 2005. Owner Hyekyung Hwang opened the store in a location with bad parking options, never anticipating how successful her business would be. Long lines formed shortly after opening, with scores of people--desperate for a froyo fix--parking illegally for blocks around the store. The city
was reportedly raking in $15,000 a month on parking tickets from Pinkberry customers. The Pinkberry story in West Hollywood is similar to our own froyo beginnings here in BCS. When Spoons Yogurt (the first of the BCS froyo businesses) opened in the summer of 2009, it didn’t take long for lines to snake their way out the door and into the parking lot. It also didn’t take long for other businesses to recognize the potential Spoons had created. Within months, other companies marched into BCS with frozen yogurt machines in tow. In February of 2010, Red Mango opened; in October of 2010, Froyoyo opened--and with several others popping up in rapid succession, the streets of Aggieland were soon paved in froyo. The success of frozen yogurt isn’t owed simply to the tasty, tart dessert itself; it’s owed more to the self-serve, pay-by-weight concept. Giving customers free reign over their sweet tooth is like giving your inner child the key to the candy store. When you walk into each establishment, you’re confronted with a wall of frozen yogurt machines. You can preview each store’s flavors with complimentary tasting cups before you begin filling your bowl with the flavors you like. To make
things worse (or better), as you make your way to the weigh station, you’re confronted with even more options: tubs of toppings to sprinkle (or shovel) onto your frozen yogurt. Most stores offer a plentiful selection of fresh chopped fruits, candy bar bits, nuts, granola, cereals and sauces. If you stay away from the high-calorie toppings, like crumbled candy bars and sugary cereals, most of the yogurt alone is about half the calories of ice cream (or less), non fat, high in calcium, and teeming with millions of probiotics--like lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus. Live and active cultures offer a variety of health benefits, including support for a healthy immune system as well as aiding joint health and flexibility. It’s these health benefits that have made modern frozen yogurt palatable both for the tastebuds and the health conscious. In the following pages, we’re going introduce you to five of the companies currently open in town. Even though they’re all selling frozen yogurt, each place has its own story and offers its own unique take on the product and concept.
Yogurtland One of the most popular frozen yogurt businesses in the country, Yogurtland came to College Station in December of 2010. There are currently 130 Yogurtland locations nationwide, and they’re headed towards 200 locations by the end of this year. But just because they’re big, doesn’t mean they’re not involved locally. The Yogurtland in College Station is locally owned and, like many of the other frogurt businesses in town, they help A&M student organizations raise funds through profit-sharing events. Student groups can schedule and promote a two-hour fundraiser and they’ll receive 25 percent of the purchases made by attendees. Yogurtland has eight machines serving a total of 16 flavors each day and 48 toppings at any one time. You can always expect new surprises in their topping bar (like Asian red beans and lychee fruit) as their development team always looks for new ways to treat your sweet tooth. Unlike other stores in the area, Yogurtland actually makes and serves their own proprietary frozen yogurt, allowing them to charge the least amount of any other froyo store in the area ($0.30 per ounce). Their yogurt is also made with natural ingredients that you can visibly see. For example, their pistachio yogurt has real grinded pistachios in it. Yogurtland also provides berry-infused water free to all guests at a self-serve dispenser in the store’s seating area. And if you haven’t tasted College Station’s water yet, you’ll appreciate this very soon. Popular Flavors: Double Cookies and Cream, Key Lime Bar, and Fresh Strawberry Price Per Ounce: $0.30 Address: 1800 South Texas Avenue, College Station, TX 77840 • (979) 693-1500 • Website: yogurt-land.com 36 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
Froyoyo The third establishment to open in C-Stat, Froyoyo is independently owned by husband and wife team Dave and Joan Duce. The store in College Station is #2 of two stores they own. After the pair opened their first Froyoyo in Austin, Joan wanted to open one in College Station, where she was born and raised. She runs the store in C-Stat; Dave runs the store in Austin. In addition to the regular frozen yogurt they sell, Froyoyo also serves a special blend of frogurt called “Only 8.” No, it doesn’t mean only 8 calories (that would be impossible). According to their product information cards (available in stores), the following 8 things make up their yogurt: water, fructose, grade A Kosher whey, whey protein concentrate, maltodextrin, natural flavoring and stabilizers, calcium, and active yogurt cultures. We know what you’re thinking: “So… it doesn’t taste good, then.” Let’s put it this way: When Coca Cola used to advertise that you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between Diet Coke and Coke Classic, no one was fooled. From the first sip, Diet coke tasted…well, like Diet Coke. But the same isn’t true with Froyoyo’s Only 8 yogurts. Their Only 8 chocolate flavor, for example, has no residues of that “Diet Coke” flavor to it--at all. It’s light, creamy and delicious like regular chocolate froyo. Don’t believe us? Try it for yourself. Popular Flavors: Yellow Cake Batter, “Only 8” Vanilla, and Peanut Butter Price Per Ounce: $0.39 Address: 913 Harvey Road College Station, TX 77840 (979) 703-4465 Website: froyoyo.com
Freshman Guide
Red Mango Red Mango is one of the forefathers of the froyo business. The Korean-based chain with U.S headquarters in Dallas is now a huge franchise internationally. It was one of the first to land on the West Coast and start the frogurt revolution along with Pinkberry. The Red Mango store in College Station is locally owned and considered one of the most healthy frozen yogurt options offered in town. They also won Best Dessert in this year’s Best of BCS Awards.
Project: Yogurt Project: Yogurt is one of the newest froyo houses on the block, opened in January of this year. The term “Project” in the name refers to a completely new concept in the biz: The place not only sells yogurt but it also donates 10 percent of its sales to local charities.
Located below the Lofts at Wolf Pen Creek on Holleman Drive, Red Mango’s outdoor seating plaza (with a fountain) and Wolf Pen Creek Park across the street make it a kind of dessert vacation spot. (It’s also a great date spot.) You can get your dessert and either sit and enjoy it peacefully in the plaza, or you can burn off the few calories you’re eating while walking through the park.
The philanthropic dessert concept was the brainchild of owner Audrianne Doucet, a 2011 Women’s and Gender Studies major at TAMU. Doucet revealed to us that she had changed her major six times in an effort to discover a way to fulfill her passion for resolving social issues. She also revealed to us that she’s a froyo junkie. Put the two together and you get Project: Yogurt.
In addition to serving froyo and having 48 toppings to choose from, Red Mango is also popular for its fresh fruit smoothies and meal replacement parfaits. The store is currently in the process of preparing a new smoothie menu with a total of 32 fresh flavors. The smoothies also come with a choice of vitamin, energy or protein boosts to make you even more healthy.
Each quarter, Project: Yogurt partners with five local non-profit organizations. In addition to giving 10 percent of sales to the non-profits selected each quarter, customers can also drop change and bills in five slots at the cash register representing each organization. For the first quarter the store opened, Project: Yogurt donated $1,300 to charities just from customer donations.
If you’ve ever had a bubble tea (another dessert trend--a smoothie with tapioca balls on the bottom that you slurp through a wide straw), then you’ll love Red Mango’s “Popping Boba” in the toppings bar. The little tapioca balls are filled with strawberry mango juice that “pop” and splash in your mouth when you bite down on them.
Like many of the other establishments in town, Project: Yogurt has flat screens-except they are smaller and on the walls at each table. As you’re eating your froyo, you can read about each charitable organizations’ community projects on the screens and feel even better about the dessert you’re eating.
Popular Flavors: Pomegranate, Madagascar Vanilla, and Raspberry Cheesecake Price Per Ounce: $0.39 Address: 614 Holleman Drive East College Station, TX 77840 (979) 696-1840 Website: redmangousa.com
Spoons currently has two locations open in Bryan and College Station with a third location planned to open soon. The first self-serve froyo vendor in the region was Spoons, located on 1509 South Texas Avenue.
Spoons Yogurt
Popular Flavors: Dreamy Chocolate, Birthday Cake, and So Espresso Price Per Ounce: $0.39 Address: 725 East Villa Maria Bryan, TX 77802 (979) 823-1783 Website: projectyogurt.com
year’s Best of BCS Award for Best Froyo, Spoons is already becoming a big franchise. The company now has a total of 8 locations, with three stores outside the Lonestar State-in Kansas, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
Spoons Yogurt was originally conceived in a Mays Business Fellows program on campus. A group of students working on a project came up with the business model and then pitched the idea to entrepreneur David Mebane, a former Aggie looking to open a business in College Station. Within weeks of opening its doors, Spoons was one of most successful new businesses in town.
The interior of the store is standard for the froyo business, with clean tile floors and walls, bright lighting, clean glass panels on the walls that provide nutritional information, and flat screen TVs that show rotating slides of featured flavors. Like most froyo joints, the place feels like you’re inside the deep end of a tile swimming pool. That’s not exactly a bad thing; the design concept exudes a feeling of cleanliness and order in what could otherwise become a messy ordeal.
An Aggie favorite and winner of this
Spoons offers 12 flavors of froyo and
rotates new flavors frequently. (If you “like” their Facebook page, you’ll get updates about what flavors are on rotation in your newsfeed.) Popular Flavors: Chocolate Malt Milkshake, Snickerdoodle, and Root Beer Float Price Per Ounce: $0.39 Addresses: 1509 South Texas Avenue College Station, TX 77840 (979) 446-0085 2305 Boonville Road Bryan, TX 77808 (979) 776-5670 COMING SOON 943 William D. Fitch Parkway College Station, TX 77845 (512) -535-4883 Website: spoonsyogurt.com
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 37
Freshman Guide
Coffee House Lingo Face it…You can only handle the drab walls of Evan’s library for so long, and if the dorm room 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 style, the atmosphere and great snacks available at the wide variety of coffee houses in College Station are excuse enough to ditch the library. Sweet Eugene’s This is a great hangout for studying or for a group of friends who are looking to get together on a random night to catch up. There are a number of small rooms with extremely comfortable furniture. Be sure to grab a muffin and a frozen drink — those are my favorites. Because it’s so great, it can fill up fast; but there is seating outside and couches can be shared! The unique, classic artwork makes you feel like you’re in the big city, and the best part is you can buy it off the wall!
MugWalls If cozy spaces and a friendly staff are a prerequisite for studying, MugWalls is the perfect spot. It has patio seating, a living room space and a loft area upstairs. It is much smaller than other places but offers a comfortable environment. With quirky mugs and great coffee and pastries to go along with it, studying here is ideal for one or a small group. Muldoons One of the newest coffee shops in town, Muldoon’s is Aggie owned. Offering a large amount of space comfortable couches, it is a great place to study with groups. With a large amount of table space, it is ideal to sprawl out with books and notes. They also offer a wide variety of drinks and snacks and the atmosphere is open and inviting rather than dark and drab which is great if you are like me and get more in nap mode in a cozy and dark nook.
Starbucks If chains are your thing, head to one of the many Starbucks in town. If you’re in a hurry just to grab a drink be sure to get there before or after the morning rush hour, because the lines can stack up quickly. This is a great place to head if you’re planning to study by yourself, because seating is limited. It is no lie — they have some of the best blends around. 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, and not the most comfortable, the stores are usually always quiet and not packed. Bring books from school or grab one from the store and sip on a drink. If you’d rather stay on campus, try out Poor Yorick’s at Evans Library. It is more for the quick fix, but does offer seating if you plan to stay for a while. It is a very cool place on campus with some great eats. It’s a Grind Located on University Drive in the Fountain
Plaza center, next to Boston’s Pizza, It’s a Grind is Aggie owned and operated. They have comfy chairs next to a fireplace inside and great café sets outside. They offer many of the traditional coffee drinks but also offer a few specialty flavors. For those who need a small coffee fix, or those who are counting coffee calories, they offer a child-size version of several of their frozen drinks for a small coffee fix.
GEORGE BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY MUSEUM AND
1000 GEORGE BUSH DRIVE WEST, COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77840 | 979.691.4000 | BUSHLIBRARY.TAMU.EDU/STUDENTS 38 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
Have You Tried VersaSpa Sunless Tanning? Try it for only $5 with this coupon (New Customers only. Light spray only. One per customer please)
Watch the video at BCStanning.com
FREE muffin or cinnamon roll (with coupon)
offer good til September 30, 2011
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 39
LIFE HAPPENS HERE!
LIVE HERE! LIVE THE DISTRICT! UPGRADED FLOORING AND FLAT-SCREEN TVs COMMUNITY AMENITIES • Fully-Equipped Fitness Center • Pool Tables and Air Hockey Table • Game/Activity Room with Playstation 3
COM ASK E IN AND ABO UT O UR
SPEC IALS
• Resort-Style Pool • Lighted Basketball, Tennis and Sand Volleyball Courts • Personalized Roommate Matching • Active Residence Life Program • Computer Lab and Study Rooms
APARTMENT AMENITIES • Individual Leases in Two, Three, and Four Bedroom Apartments with Private Bathrooms
R U O ASE H 48OK & LEWAIVE AN CATI LI APP
• Furnished and Unfurnished Apartments Available • Full-Size Washer and Dryer in Every Apartment • Electronic Keycard Access • Individually Locking Bedroom Doors • High-Speed Internet • Cable TV
on Luther 601 LUTHER S TREET WES T COLLEGE S TATION, T X 77840 866.557.0 070 W W W.THEDISTRIC TONLUTHER.COM *Some restrictions may apply
*
LO WE’LL N FEES D O
“Luther” to 47464 for information*
*standard text messaging rates apply
You’re invited to our exclusive college savings events and you could win a $1,000 dorm room makeover!
containerstore.com/college STORE HOURS: Monday - Saturday 9 am - 9 pm; Sunday 11 am - 6 pm
49 locations nationwide. For other store locations, visit containerstore.com or call 1-800-733-3532. We’re now mobile! Shop containerstore.com from your mobile phone Our Blog standfor.containerstore.com
©2011 The Container Store® Inc. All rights reserved. 10-13150 5/11 www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 41
42 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 43
44 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
Freshman Fashion Help It’s time to face the truth, looking like the cast of Gossip Girl on the Texas A&M campus is not normal. Just because you aren’t sporting haute couture doesn’t mean you can’t show off your personal style. This is a practical (but stylish) guide for what to bring and what to wear around campus. Jeans Find a brand of denim that fits you well, and then stock up on different basic washes and styles. Rotate these through the week (no one will notice if you wear the same pair twice in one week.) Whether skinny jeans, wide leg, or relaxed fit…all goes depending on your mood and of course the shoes you pick to go with your outfit.
A Classic Dress Dresses are great because they are simple and cute. Add a cardigan or tights and you are ready to go. Go all out with your fun, cotton dresses, but pick one classic piece in a flattering color and acceptable length in case you are invited to a professional event or interview. White Tees and Aggie Shirts White Tees are perfect year round. Wear them with shorts or jeans alone, under a cardigan in the fall or layered for that quintessential college look. As far as cotton shirts go, Hanes is hard to beat. Also, Aggie shirts are easy to throw on with jeans or shorts and what better way to support your school?
Freshman Guide
Athletic Shorts The nike workout shorts are worn by many college girls, but if you find a better deal go for it. They are easy to throw on if you’re running late and you can pair it with a white tee or Aggie shirt for the complete look. Classic Cardigans This is not your grandmother’s sweater. Start with basic black or grey and then add bright colors and different necklines and sleeve lengths. With a simple pop of a bright cardigan your jeans and tank combo looks perfectly styled. Bags Invest in a bag that can potentially hold (continued on page 46)
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 45
Freshman Guide
w.
aro
co
m
ww
m
onweek
l y.
Be on the look-out for this sticker around town:
Freshman Fashion Help
anything and everything Look for a bag out of leather, canvas or a strong fake leather material. No matter the color be sure that it has plenty of pockets and zippered compartments and super strong straps. Finding a well-made piece makes the difference between your papers flying through Academic Plaza and staying neatly in their place. Don’t go too trendy, but look for classic details like metal accents and bohemian straps and buttons. Dressy “Going Out” Tops When you are headed for a night at Harry’s or Northgate these are the perfect addition to a simple jeans and boots look. Make sure that you can move your arms around and raise them over your head, you don’t want to miss out because you are falling out of your top. Casual and comfortable flats Walking around campus from bus stops to the library and then back to your dorm gets to be a lot day in and day out. Stay away from shoes that are a little tight in the store because by 4pm that little pinch has grown into a massive swollen foot. Look for inexpensive flats at shops like DSW or Target. You will go through shoes quickly so don’t spend too much money on your campus pair. Rain boots You’ll soon notice that rain boots are “In”, especially in College Station where rainy weather is more often than not. Battle the puddles that get in your way on campus by investing in a solid pair of rubber boots. Rain boots don’t have to be expensive, just buy a classic style and neutral color to match any outfit or go all out and show your Aggie spirit with A&M patterned maroon rain boots. Sperry’s Yes, the boat shoes. They are comfortable for the long campus walks you may have to put in and pretty much match anything. You’ll even see people pairing them with nike shorts and t-shirts. They can be pricy but there are also knock-off brands. Either way, it’s in and you’ll get plenty of wear out of them. Additionally, pick a statement piece like a great vintage jacket or top and add extra style to your outfit with jewelry and scarves that take up minimal space and can be interchanged for maximum versatility.
46 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 47
48 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
Freshman Guide
Student Rec Center: a must see for everyone storing bags.
Whenever you have free time, school is getting you down or you’re just looking for a good workout, the Rec Center is the place to go. Filled with a variety of sports and facilities, this 286,000 square foot, 36.4 million dollar center is the top choice for all students to hang out at. Officially opened in October 1995, the facility has been kept in top-notch condition, looking as good as new. The facility includes a natatorium, which students can use, as well as the Aggie swim team uses to compete. Locker rooms are available for changing, showering and
duffle
Whether you are into strength training, body building, training for competition or simply working off a little belly, the weight and fitness room is always a great choice. The 14,000 square foot facility houses the best strength and conditioning equipment in the industry today, including over 35,000 pounds of Iron Grip free weights and dumbbells, 165 pieces of resistance training equipment and 60 pieces of cardiovascular conditioning equipment. Students who wish to use the weight and fitness room must get a towel from the front desk before entering. Be sure to wipe your sweat off machines before you leave too! The Rec Center has multiple basketball
courts and there is nearly never a shortage of players for a pickup game. Basketballs are free to check out from the front desk, but usually some are lying around the courts already. In addition to the indoor courts, there are two outdoor basketball courts. Sometimes one basketball court will be used for badminton and one for volleyball. There is also an indoor soccer court with wood floors and net goals. In addition to many basketball courts there are plenty of racquetball courts. With courts on two floors, you will never wait in line to play, whether for fun or competition. Rackets for badminton and racquetball can be rented from the front desk for 75 cents. On the third floor of the facility is a quarter mile track that looms above the basketball courts. four lanes wide, there is room for both walkers and sprinters. The material of the track is rubber composite, giving you a nice bounce and less stress on your ankles.
climbing facility, and was one of the first free standing climbing walls located on a college or university campus in the country. Constructed by Radwall in 1995, the climbing wall has 3500 square feet of climbing space and is 44 .5 feet tall at its highest point. After you’re done working out and ready to cool off, take a break at the Time-Out Deli. The deli serves food and drinks, as well as fresh fruit smoothies. Relax with your food in front of the big screen television and watch some “Sports Center.” So whether you want to jog on the track, play some ping-pong or just relax and watch some ESPN, there is no reason not to go to the Student Rec Center. The fees for the center are already included in your tuition statement, so all you need to bring is your Student ID to get in. For facility hours visit their site at www.recsports. tamu.edu.
For students who enjoy outdoor sports, the Rec Center features an indoor
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 49
maroon weekly gamepage
answers
50 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
Freshman Guide
Six simple, on the go, hair tips 1. Get Rid of Grease
Beat oily “second day” hair with this easy trick: grab some baby powder if you’re lighthaired or matte bronzer if you’re a brunette and apply it to your roots with a big fluffy makeup brush. This absorbs grease and makes your hair look fresh. Then just fix any stray strands with a flat iron; shake out your hair and go.
2. Slip on a Headband
For an elegant style that’s so Blair on Gossip Girl, smooth out your hair with a brush, then pull on a wide headband to cover up messier strands and look instantly polished. Try a shiny patent leather headband in an outfit-coordinating shade for a super-trendy look that’s very right-now.
3. Do a Messy Bun
This is the basic go-to staple for most college girls because it takes two seconds. Gather your hair on top of your head and wrap an elastic band around 2-3 times. Next, shape the bun with a few bobby pins that match your hair color, pull out a few ends to make it messier, and finish with a spray of hairspray.
4. Make a Chic Ponytail
If your hair is curly, use a little anti-frizz cream first. If you have straight locks, scrunch in curl cream to bring out some waves. Tease hair at the crown then pull into a low ponytail. Leave a ½ inch strand out and secure the ponytail with a clear elastic. Wrap the extra strand around the elastic and secure with a bobby pin.
5. Do a Front Hair Poof
This popular hairstyle is a great way to hide bangs you might be growing out, and is also very simple to do. Just separate the section of hair from temple to temple, tease it with a fine-toothed comb and secure with two bobby pins in an X. If your hair won’t stay in the bobby pins, tease the section more or use four pins.
6. French Braid Sideways
Inspired by Matthew Williamson, this style is best if you’re good at French braiding, but with practice anyone can do it. Part your hair to the side then French braid across your hairline, securing with a clear elastic hair tie. This look is chic so leave the rest of your hair messy. If you have natural waves, even better.
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 51
Freshman Guide
Editor’s note: I am not that old. I am a class of ’95 Aggie who has spent the last 16 years wishing I had known in college what I know now. If I could go back and do things over again I would have the perfect college experience. You can read this or not, you can choose to take my advice or not, or you can think of me like an older sister who is telling it to you straight.
Wisdom from an Older Ag 1. Don’t Date seriously until your junior or senior year You will leave here in four (or five) 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.
wake up that early on the weekend” excuse.
will find out.
6. Get a job and work your way up to manager while still in school When you go to your first “real” job interview you will be more confident, more experienced, and will probably be compensated accordingly if you get the job. Interviewers always favor the applicant who has worked their way through college and like to see applicants who have paid for at least part of their college tuition.
10. 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. Who knows, you might meet your future Mr. or Mrs. and what a great story that will make for the kids.
2. Spend as much time on campus and involved in school activities as you can There are so many cool things to get involved in on campus that will help you meet people and look good on your resume. Plus, staying busy will help keep you out of trouble.
7. Think through the consequences of your actions before you do things you will regret later I mean really, really think it through. What happens in college does not stay in college. You will run in to people all over the world, for the rest of your life, that knew someone who knew you when you went through that really crazy phase in college. Worst case scenario: it will be your boss’s kid that remembers you and what you did.
3. Use the internet responsibly Anything you put on your Facebook or Twitter is out there for the world to see (they store tweets in the library of congress!). This includes your parents, your friends’ parents, your professors and potential employers. You also have to be careful about what you send in a text message. Those things have a way of coming back to haunt you. 4. Eat right and exercise – don’t leave college 50 pounds heavier than you started The Freshmen 15 is more like the Freshmen 50. Students seem to make bad food and beverage choices while neglecting physical activities and excuse it by claiming to be too busy studying. You need to budget your time and allow for some exercise. Find something you enjoy and make time for it each week. Stay active and avoid overindulging in crap. 5. 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 years and staying “spiritually” healthy will help you get through anything. There are many different options for students looking for a place for worship and fellowship. Many of the ministries for students meet at nontraditional times so you can’t use the “I can’t
52 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
8. 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 Houston that your allergies are so bad your eyes stay 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 like you are at home in that city. Also – you might want to re-think moving to a city far from your parents. I know you think you won’t need them close by but wait until you get married and have kids. Having mom nearby if the only way to survive being a new parent yourself. 9. 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, that is exactly the first place you will end up. College Station police don’t play. If you drink under age, if you drive while intoxicated, if you run red lights or refuse to wear your seatbelt – they will catch you. Maybe not the first time you do it, but they will catch you. Again, not something future employers like to find out about – and they
11. Take road trips with your friends This is an absolute must. A right-of passage. Some of my best college memories come from road trips. Plus, if your friendship can withstand an extended period of time confined to in small hatchback with beef jerky belches – you know you have a lifetime friend. Better yet, if you go with a romantic interest and you are still speaking when you get back home, you might consider marrying that person. 12. Go home to visit family as often as you can The biggest regret I have is not spending more time visiting family before I started my career and had to wait a year to get 10 days of paid vacation to try to split between 4 parents, 8 grandparents, 5 siblings and half a dozen friends. 13. Listen to your friends and family if they don’t like the person you are dating When you have your love goggles on you are stupid. You make stupid choices. Let your friends and family be the voices of reason. Often times they know you better than you know yourself. If they really don’t like the person, ask them why and then try to listen to their reasons without getting defensive about it. You may find they have some good points. 14. Save up and plan for the best Spring Break trip ever for your senior year Another must. Again – remember that once you get that first job out of college it is going to be a long time before you get to go on a week long vacation. If you rush out and start your career, get married and have kids…forget having a week to yourself for a long, long time.
www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 53
Freshman Guide
Keep it off: Avoiding the Freshman 15 Beware. The freshman 15 is not urban myth. Recent studies found that first year college students are likely to gain weight, not always fifteen pounds, sometimes more, sometimes less. Doctors are concerned that students that put on weight initially may continue to gain weight throughout the college career.
Before worrying about dealing with the extra weight gain, endeavor to keep a balanced diet, go for regular exercise and get enough sleep; not easy challenges with all the new experiences that college life has to offer. Be sure that you don’t fixate on food and the relation to your weight, if you feel yourself feeling guilty about what you eat
you should speak with a doctor or someone within student health services. Learning about nutrition now can help prevent the difficulty of figuring out how to maintain a healthy weight with the additionally stresses or work and family. Another culprit of college is the active
nightlife opportunities available. While students may be underage, many freshmen choose to engage in the binge drinking festivities we grew accustomed to watching on Animal House. Watch out for beer calories and the other health issues adopting habits like smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products.
Weight gain begins with temptation. It is often the first time students are own their own and are free to eat, drink and generally do as they please. Dining halls like SBISA and Duncan offer all you can eat and the portion sizes just keep growing, not to mention late night study sessions or the abundant ease of delivery pizza. Not only are the healthy food choices often limited, but stress and lack of exercise exacerbate students’ non-stop eating and drinking binges. People eat in response to anxiety, homesickness, sadness or scholastic and relationship stress as part of adapting to the college lifestyle. While some weight gain is normal, rapid gain or loss should be avoided. Further, weight gains and losses that go outside the normal ranges are exposed to additional health risks. People who are overweight in college will likely become overweight adults. Poor diet and exercise at any age can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, among others. Another issue with traditional snack and dinning hall buffet food is the lack of nutrients they contain. Almost 70% of students get less and the recommended servings of fruit and vegetables and about 50% don’t get the proper amount of protein.
We split your utility bills among all your roommates. No more paying each other back! Each roommate pays one bill per month for their portion of all the utilities.
If you do gain weight, calm down. Look at your eating and exercise patterns and try to find a way to adjust towards the healthier side of the spectrum. Simple changes like cutting out one can of soda or a vending machine snack per week can make the difference with adequate exercise. Stay away from the temping quick fixes of meal skipping or fad diets. In the long run these don’t work and the weight will come back. Small, lasting adjustments will make the changes easier to maintain. 54 | MAROON WEEKLY Freshman Guide 2011 www.maroonweekly.com
Sign up at AGGIEBILLS.COM today!
JOIN the MOVEMENT LOVE your roommates AGAIN (thousands of students across Texas already have)
info@aggiebills.com
979-589-4077
Sign a lease
PAY NO MOVe IN FeeS and choose between a $500 Visa Gift Card or iPad2* Select floorplans only!
Text LOFTS to 47464 for instant info
Ultimate
in Upscale Student Living TODAY!
979.693.5638 loftsatwolfpen.com
614 Holleman Drive East, College Station, TX 77840 www.maroonweekly.com Freshman Guide 2011 MAROON WEEKLY | 55