By Grace Hallowell, Marketing Coordinator
Howdy, and welcome to College Station!
Whether you are here for school or to stay, we’re happy for you to call us home. Starting in a new city can be daunting, and we’re here to make your transition as easy as possible.
When most people think of College Station, they picture a college town filled with students. “College” is in the city’s name, so it must be true, right?
Wrong! I thought the same when my husband and I moved here nine months ago. But as we settled in, we quickly discovered that statement wasn’t entirely accurate.
While Texas A&M is the heart of College Station, our community is filled with residents of all ages, lifestyles, and backgrounds. As a result, we have a diverse mix of people in different stages of life coming together to form a unique community. For example, your neighborhood may include A&M students on one side, a retired couple on the other, and a young family across the street.
As a relative newcomer, I wish someone had given me some tips when I arrived. Thankfully, I’ve learned quite a bit in the last few months, so here are some helpful hints to help you thrive in College Station.
1. Noise, Noise, Noise!
Willfully making excessive noise in neighborhoods, especially between 10 p.m.-6 a.m., is un-neighborly – and unlawful. That includes barking dogs. Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you can hear the noise from your household at the edge of your property line, the rest of the neighborhood can hear it, too. So avoid everyone on your lease getting a costly citation by keeping the noise to a minimum.
If you’re bothered by noise and don’t feel you can safely resolve the issue on your own, report it to the College Station Police Department non-emergency line at 979-764-3600.
2. Trash
Moving in and out of a new space can lead to a hefty pile of trash and unwanted household/clothing items. Before you place everything at the curb, consider donating lightly used items to local organizations such as Twin City Mission.
Containers and trash items must be at the curb no later than 8 a.m. on your designated collection day and must be removed within 12 hours after collection. The easiest way to keep track is to download the free College Station Curbside app. You’ll stay in the loop and never miss a collection day.
3. Game Days
With thousands of fans flocking to Kyle Field to watch the Aggies win, College Station can become crowded on game day weekends. You’ll need to be patient and expect increased traffic, long lines, and wait times at restaurants and stores. It’s always wise to allow extra time to reach your destination.
And don’t forget that parking on game days can be limited. Visit 12thman.com/football for complete game day information.
4. Where Not to Park
Navigating your way around a new town can be stressful, and knowing where to park is vital if you don’t want to find an expensive citation on your windshield. Keep these seven “don’ts” in mind:
- Don’t park your vehicle facing traffic.
- Don’t park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
- Don’t park within 20 feet of a crosswalk.
- Don’t park within 30 feet of a traffic control device, such as a stop sign.
- Don’t park in no parking zones, bike lanes, or loading zones.
- Don’t block driveways.
- Don’t park on the grass in city limits.
5. Connect with the City
Visit cstx.gov/newresident for more helpful tips on thriving in College Station. From utilities to pet owner requirements, we’ve got you covered. You can also request a free welcome bag packed with goodies and essential city information.
Enjoy your time in the Heart of Aggieland – and Gig ’em!
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