By Grace Hallowell, Marketing Coordinator
August is Back to School Month, which means summer is ending and the hustle and bustle of the new academic year is here.
Whether you are in Aggieland for school or to stay, we're happy for you to call us home. Starting in a new city can be daunting, and we want to make your transition as easy as possible.
A common misconception about College Station is that it's just a college town filled with students. While Texas A&M is the heart and soul of College Station, our community is filled with nearly 130,000 residents of all ages, lifestyles, and backgrounds.
College Station has been nationally recognized as one of the best college towns, places to raise a family, and places to retire. A student living in a neighborhood might have a retired couple on one side, a young professional on the other, or a family with little ones. To enjoy your college years fully, it's essential to be a good neighbor and avoid citations.
If you follow these tips makes it easy to be a good neighbor, avoid expensive citations, and enjoy your college years to the fullest.
1. Say Howdy!
Meet your neighbors and exchange contact information so they can call you in case of emergencies or other issues. It's also a good idea to let them know about any big gatherings you're planning and ask them to contact you directly if there are any noise or parking problems.
Wouldn't you rather hear from your neighbor than a police officer?
2. Keep the Noise Down
It's unlawful to willfully make or allow continued loud noise – including barking dogs – especially from 10 p.m.-6 a.m. Generally, it's too loud if you can hear the noise at the end of your property line.
If you can't resolve the issue, call the College Station Police Department's non-emergency line at 979-764-3600.
3. Talk Trash (and Recycling)
Moving in and out can result in a mountain of unwanted items and trash. Consider donating lightly used furniture, clothing, and other household items to local organizations instead of placing them at the curb for bulk collection.
Some things to remember:
- Trash containers must be placed at the curb in front of your residence before 8 a.m. on your designated collection day.
- Don't place your container closer than four feet from fixed objects, mailboxes, cars, or trees.
- Garbage should be bagged, tied, and securely stored in your container with a closed lid.
- Don't pile bags or trash on or around your container, or the sanitation truck's automated arm won't be able to empty it.
- Items too large to fit in your container should be placed neatly on the curb for bulk collection.
- The brush should be cut into 8-foot lengths or shorter and put in a separate pile.
- You must remove your garbage and recycling containers from the curb within 12 hours of collection.
If you have a blue, single-stream recycling container, it's collected by Brazos Valley Recycling. We encourage you to review the list of acceptable items printed on top of each container. Place only clean items in your recycling container; anything not on the list should be in the garbage.
For more information about solid waste or recycling, visit cstx.gov/recycle or contact Solid Waste Services at pubworks@cstx.gov or 979-764-3690.
You can also download the free College Station Curbside app to keep up with collection schedules and updates on your mobile devices.
4. Tend Your Pets
Dogs must be on a leash when not on their owner's property, and owners must clean up after them. Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be licensed, tagged, and vaccinated in Brazos County. Even if your pet is licensed elsewhere, you must tag them here.
You can purchase registration tags through your veterinarian or the Aggieland Humane Society. Learn more at cstx.gov/animalcontrol.
5. Know Where to Park
If you park where you're not supposed to, you can be stuck with a costly citation. Avoid that headache by understanding our 10 most common parking violations:
- Parking within 30 feet of a traffic control device such as a stop sign, yield sign, or flashing light.
- Parking facing traffic – your car must always be parked with traffic flow.
- Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
- Parking within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
- Parking in a handicapped space without a handicap placard.
- Parking in a yard – if more than half of the vehicle is parked in the grass, it's a violation.
- Parking at expired meters.
- Overstaying allotted periods in time-limited parking.
- Parking in loading zones.
- Blocking driveways so residents can't get in or out.
6. Football 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.
7. Know City Codes
Many people don't think about city codes until it's too late. These are our most common code violations, which can also result in hefty fines:
- Open Storage: Don't store anything in your yard or patio that's not intended for outdoor use, like a couch.
- Yard Maintenance: Weeds and grass shouldn't be higher than 12 inches.
- Flyers/Signs: Nothing should be placed on utility poles, street signs, or public rights-of-way.
- Selling Parking Spaces: Operating a business in a residential neighborhood in College Station is illegal. Selling parking spaces on your property is a business.
8. Job Opportunities
The City of College Station has part-time and seasonal jobs available throughout the year. Go to csjobs.cstx.gov to see the latest listings and to apply.
9. 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 with goodies and essential city information.
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).
10. Register to Vote
Whether you are here for school or here to stay, you are affected by our codes and ordinances. Participate in your local government by voting. The next city election is Nov. 5.
To register to vote in Brazos County, go to brazosvotes.org. The last day to register is Oct. 7.
Enjoy your time in the Heart of Aggieland – and Gig 'em!
About the Blogger
Grace is in her third year as marketing coordinator for the city’s Public Communications department. A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, Grace holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising communications.
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