For many students, the fall semester can feel like the best part of the entire school year. The weather starts to cool down, there’s Aggie football on Saturdays at Kyle Field and the holiday season is on the horizon.

But the same season that can feel like a nonstop celebration can turn overwhelming fast. Exams start piling up, study sessions stretch later into the night, and the habits that keep you feeling like yourself, like sleeping, eating well and taking a break, are often the first to slip. Fathia Fakoya ‘28 is working to change that, one conversation and one well-being event at a time. Fakoya is a public health major and a well-being ambassador with the Department of Residence Life. She helps students make wellness practical and is passionate about making student wellness feel
approachable rather than overwhelming.

A Passion for Public Health

As a first-generation college student, Fakoya knows how overwhelming the transition to university life can feel. Navigating new routines, new expectations and a new environment all at once can feel overwhelming. That perspective is what led her to the well-being ambassador role.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity…when I saw that I could meaningfully participate in a program that supports student wellness,” Fakoya said.

In her role, Fakoya leads events that help students build healthy habits and understand how to care for their whole selves. Her goal is to make wellness something students can fit into their everyday routines, especially because well-being is often the first thing to go when students are balancing classes, jobs, organizations and social lives.

“I know with a busy schedule, it can be difficult to want to care for your well-being and stay on top of your wellness, but I also know how important it is…” Fakoya said. That is why she focuses on programs that are approachable and practical, giving students simple ways to look after themselves that work with their busy schedules.

Building Connections

For Fakoya, the most rewarding part of the job is getting to know the students she serves. The motivation behind every event is the students, and she says the relationships she builds with them are what make her work feel meaningful.

Her favorite events are the Well-being Pop-Up Lounge events, where students can sit down with well-being ambassadors and talk about anything on their minds. Topics range anywhere from mental health advice, to how to manage stress or tips on building a healthier routine. She shared that meaningful conversations often depend on trust and the right setting. Students are far more likely to open up in a relaxed, judgment-free space, especially with a peer who understands what campus life is really like. For Fakoya, building that kind of environment matters just as much as any resource she can share.

What Well-being Means

Fakoya describes her well-being ambassador experience in three words: delegating, event planning and fun.

Balancing those responsibilities alongside her own classes takes structure, so Fakoya relies on as many organizational tools as she can. She keeps a Google Calendar for deadlines and events, uses her own planner to map out her days and writes things down the moment she needs to
remember them. For her, she says a quick note in the moment is better than trusting her memory later.

Another way that Fakoya prioritized her well-being is that she sets one simple goal per day, so that by the evening she can look back and know she accomplished at least one of her main priorities.

“Every day when I wake up, I set a daily goal…then I am able to delegate my main task to whatever time blocks I may have in my schedule for that day,” Fakoya said.

She also mentions. that the daily goal doesn’t have to be big. On some days it might be finishing her physics homework, and on others it might be as simple as going for a walk. What matters is having something clear to work toward, which makes even a busy day feel more manageable and gives her a sense of progress.

Making an Impact

As finals approach, many students begin to feel the pressure building. Fakoya’s advice is to start tasks as soon as they are assigned instead of letting work build up.

“I recommend that every student delegate and prioritize them in the moment that they are assigned…this ensures that you are not overwhelmed and you stay on top of your wellness in the process,” Fakoya said.

She also emphasized the importance of keeping work separate. She mentions that students shouldn’t do homework for one class during another class, and they shouldn’t try to finish assignments while at work. Giving each responsibility its own time and space helps students stay focused on what is in front of them and keeps one obligation from crowding out another. Most important, she says, is having a clear goal and a schedule that feels attainable to follow. A plan that looks perfect on paper but can’t be realistically followed only adds to the stress, while one built around a student’s actual time blocks is far easier to keep.

Fathia Fakoya’s approach to well-being is steady and practical. She plans ahead, sets a goal for each day and makes time to talk with her peers around her. These habits take little effort, and they help students feel prepared for whatever the semester brings. Through her work as a well-being ambassador, Fakoya shows that caring for yourself can fit into any schedule. Well-being events and conversations give students a welcoming place to ask questions, find support and learn something new about their own well-being. Fakoya’s example is a good reminder that as finals season approaches, a little planning and a little kindness toward yourself go a long way.

It’s October, which means you’re officially halfway through the fall semester and that’s worth
celebrating. Midterms and deadlines may be piling up now, but this is also the perfect moment
to pause, reflect on what’s working and set yourself up for a strong second half of the semester.
Think of it as a reset, a chance to build on your wins so far and make the next few weeks your
best yet. Whether you’re ready to ace your exams or just need some support, there are people
and places on campus ready to meet you where you are. Here are a few resources and ways to
get through the rest of the semester.

Take time to reflect

It can help to remember why you were excited about this semester in the first place. Maybe it
was a class you were looking forward to, a goal you set or making new friends. Take a few
minutes to revisit what your goals were at the beginning of the semester. You may find that
you’re closer to achieving them than you thought, or that your goals have shifted and need a
small adjustment. Both are perfectly fine.

Change up your routine

Doing the same thing every day is often how a slump sets in, so a little variety can go a long
way. Try studying somewhere new, like a different floor of Evans Library, the study lounge in
your residence hall, the MSC or the open study areas in Zachry Engineering Complex. A study
spot that isn’t your bed or couch also tells your brain it’s time to focus. You might even swap a
late-night cram session for an early-morning one, find a study buddy or start a study group with
people in your hall.

Make time for things outside of class

Rest should be part of your plan, not a reward for finishing it. Take a walk unplugged from your
phone, cook your favorite meal or call a friend. You don’t need a full gym session or a free
weekend to feel the difference, because a little movement and a little time away from your notes
can reset a tired mind. The Residence Life Wellbeing Ambassadors are another good resource.
They are student leaders focused on wellness, and they share practical tips and programs for
caring for yourself during a busy semester.

Reach out before you feel you need to

Texas A&M has a lot of support built for exactly this point in the semester. Your Resident Advisor
and Academic Peer Mentors know the campus well and can point you to the right resource,
whether you need study tips, stress relief management or just someone to talk to. The
Academic Success Center also offers study strategies, tutoring and workshops to help with
midterms and finals. Aggies stand with other Aggies and reaching out is one of the best ways to
stay ahead of the game.

Remember that taking care of yourself is essential to finishing the semester strong. Take a deep
breath, use the support around you and step confidently into the second half of the semester.
You’ve got this, Aggies!

“I really wanted to be more connected on campus,” Deer said. “What better way to do that than to live right in the middle of it?”

A Unique Aggie Experience

Born and raised in College Station, Cella Deer ’27 was no stranger to Texas A&M before living on campus. However, experiencing campus as a student gave her a completely new perspective on the town she grew up in.

“Actually going to Texas A&M has been completely different and unique,” she explained. That desire to fully immerse herself into campus life led her to apply to become a Resident Advisor, where she could actively shape the residential experience for others.

Aggies Supporting Aggies

When it comes to making the most of living on campus, Deer’s advice for first-year students navigating their new surroundings is to get involved. She strongly emphasizes attending the community builder events hosted by the Department of Residence Life.

“It is super important to go to community events,” Deer said. “You can meet new people like other students, RAs, Community Managers and GHAs. It is a really easy way to plug into life on campus while learning about other resources and events happening.”

Through fostering everyday connections and encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones, Deer continues to embody the spirit of Aggies supporting Aggies where it matters most: at home on campus.

Deer sums up her experience as an RA in three words, “responsibility, adaptability and connection.” She finds the heart of her role in the simple, everyday interactions with her residents.

“It’s when residents come up to say hi and they actually know you, or go to events with each other,” Deer said. “It can seem so small, but it really makes a big impact on the community.”

To kick off the academic year, Texas A&M University’s Department of Residence Life hosted its annual Housing Week. This week-long series of events invited students to meet their neighbors, discover campus resources and build the foundation for a supportive on-campus living experience.

Housing Week festivities offered tailored experiences for every neighborhood on campus. At White Creek, residents gathered for an interactive resource fair, games and painting custom tote bags. Over at the Southside Street Fair in The Commons lobby, students spent the afternoon crafting and connecting with neighbors in a homey environment. Meanwhile, The Gardens Apartments set an energetic tone for the year with a neighborhood gathering featuring local BBQ from J. Cody’s, games and karaoke. During the Northside Block Party, music filled the air as students gathered to play cornhole, cool down with refreshing snow cones and enjoy classic comfort food from Sbisa like hot dogs, grilled cheese and freshly fried funnel cakes. 

The quintessential welcome-back mood and lively atmosphere made it easy for incoming and returning Aggies to unwind and feel right at home.

Much like the department’s traditions of student leadership, service and community, Housing Week reflects Residence Life’s ongoing commitment to shaping the Aggie experience.

For more information about Resident Life’s upcoming events, please visit Texas A&M University Events Calendar 

On Sunday, Aug. 23, Director of Residence Life, Dr. Kyle McCracken appeared on KAMU Brazos Matters with host Jay Socol and student contributor Kaleigh Mazy ’26 to discuss all things Residence Life, from how he manages one of the largest student housing operations in the country, to practical advice for families navigating the housing process, to current trends in the student housing market, all with the goal of creating community and contributing to a better experience for every on-campus Aggie.

A small electrical fire on Saturday morning on the second floor of the Student Services Building (SSB) caused the fire suppression system to activate. Although the fire was isolated to the second floor, both the northeast portion of the first and second floors of the building received varying degrees of water damage.

We encourage you to please avoid entering the SSB on Monday, Aug. 17, if you do not have pertinent business, so crews can continue to evaluate and mitigate the damage on the first and second floors.

In addition, The Housing Assignments staff will be working remotely Monday, Aug. 17. The office will reopen on Tuesday, Aug. 18, in room 105 at Hullabaloo Hall. Please call 979-845-4744 or email reslife@tamu.edu if you need assistance. More information: reslife.tamu.edu/contact

For full details about the operational impacts to Division of Student Affairs departments, please see the original news release.

As the University celebrates its 150th anniversary, we’re making Move-In Week more memorable than ever by creating a welcoming, helpful and unmistakably Aggie experience for thousands of students and their families.

This fall, move-ing starts Aug. 18, and goes through Aug. 22. On those days, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., look for tents in each of our neighborhoods. There you’ll find fellow Aggies and volunteers greeting families, directing traffic, helping students find their way or supporting the move-in process behind the scenes, all working to create a positive first impression and standing together to demonstrate the Aggie Core Value of Selfless Service.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit our Aggieland Serves page.

For more information about move-n for Fall 2026, please visit our Move-In Page.

You’ll Have Plenty of Community Events to Attend

Whether its spirited tailgates before football games or cornhole tournaments held in Aggie Park, there is always a community event happening on campus. These events are perfect opportunities to meet new people, relax after class and immerse yourself in campus life. Beyond entertainment, these events foster new friendships and lasting memories.

Some of the best events to start off the fall semester are during Housing Week, a series of events held in each of our main residential neighborhoods, with food, games and plenty of opportunity to have fun and meet the other members of your campus community. Look for more information as we get closer to Move-In.

There are 20-25 Tradition Events to Attend on Campus

Students come together for deeply meaningful traditions such as Muster, Silver Taps and the famous Midnight Yell Practice, each one reinforcing the unique spirit and unity that defines the Aggie family. These ceremonies and gatherings foster a strong sense of belonging and allow students to honor the history and values that have shaped Texas A&M for generations.

Whether you’re joining in your first Howdy Week, putting on your Aggie Ring at Ring Day or linking arms for the Aggie War Hymn at Kyle Field, these experiences become the highlight of your college years. They’re a chance to reflect, celebrate and come together as one community. These cherished traditions create memories you’ll carry long after graduation, reminding you wherever you go that once an Aggie, always an Aggie.

The Dining Hall is a Community Hub

The dining hall is more than just a place to eat, it is a place where friendships are formed. Grabbing breakfast before class or dinner after class, the welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to break the ice and connect with fellow Aggies. Every meal becomes an opportunity to join lively conversations, meet someone new or unwind after a long day. It is a space where the Aggie network grows stronger and even when you’re far from home there is a sense of community and home.

You’ll Find Community within Your Residence Hall

Living on campus creates countless chances to connect with people. Hall events like movie nights, group study sessions and game nights bring residents together. Shared spaces are always buzzing with people and late-night talks in the common room quickly build close bonds with your neighbors. Being part of a residence hall also means you have a built-in support system. If you need advice, a study buddy or someone to grab dinner with, there is always someone nearby who can help you out.

You’ll Discover New Unexpected Study Spaces

Residence halls are filled with unique and inspiring places to study, catering to every type of learner. Community learning centers offer individual and group study areas and computer labs with access to printers. There are even study lounges open late so you can study and not have to leave your complex. Evans Library is classic favorite with quiet floors and rooms to collaborate with your group. The quiet corners of the MSC offer a place to read your book or work on assignments. If you need a breath of fresh air, The Gardens offer a peaceful retreat where you can enjoy the smell of nature while you review your notes or finish an essay.

There are study pods tucked away in academic buildings, as well as outdoor patios and hidden alcoves waiting to be discovered. Finding your perfect study spot won’t be hard with all these hidden gems sprinkled across campus, they are truly what makes daily life at Texas A&M feel special and keeps each day interesting and inspiring.

You’ll Make Friends Faster Than You Think

Many students worry about meeting people when they arrive on campus for the first time. The reality is that living on campus naturally creates opportunities to connect with others. You’ll see the same people in the hallway, laundry room, study spaces and community events. Friendships can foster from the first interaction like, a simple conversation, a shared class or even a quick introduction during move-in.Keep your door open when you’re unpacking, attend hall events organized by your Resident Advisor and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. Remember that most students are looking to make friends, too. You’re not the only one.

Living On Campus Makes a Huge University Feel Unexpectedly Small

Texas A&M is a large university, but residence halls create smaller communities throughout campus. You’ll start recognizing familiar faces on your floor, in your building and around the areas you frequent. In no time, campus will start to feel less overwhelming and more like your new home. Take advantage of community spaces. Study lounges, dining halls and common areas are great places to meet other students and build connections outside of class or organizations.

The Walking Adds Up Quick

Between classes, dining halls, the library, Aggie football games and hanging out with friends, you can do a lot of walking in one day. Many students arrive thinking they’ll only walk a little each day and quickly discover they’ve logged far more steps than expected. Bring comfortable walking shoes, keep a reusable water bottle with you and leave a little extra time between classes while you’re still learning where all the buildings are.

Your Room Will Become More Than Just a Place to Sleep

Your residence hall room often becomes a study space, movie room, hangout spot and place to relax all at once. Learning how to balance personal space and shared space with your roommate is part of the experience. Talk with your roommate early about expectations for guests, studying, quiet hours and sleep schedules. Clear communication can prevent a lot of future stress.

You’ll Learn More Than What Happens In The Classroom

Living on campus teaches practical skills that aren’t always covered in a syllabus. You may learn how to manage your time, navigate conflicts, balance responsibilities, do laundry, budget your spending and communicate with people from different backgrounds. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get involved. Consider getting involved in community councils or floor meetings and remember that Residence Life staff, student leaders and fellow Aggies are all valuable resources who are willing to help when you’re still figuring things out.

You’ll Find Your Favorite Spot On Campus

Every Aggie eventually finds a place that makes them feel comfortable, like a study lounge, a courtyard, a dining hall or a quiet corner in the hallway. Spend your first few weeks exploring campus. You may discover new and hidden study spots, resources and favorite locations you never would have found otherwise. Living on-campus comes with fun experiences, late night conversations, spontaneous trips for food, studying with friends, meeting people from different backgrounds and the sense of community that comes from sharing the Aggie core values. Living on campus is about more than just convenience. It means becoming part of a community that helps make Texas A&M feel like home for not only yourself, but for others and living together to become a Force For Good.

On May 21 – 23, Texas A&M University Residence Life hosted the 72nd NACURH Annual Conference, welcoming nearly 1,000 student leaders, advisors, sponsors and association representatives from across the United States and Canada to campus in College Station, TX. For the Department of Residence Life, the event marked both an operational achievement and a proud opportunity to showcase Aggieland to a broad network of campus housing leaders.

NACURH, the National Association of College and University Residence Halls, is one of the leading organizations in student housing and residence life. Its mission is to equip residence hall leaders with the skills and resources to make a positive impact on their campus communities, and it connects institutions through leadership development, service, advocacy and community-building initiatives. Hosting the annual conference placed Texas A&M at the center of that work.

Planning for the conference spanned eight months and involved Residence Life staff and student leaders working across hospitality, programming, logistics, dining, transportation, marketing and operations. From Sunday through mid-Thursday, NACURH leadership convened in Hullabaloo Hall for legislative work, while the conference team prepared The Commons and other campus venues for guests.

The conference officially opened Thursday with welcomes from Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Dr. Justin Jeffery, and Director of Residence Life, Dr. Kyle McCracken. They were followed by keynote speaker Darryl Bellamy, who focused on fear, uncertainty and taking action. Pre-conference offerings also included LeaderShape’s Catalyst program, campus tours and residence hall tours, giving visitors a fuller picture of the student experience at Texas A&M.

On Friday and Saturday, attendees took part in educational sessions and boardroom meetings in Rudder Tower and the Memorial Student Center. Session tracks covered topics such as community building, wellness, leadership development and operational excellence. The conference theme, “Trailblazers and Tradition-Makers,” carried through signature events including Regional Roll Call at Aggie Park and the closing awards ceremony.

Texas A&M received five awards as a result of hosting the conference. The university was recognized as a NACURH Conference Host Site, and four Silver Turtle pins were awarded to Fred Dillard, Thalita Da Silva Hotz, Brooke Errington and Dakota Steele for their contributions.

One attendee captured the spirit of the weekend in a comment shared with organizers: “Every single detail felt intentional, connected and straight from the heart.”

For Texas A&M Residence Life, that response reflects how A&M students and employees work together as a force for good, welcoming the NACURH community with excellence, hospitality and a little Aggie heart.

The Department of Residence Life closed out the spring 2026 semester by celebrating both the students and staff who shaped the on-campus living experience for residents at the annual Student Leader Banquet on Sunday, April 26.

Several awards have highlighted the impact of residential involvement. The Dr. Kristianna Bowles Commitment to Sustainability Award was awarded to the Aggie Eco-Reps Marketing and Communication Committee, for their continued dedication and commitment to sustainability on campus. Later, the Community of the Year award was presented to Moses Hall Staff and the Residential Housing Association (RHA) Craig Rotter Commitment to Community award was given to Jason Starks for continuous efforts and dedicated work within the various communities.

As current members of RHA were celebrated with the presentation of their Ronaldo pins, a symbol of their membership to the association, Marie Wykrent was recognized as the RHA Member of the Year and Emiel Medrano was presented with both the RHA John J. Koldus Service to RHA and Staff Member of the Year Award, for his dedication to the department. Preston Greenwood was named Advisor of the Year, alongside Derrick Ball, who was named the Juston Majors Graduate Advisor of the Year and Bhavya Sinha who was awarded the RHA Ron Sasse Award.

An important moment of the evening was the official swearing-in of incoming leadership of the student organizations. Elected presidents and executive board members took an oath, committing to serve the community with integrity in the new year ahead.

Incoming presidents Ariel Tafolla (Aggie Eco-Reps), Sebastian Romero Mendoza (National Residence Hall Honorary) and Victoria Davis (Residential Housing Association) were officially sworn into their roles and marked the official transition of student leadership within Residence Life.

Executive boards across Aggie Eco-Reps, National Residence Hall Honorary and the Residential Housing Association were also recognized, highlighting the effort and teamwork required to lead and support residential communities across campus.

The evening concluded with closing remarks from leadership within the department discussing the impact of student involvement and importance of continued engagement and student leadership to shape the Aggie experience of living on campus.

As the semester comes to a close, the banquet was both a celebration and reflection of the year of leadership, service and community within Residence Life.