Graduating from Texas A&M is one of life’s biggest milestones—one packed with pride, excitement, and that unmistakable “Gig ’em” momentum that pushes every Aggie forward. But once the celebrations wind down and the boots are back in the closet, another huge transition begins: starting your life in a brand-new city. Whether you’re heading to Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, or beyond, this moment isn’t just about moving—it’s about thriving in a new chapter.
This guide was written specifically for new Aggie grads (and yes—Aggie Moms, we know you’re reading too!). It’ll walk you through everything: how to choose the right area of town, what to look for in your first apartment, how to build friendships and community quickly, and how to set yourself up for long-term success in your career and personal life.
Welcome home—to your next adventure.
Gig ’em.
1. Start With the Mindset: You’re Not Just Moving… You’re Growing
Moving to a new city can feel overwhelming. You’re suddenly navigating new roads, new faces, new routines, and new expectations. But here’s the truth—you belong there. You’ve already thrived in College Station, one of the most character-building environments on earth. That same Aggie grit, friendliness, and initiative will carry you forward.
Give yourself permission to grow slowly. The first few weeks may feel unfamiliar, but every Aggie who moved before you will tell you: one day you wake up, and it feels like home.
Some mindset tips as you start:
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Say yes to new invitations—even if they feel outside your comfort zone.
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Expect a transition period—usually 60–90 days—before everything “clicks.”
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Explore intentionally rather than letting the city happen to you.
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Stay connected to your Aggie roots—traditions travel well.
Thriving isn’t accidental—it’s built.
2. Choosing the Right Area of Town
Each major Texas city has multiple neighborhoods and each one attracts different types of residents. Your goal: find the area that fits your lifestyle, commute, safety preferences, and values.
Here’s a quick Aggie-friendly breakdown:
Dallas
Dallas is energetic, polished, and packed with job opportunities. Many graduates love:
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Uptown Dallas – walkable, energetic, full of restaurants and young professionals.
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Knox-Henderson – stylish, upscale, amazing food scene.
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The Village – extremely walkable, lots of grads and young residents.
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Lower Greenville – relaxed, social, filled with local hangouts.
Dallas is fast-paced but friendly once you find your spots.
Houston
Big, diverse, and full of opportunity—especially for engineering, energy, and medical grads.
Popular areas include:
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The Heights – artsy, social, walkable, extremely popular with new grads.
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Midtown – energetic, nightlife, easy access to everything.
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Montrose – creative, central, tons of restaurants.
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River Oaks Area – polished, upscale, very safe.
Houston is huge, so your ideal area depends heavily on your commute.
Austin
Austin is quirky, outdoorsy, and buzzing with tech and innovation.
Many new grads love:
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Mueller – clean, modern, great trails, popular with young residents.
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South Congress (SoCo) – iconic Austin feel, walkable and fun.
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Domain / North Austin – tech-heavy, newer buildings, lots of walkability.
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East Austin – trendy, fun, energetic.
Austin is all about lifestyle—outdoors, music, culture.
San Antonio
More relaxed, affordable, and incredibly welcoming.
Popular areas include:
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Pearl District – walkable, upscale, full of restaurants and activities.
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Alamo Heights – safe, established, charming.
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Stone Oak – suburban calm with easy access to jobs.
San Antonio has a slower pace but a very warm community feel.
3. When to Start Planning, Searching, and Touring
This is the biggest mistake new grads make—they start too late. The competitive Texas rental market rewards Aggies who prepare early.
Here is the ideal timeline:
6 Months Before Your Move
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Start researching cities and general areas.
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Build a “short list” of neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle.
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Create your budget and understand typical rent ranges.
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Mark major job interviews or start dates on your calendar.
90 Days Before Your Move
This is touring season—the perfect window for touring apartments.
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Pricing is most accurate 60–90 days out.
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You’ll see what’s actually available—not hypothetical inventory.
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Managers take you more seriously when your move-in is near.
60 Days Before Your Move
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Finalize your top options.
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Check commute times during rush hour.
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Review safety, lighting, sidewalks, and traffic patterns.
30 Days Before
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Lock in your apartment.
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Begin packing early.
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Update addresses, utilities, and local services.
A smooth move starts with timing—and Aggies do timing well.
4. What to Look for in Your First Apartment
Your first post-grad home sets the tone for your new city life. Here’s what matters most:
Safety
This should be non-negotiable.
Look for:
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Good lighting everywhere
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Controlled access buildings
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Visible security presence
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Safe parking garage
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Few blind corners or dark areas
Management Quality
Management makes or breaks your experience.
A great community has:
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Friendly, responsive staff
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Clean common areas
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Clear communication
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Positive Google reviews
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Well-maintained amenities
Walkability
Walkability improves your quality of life more than almost any other factor.
Look for proximity to:
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Grocery
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Coffee shops
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Restaurants
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Trails or parks
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Gyms
Commute Time
Aim for under 25 minutes one-way, if possible.
A frustrating daily commute is the #1 cause of new-city burnout.
Noise Levels
Check for:
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Proximity to highways
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Train tracks
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Bars/clubs
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Thin walls
Noise is hard to fix once you move in.
Parking
Consider:
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Covered or garage parking
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Guest parking availability
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Ease of getting in/out of the structure
Community Vibe
Some apartments are filled with young professionals; others with families.
Both are great—just pick the vibe that fits your lifestyle.
5. Building Your Social Circle Fast
One of the best things about being an Aggie is that Aggies are everywhere—and they stick together. To build your community quickly:
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Join your local Aggie Club or Aggie Moms Club events (yes, they’re for grads too!).
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Visit churches or community organizations early.
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Say hello first—most people appreciate friendliness.
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Join young professional groups in your city.
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Explore the city’s top parks, gyms, and local coffee shops.
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Try co-working spaces to meet fellow young professionals.
A city feels smaller when you know people—and Aggies make friends faster than most.
6. Thriving in Your New Career
Your first year out of school shapes your long-term career trajectory. Some quick Aggie-tested tips:
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Show up early—it instantly communicates reliability.
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Ask smart questions—leaders notice curiosity.
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Seek mentorship—one good mentor changes everything.
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Take notes—you’ll learn faster and avoid repeating mistakes.
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Develop your communication skills—this is your superpower.
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Stay humble—Aggies lead through service.
Your degree opened the door. Your habits will elevate you.
7. Creating a Healthy Lifestyle in Your New City
Thriving means balancing all areas of life, not just work.
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Join a gym or fitness class early.
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Find your “reset spots”—trails, parks, lakes.
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Meal prep or explore healthy restaurants.
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Build a bedtime routine.
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Limit screen time during the first and last hour of the day.
A healthy routine grounds you in your new environment.
8. Stay Connected to Your Aggie Identity
Being an Aggie isn’t just something you did—it’s who you are.
Stay connected by:
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Wearing your Aggie ring proudly
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Attending Aggie football watch parties
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Reaching out to fellow grads
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Volunteering with Aggie groups
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Keeping A&M traditions alive in your home
No matter where you move, your Aggie spirit travels with you.
9. Thrive, Don’t Just Survive
Your first year after graduation will challenge you, stretch you, and grow you. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. You’ll look back one day and say, “That’s the year I became who I am today.”
And remember: you’re not doing this alone. Thousands of Aggies have walked the same road—and they’re ready to help.
Gig ’em.
And welcome to the next chapter.
NEXT STEPS
Aggies — find your perfect apartment in your new city for FREE with Howdy Apartments!
We’ll guide you on the best areas, recommend the right places, and even set up your tours.
100% free and Aggie-focused.
👉 Sign up here: howdyapartments.com/start
📲 Call or text me anytime: Grant – 214-492-9791
