New Student Conference (NSC) Guide: What to Do & Where to Go in BCS

First off, welcome to Aggieland! Heading to Texas A&M for your New Student Conference (NSC) is the first stage of your college career. It’s going to be packed with informational presentations, campus tours, and your very first steps as an official student. However, sometime between registering for your first semester of classes and getting your student ID, you and your family are going to need some way to spend your downtime and explore the College Station and Bryan proper.

To help you make the most of your breaks, here is your essential guide to the must see spots to grab coffee, enjoy local food, and and just generally entertain yourself while you’re in town.

Coffee Break

Your NSC schedule is going to have you up early in the morning with plenty of walking across campus. Keep your energy up at these local coffee hotspots:

• Harvest Coffee – Located in Century Square, this vibrant spot is perfect for coffee aficionados who care about high quality coffee and tea.
• Polite Coffee Roasters – Situated in a beautifully restored historic home in Bryan, Polite pairs precision-brewed craft coffee with genuine local hospitality.
• Carport Coffee – A cozy destination located right across from campus that is immensely popular with students looking to study with a good vibe.

Local Flavors: Must-Try Food

You can’t leave town without trying the local food staples that have come to define the student experience here.

• Fuego Tortilla Grill – An absolute must for any incoming Aggie. Also located across from campus, this spot is famous for its burrito-size, experimental fusion tacos and fast, high-energy atmosphere.
• Burger Mojo – With two locations, this is a go-to for delicious smash burgers with unique flavor combinations (or more normal if that’s your thing!), making it a perfect casual lunch option.
• Napa Flats Wood-Fired Kitchen – A slightly nicer sit-down dinner spot to go to with family a tht end of orientation. They deliver wood-fired pizzas, Italian-inspired pasta, and incredible house-made gelato.

Indoor Entertainment & Activities

If you’re bored and not hungry, but still not ready for the drive home, BCS has some excellent indoor activity options.

• Grand Station Entertainment – A massive indoor hub with bowling lanes, laser tag, and a huge arcade. Great for just about anything you might want to do with your group.
• Stone Co. Climbing – College Station’s premier indoor bouldering gym. If you want a fun, active challenge, it’s a great place to check out the local climbing community and stretch your legs.
• George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum – This world-class museum offers an immersive look into American history during the H.W. Bush era, complete with a full-scale replica of the Oval Office.

Fresh Air & Outdoor Spaces

Take a stroll and get a feel for the historic charm of the town. Downtown Bryan is one of Aggieland’s most underrated spaces.

• Historic Downtown Bryan – Spend a couple of hours walking down the historic streets, admiring the architecture, and browsing through local antique and thrift stores.
• Aggie Park – In the heart of campus, this is a beautiful outdoor space with walking paths, grass, and a beautiful lake. It’s a great spot to take family photos to commemorate your NSC.
• Millican Reserve – A private conservation community on the outer edge of College Station that offers a peaceful escape into natural Texas woodlands and trails.

Make the Most of Your NSC

Your New Student Conference is just the beginning of your journey in Aggieland. Take some time to step off campus, explore our local neighborhoods, and find the spots that will soon become your regular hangouts over the next few years. Remember, these spots are just the basics, BCS has a lot more to offer.

Gig ’em, and welcome home! 👍

Have a question about navigating the area during your NSC? Send us a message, or check out our blogs to see what else BCS has to offer!