Living in Aggieland

“Living in Aggieland”


If you are thinking about or even planning on moving to the Bryan-College Station area and DID NOT attend Texas A&M or grow up in the area adjusting to the Aggie culture can be a bit of a shock. The cities have built up around the university, and are thus closely tied to Texas A&M. Understanding at least a little bit about Texas A&M; the students, traditions and events will make the transition to living among Aggies go smoothly (and be a lot more fun).

The “Spirit” of Aggieland


Texas Aggie events are notoriously noisy. The students take pride in their position as “The 12th Man”. They stand throughout the football games and make as much noise as possible to support their team in any sport. The Aggies do get used to all of this racket, but the opposing teams can have trouble keeping up through all of the noise. The noise you might hear coming from the students (and former students) are “Yells”. At Texas A&M there are no cheerleaders, instead there are Yell Leaders, who lead Yell Practices and Yells during sporting events and other campus functions.

Silver Taps & Muster


Aggies gather together the first Tuesday of each month to remember students who have passed in the last month with Silver Taps. At 10:15pm they gather at the Academic Plaza, as the Ross Volunteers fire a 3 volley-21 gun salute and a bugler plays taps 3 times.

On April 21st of every year, Aggies gather together for Muster, which is a ceremony that remembers ALL Aggies (former students as well) who have passed in the last year. Muster ceremonies and gatherings are held all over the world. At this ceremony there is also a rifle salute, taps are played and candles are lit for each Aggie being remembered.

Howdy & Gig’em


“Howdy” is the traditional greeting at Texas A&M. Anyone on campus (and many times around Bryan-College Station) Aggies will routinely greet a passerby with “Howdy” . Texas A&M has a reputation as a friendly campus and saying “Howdy” is one way those who are on campus keep that reputation alive. Don’t be surprised when you hear others get quiet when someone yells Howdy, it is often used instead of a gavel to call a meeting to order.

Gig’em goes along with the raised thumb that you may see many Aggies flashing. This term symbolizes determination and optimism in winning against any opponent or rival, whether it be a sporting event or tough exam. It also gives any Aggie a good opportunity to show off their Aggie Ring.

Corps of Cadets


The Corps of Cadets are known as the “Keepers of the Spirit”. This student-led, military style organization was established in 1876 (the year the university was established) and was initially mandatory for all students attending Texas A&M. The Corps became voluntary in 1965 and continues be a large & visible part of the experience at Texas A&M. The Corps commissions more military officers than any other university in the country aside from the military academies; although membership in the Corps does not carry a military obligation. The Corps of Cadets also has several special and visible units that include: The Ross Volunteers, The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, Parson's Mounted Cavalry, and the Fish Drill Team.

Aggie Ring


The Aggie Ring is the most recognizable sign of the Aggie Network. It represents significant achievement as it can only be ordered once specific academic requirements have been met. Every piece of the Aggie Ring holds symbolism and meaning. Ordering your Aggie Ring and receiving it on Ring Day have become substantial events on campus. A former student anywhere in the world can recognize another Aggie by this ring, and often times can be a mechanism for starting a conversation between two people who had never met before.

Bryan-College Station is an amazing place to live, and the influence that Texas A&M has had on our community is only one of the reasons our residents love it here! If you are looking for more information on our community or are ready to find a home here contact me - I would love to help!

Michelle Peacock, Realtor®
TM5 Properties
michelle@tm5properties.com

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