The Bryan-College Station area, a community of more than 135,000, includes the county seat and is located near several large cities: Houston, 90 miles to the southeast; Dallas, 165 miles to the north; and Austin, the state capital, 105 miles to the west.

The climate makes sailing, boating, fishing, golfing, and other outdoor recreational activities popular the year round.

The City of College Station
The City of Bryan

The Opera and Performing Arts Society (OPAS) presents outstanding musical and dramatic performances that are usually only available in larger metropolitan areas. Artists such as Van Cliburn, Itzhak Perlman, Marcel Marceau, the Vienna Choir Boys, the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, the Chicago Symphony, Rudolf Nureyev, "CATS", and the world premiere of the Bolshoi Ballet Grigorovich Company have appeared on the stage of Rudder Auditorium on the Texas A&M campus under the auspices of OPAS.

Bryan and Collge Station share hot summers with average highs in the 90's, and average lows in the 70's, and mild winters with few days below freezing. However, periodically high pressure continental air masses ("Blue Northers") can bring sunny winter days but cold winds for several days at a time that require warm, wind-proof clothing.

The cost of living in College Station varies widely according to the type of accommodations sought, status, distance from campus, and other conditions.

There are no campus dormitory rooms for graduate students. A few university-owned apartments, both furnished and unfurnished, are available for married students. They are in high demand, however, and applications should be submitted at least one year in advance of planned occupancy.

A large number of private apartments are also available in the community. For further information about housing and costs contact:

Office of Student Life Programs
Department of Student Life
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX 77843-1257
Phone: (979) 845-1741
Fax (979) 862-1026

The Galveston Branch campus, on the sand barrier island that runs parallel to the northwest coast of the Gulf of Mexico, may be reached from College Station by a three hour drive.