Your First Look at Life as a Horned Frog
You’ve opened your decision letter. Now comes the bigger question: What does life at TCU actually feel like?
Think of this as your first peek behind the curtain — the small moments, special traditions and everyday moments that turn a campus into a community. For many first-year students, those first few weeks are when TCU starts to feel less like a place you applied to and more like a place you belong. Through the eyes of first-year students who just wrapped up their first semester at TCU, discover what it feels like to be a Horned Frog.
Morning on Campus: Finding Your People
Your day might start with a walk across campus, a familiar face from your residence hall or a quick stop for coffee before class. For many students, belonging begins in the simplest ways — showing up, saying yes and meeting the people who will become part of your daily life.
“I chose to attend slime night in the Colby Hall lobby with my roommate. It was such a fun throwback activity and brought a lot of girls together. Doing something small like that reminded me of home and made campus feel more comfortable really early on." - Kathryn Beene ’29, Movement Science
Others say orientation and Frog Camp moments helped set the tone. Those early experiences, meeting people in your dorm, sharing meals and navigating campus together, often turn strangers into friends faster than expected.
In the Classroom: Support That Shows Up
When it’s time for class, one thing becomes clear quickly. Professors and staff want you to succeed. Students consistently describe how college feels different from high school. It is more independent, but also more supportive.
“This semester pushed me in ways that helped me grow academically and personally. Once I started asking questions and using the resources TCU provides, assignments that intimidated me became manageable. It showed me that growth comes from leaning into challenges rather than avoiding them.” - Charlie Coniaris ’29, Finance & Accounting
From library workshops to office hours and advising, students say using campus resources early helped them find their rhythm and confidence in the classroom.
Midday Moments: Community in Action
Between classes, campus life continues to unfold. Lunch in the Commons might turn into a study session, a conversation with classmates or plans for an event later that evening.
For many first-year students, connection also happens through service. During the TCU Day of Service, students volunteered across Fort Worth. They cleaned parks, organized classrooms and created items for shelters and hospitals, often alongside people they had just met.
“For TCU's day of service, I served ASD (A School for children with Autism) to reorganize books, shelving, and storage closets. Our efforts helped to minimize extra work for the teachers at ASD so they can efficiently teach, without having the burden messy classrooms or closets. They were very thankful to have the assistance of our TCU group and showed their gratitude through a snack table prepared for us. Overall, this was a great experience to be a part of and I am glad that TCU was able to make an impact on an organization in the community!” - Madden Schmidt ’29, Business Administration
Others found meaning in smaller, hands-on projects.
“I spent hours braiding recycled T-shirts into dog toys for the Humane Society. It felt good knowing the animals would feel loved, and I loved doing something small but meaningful for someone in need.” - Kimberly Nguyen 29, Mechanical Engineering
Evenings: Traditions, Events and Belonging
As the day winds down, campus energy does not fade. It shifts. Students head to organization meetings, concerts, guest speakers or long-standing TCU traditions like the Christmas Tree Lighting or Pancake Palooza.
Many students say the key is simply showing up.
“Participating in campus events instead of just watching from the sidelines was energizing. Even when it felt uncomfortable at first, those moments helped me feel more confident and connected to the TCU community," said Charlie.
From cultural celebrations to leadership programs, students describe campus life as full of opportunities to explore interests, meet people and grow academically, socially and personally.
Looking Back and Forward
When first-year students reflect on their first weeks at TCU, they often talk about growth. Learning independence. Finding support. Realizing they are capable of more than they thought.
“Though my time at TCU is only starting, I’ve learned that I made the right choice. I wouldn’t be where I am now anywhere else.” - Pablo Lambreton Hervella 29, Business Administration & Finance
That feeling of reassurance mixed with excitement is what those early weeks are meant to spark.
Life at TCU is waiting. And it starts sooner than you think.