The 2026 Tarleton State new-student bucket list

BY LAUREN JESKEVIC 

Multimedia Journalist 

Starting college is about more than registering for classes, finding your classrooms and adjusting to a new routine. At Tarleton State University, it is the beginning of a new chapter filled with traditions, friendships, adventures and memories students will carry long after graduation. 

Whether you’re an incoming freshman or a current student looking for something new to do, this Tarleton bucket list will help you make the most of your time in Stephenville. 

The heart of the Tarleton experience lies in the legendary campus traditions, which serve as the best welcome for every new student's arrival. The energy begins with transition week, or T-Week, activities, which are designed to acclimate new students to the college environment. 

During the first week, jump into late-night block parties, lawn games and campus events designed to bring students together. It’s the perfect time to step outside your comfort zone, introduce yourself to someone new and maybe meet the friends you’ll be making memories with for the next four years. 

As the fall season unfolds, Homecoming Week is the best time to be involved with the massive bonfire, campus parade and attending Silver Taps to experience the deep unity Tarleton's student body upholds. 

While walking around campus, keep your eyes peeled for the Purple Poo. Spotting these masked figures could get you the opportunity to get a “Poo Sign.” To experience true Texan culture, throw on your boots and catch the Tarleton Rodeo team in action to witness firsthand why Stephenville proudly holds the title of Cowboy Capital of the World.  

When you step off campus, the town of Stephenville has a full lineup of the most charming spots. If you spend an afternoon wandering, browse the local clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, Tarleton merchandise and bookstore. Skip the fast food and visit some student-favorite restaurants like Buzzi's Pizzeria or sit down for a hearty homestyle meal at Greer's Cafe. 

If you need a change of scenery to study or grab a quick drink with classmates, Stephenville’s local coffee shop scene is top tier. King Coffee is the go-to spot when you need a quiet table, espresso and zero distractions for a great time to focus on your studies. For group project meetups, Lucky’s Coffee is widely known for its welcoming staff, cozy seating and creative specialty drinks. Meanwhile, Cold Smoke offers a laid-back local hub where you can sip quality cold brew and catch up on assignments outside the library walls.

If you're looking for a casual evening activity, right past the newly built Dairy Queen is a sweet 18-hole local mini golf course. With bright lights, great music and a relaxed outdoor setting, this is the best low-cost activity to do in your free time. 

When the weekend hits and you are ready for a quick road trip, you do not have to travel far to find unique activities. Right on campus, you can visit the Tarleton Planetarium inside the Lamar Johanson Science Building. They host regular, high-tech dome shows that take you on a visual journey through galaxies, constellations and deep space. 

For a full day outdoors, pack your gear and drive 40 minutes east to Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas. You can spend the morning hiking miles of scenic limestone trails and wading into the Paluxy Riverbed to stand directly in real, preserved dinosaur footprints embedded in the rock. Before heading back to Stephenville, stop by the historic downtown square of Glen Rose to grab lunch at a local cafe and explore the nearby shops. 

College goes by faster than we think. Before the late-night study sessions, final exams and graduation photos, take time to experience the moments that make Tarleton feel at home. Get out of your dorm, try something new, meet someone you wouldn’t normally talk to and start checking off your Tarleton bucket list. 

Four years from now, it will be the memories between classes that you remember most.