Welcome to Cowtown: What to do in your first week in Fort Worth

Calling college co-eds — this easy guide with places to eat, shop, explore, and play will help you feel like a local in your new town.

A circular water fountain feature with three horn-shaped sculptures spew water in front of a four-story tan brick building with lettering that reads "Scharbauer Hall" on TCU campus.

The local universities aren’t the only things that make Fort Worth fun. | Photo by FTWtoday

Table of Contents
Eat

It’s officially college move-in season, and we want to say “Welcome to Cowtown” to our new arrivals at TCU, Texas Wesleyan, and TCC — and anyone else starting a new chapter in Fort Worth. Whether you grew up far away or already call Fort Worth home, we are so excited you’re here.

We understand that starting school is a lot of change at the same time and taking on the 12th largest city in the country can feel a bit overwhelming. We put together an ultimate City Guide to help you out in your first few weeks. These articles also contain interactive maps to help you get your bearings — soon, you’ll be navigating Panther City like a pro.

Don’t forget to bookmark this page, subscribe to our free, daily newsletter, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok for everything 817.

Brunch

For when the cafeteria isn’t cutting it. | Photo by FTWtoday

Eat

We don’t know about you, but trying to unpack and cook is a no-go. Fuel up for any meal:

FTW-Clearfork Farmers Market

Stock up on Saturdays for the whole week. | Photo provided by The Clearfork Farmers Market

Shop

Time to stock up. Find fresh food for your pantry and unique, discounted home goods for your new apartment or dorm:

FTW-gateway-park-bridge

Campus is beautiful, but so are the many natural parks around town.

Photo provided by the City of Fort Worth

Explore

Your world doesn’t have to stop at the edge of campus — save these off-campus study spots for when the library is packed and get out and about with these:

Dickies Arena

Keep an eye open for student tickets and discounts. | Photo via @arcpointstudios

Play

With a couple more weeks until football season, you’re going to need something to do besides homework. Take a peek at these:

Students — we hope your next four years are wonderful + you come to love Fort Worth as much as we do. Faithful readers — help us welcome the new arrivals by sharing this article with a friend.

More from FTWtoday
Your home, your favorite coffee shop, and your daily commute aren’t just written in the skyline — they may be written in the stars.
On Saturday, May 2, Fort Worth voters will cast their ballots on six bond propositions, and we’re breaking down the major projects totaling $845 million.
Come early 2027, we will say goodbye to Fort Worth’s “flying saucer” arena — with memories of the venue submitted by readers like you.
Lend a helping hand at the local organizations to volunteer or give back to in Fort Worth.
From tickets to parking to events, we have your full list of Mayfest must-dos.
Huzzah — today, we’re traveling ~30 miles south of Dallas to an English-inspired village, where the only responsibility is merriment.
Did you know the largest honey brand in the US is based right here in North Texas? We have the sweet details on local honey brands you can try that are sourced from Texas bees.
The city has an opportunity for youth ages 17-22 to apply for part-time, paid summer positions.
Plus, where to take those perfect spring photos.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.