Choose to study in Corpus Christi and you can spend weekends playing in and around the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Take fishing trips out on the bay, try scuba diving or windsurfing, or go on camping or glamping trips with friends. The area’s home to stretches of stunning barrier islands and beaches, like the peaceful sandy shores of Padre Island or the buzzing beaches of Mustang Island.

If watersports and adventure leaves you hungry you won’t have a problem finding somewhere great to fill up as the city’s packed with superb places to eat. Take your pick from fresh local seafood with waterfront views at Yardarm Restaurant, or Southern comfort food. You can’t go past the ribs and brisket at Rudy’s Country Store & BBQ.

Get out of the heat and explore the city’s cultural side with trips to the Art Center, the Art Museum of South Texas, or do something different and join a yoga class at the Texas Surf Museum. There’s a monthly ArtWalk to see what local artists have been working on, and you can follow it up with pastries and fresh coffee at Hester’s Café.

Plan evenings out dancing at gigs at places like local institution, House of Rock. Catch a concert at the Concrete Street Ampitheater or see a play at Aurora Arts Theater. Wrap up your weekends with long walks on the beach as you gather your thoughts and prepare for the week ahead. Stop and grab a drink from places like Snoopy’s and watch the sun set over the water.