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I've lived in B/CS for almost 4 years. My husband and I moved here from Austin, which was quite the adjustment but wasn't awful (which we were expecting!) The Rec has some great rentals for outdoor activities. You're about 3 hours from the coast and decent beach camping. If you're willing to drive, you could head to Austin for some day hikes, further west to the Hill Country and have a great hike, or keep heading further west and you end up in some really secluded areas great for camping if you're chill with the wildlife and cactus. As far as immediate B/CS area...not much for hiking or trails and every lake requires payment to access. Downtown Bryan is actually a nice place to hang out though and you avoid the typical college scene. Bryan is also cheaper for rent and a million times better for traffic and driving. For kayaking or paddleboarding, go to Austin. 
 
We lived in the Presidio Apartments in Bryan with 2 dogs for 3 years. Very dog friendly but somewhat pricey and borders a sketchy area. That being said, it's gated and offers garage parking. It's about 3 miles from campus but convenient to everything. 

UW has funding to an extent but you have to seek it out. It's my understanding that you can typically seek TA positions in other departments at most schools, which at least gets a tuition waiver and stipend.