The University of Texas at Austin

I know you are hearing all about how big UT is and how big the classes are and how big campus is. All this might be a little intimidating and even scary for you! But no worries! There will certainly be one or two classes that you will have that are just humongous! But there are also other classes that aren’t that bad. The trick first is to join a FIG! They are programs that reserve smaller classes for students who sign up and you get to go to many classes with the same group of people. I am part of a program that is similar to a FIG called Gateway. That's where I met 5 of my really good friends! Also, it will help a lot if you use websites such as pick-a-prof because the student reviews and ratings are mostly accurate! This website allows you to search your class and the teachers who have taught it and it also gives you a breakdown (in %) of the grades that the professor has given. You don't want to get stuck with a professor that you could have avoided by using the website! Lastly, when you are finally in the classroom, I suggest you bring a laptop to take notes because the teacher talks really fast. However, if you are easily distracted then it’s not such a good idea. Also, I have also been told and learned from experience that reviewing your notes just 5 minutes every day will help you remember everything a lot better than waiting until the night before a test to cram! One last thing! Sit in front! That way,
1. the professor knows that you have been to class all semester long so if any issues arise, they are more likely to help you out
2. you won’t be distracted and
3. You can hear better!
Goodluck and have fun!

Because the university is so large, many undergrads will only have the chance to take large lecture classes for a few semesters. In these types of classes, it is up to the student to learn the material on his own. With classes this size, however, there are most likely always study groups for homework, tests, etc. Basically, the amount you learn is up to you.

The University of Texas at Austin (UT) was named a Public Ivy meaning that you can get a very good education at a public university. From my experience at UT, I believe that the title is well deserved. I am currently enrolled in the Cockrell School of Engineering, and I can tell you for sure that the faculty, staff, and resources here at the school are top-notch (My basis for comparison largely comes from my experience at the University of North Texas).

Of course, there are always those more general classes, also known as 'freshmen' courses, that are sometimes not always so great. Because the classes are so big for these courses, I think there is more of a disconnect between the students and teachers, but that's my opinion on it. These courses are the only reason why I have deducted a star from learning, but in the end as you get further along in your major, the professors do become a lot better.

There are a lot of different classes that they offer at UT tha tmight not be towards your degree but are fun and can count towards your elective courses. For instance, there's scubadiving, musical instrument classes, and physical education classes.
Aside from learning in the courses, there are over 900 student organizations on campus. There's practically an organization for everything - just think of it, and you'll find it.
Joining and organization is a great way to make new friends and learn new things. I joined a business organization and every week there is a different company that comes to the meeting and talks about their company and different jobs that are offered at the company. Plus, it helps to network with those companies to land an internship in the future.

Your professors are experts in their fields, and bring an exuberance to classes that were rare in high school classes. They also make sure to provide you with the tools to succeed and inspire you to continue learning even after the class is over.

The classes, while crammed full of information, are taught by exceptional professors who know how to teach. These professors work with you, taking time from their day and even making special arrangements to meet with you, to help you better understand everything you need to know and more. The professors are people who in their free time continue to explore their respective fields, and thus, teach from their actual experiences.

UT has so much to offer to every kind of student. UT has a balance between social opportunities and academic opportunities. With more than 40,000 undergraduate students, the school provides so much diversity.

As a student at the University of Texas at Austin, I have been afforded the opportunity to learn so much in the time that I have been here. I have met people from many walks of life and many different ethnic groups—many professors, teacher’s assistants, mentors, advisers, students, etc. As an African-American student, I have realized that culture is very important to me. I yearned to learn more. I have, since my entrance into the University, changed my major from Psychology to African/African-American Studies. Making this change was groundbreaking for me as it allows me to delve more into a lost culture of my own that I was not previously aware of. Participating in Ethnic Studies also lets me learn of other people’s art, literature, music, systems of beliefs, values and principles. I am now able to view the world with a more oppositional gaze contrary to the way I have been conditioned to see things. Many of these same professors, mentors, advisers and peers have had a great influence on me and have taught me so much throughout my journey thus far at UT Austin; not just academically, but socially, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. There are so many academic opportunities at UT to continue your academic growth. There is the University of Texas Learning Center (UTLC) where students are allowed a decent number of FREE tutoring hours with peers and upperclassmen who specialize in particular subjects. There is also the Undergraduate Writing Center (UWC) where students are allowed to meet with English/Rhetoric and Writing students, graduate students and instructors to get help with papers. Both of these resources have been of great help to me! Also, the Career Exploration Center is a very awesome resource to find out where you should go with your career or to figure out what career path to take. I have definitely been a regular attendee of said office. I have learned above all to utilize all of my resources!

I am not only learning a ton inside the classroom, but UT Austin teaches you skills outside academics as well. Professors may be brutal, but they teach you to get your work done on time and with exceptional quality or you'll suffer the consequences. They teach independence. They teach you to ask for help when you need it, which inadvertently teaches you that if you don't, your GPA will show it. I've learned to take initiative when I need help with something. I've learned to manage my time and stress. I've learned that working hard and not giving up on Physics, which I was near positive I would fail, will pay off, even if it was only with a C. I've learned to not concern myself with things I can't control, along with making the absolute best of the things I can. I've learned all of this, along with a solid semester of Calculus 2, Physics and Chemistry. I wouldn't trade it for the world!

The University of Texas at Austin has some of the best lectures in the world! It's surrounded by the wonderful Austin culture, and beautiful scenery. It's a tough and rigorous school, with loving teachers and friendly students.