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!
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I love the University of Texas at Austin! It is in the State Capitol city of Texas. Austin is a place filled with much culture (e.g.: music, art, food, etc.) Even with school being the first priority while I am in Austin, I am able to encounter this culture and diversity daily because of the multiplicity of the kinds of people who teach, attend and visit the University. I have had the chance to explore new music here at the University of Texas—specifically a class I took at the University called “Jazz Appreciation.” As cliché as it may sound, I left with a sincere appreciation and love for jazz and many other types of music. I have also met many people and I have been to my share of gatherings with friends. It is important to go out and have fun—places like 6th Street, South Congress, Guadalupe, even the movie theater are awesome places to get out and get your mind off of school for a bit and relax. Try new restaurants, bars, or even just walk around Austin to see what awesome things you can encounter. College is not all about learning in the classroom, but also among others in fun, social gatherings outside of class.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
I would say that the University of Texas is definitely worth the cost. You definitely get the bang for your buck. Though it can seem pricey with personal and state financial issues, there are so many opportunities that help to fund this awesome Longhorn experience (i.e.: Federal Financial Aid, Appily.com, University issued scholarships, etc.) UT Austin helps to provide its students with the best educational and social experiences possible with as many financial opportunities possible. There is even an Annual Giving Center on the campus where students, including myself, work to call alumni, Texas parents, etc. to seek help in fundraising efforts to help students fund schooling, research, internships, study abroad, etc. Just knowing that the University cares this much to help its students, I would say that whatever we as students would be left to pay is definitely worth it for a University that genuinely attentive to its students. The University offers Special Speakers Series—a free series of lectures and speakers where reputable speakers, professors, scholars and authors such as Maya Angelou, Gary M. Lavergne, and Shirin Ebadi come to present information and panel discussions to instructors and students alike. There is also the UT Theater where every week there is a film shown in the UT Theater for students for free! These along with the previously named academic resources are just a couple of the many events, opportunities and activities that the University puts on for its student body. Most definitely a bang for your buck!
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
1. VISIT!!! To truly find out if it is for you, be sure to visit as much as you can before making your decision! See if you can stay for a weekend. This will help with your decision making.
2. Ask questions! As many as possible! Never be afraid if you do not know something. People at the University want to help you! Let them
3. Apply for scholarships and as much free money as possible. Do not allow the fear of not getting these opportunities steer you from trying. There are so many opportunities for you to pay for school and enjoy such a University as Texas.
4. Be open to new things. There is so much you can learn and gain from those around you. Learn of others and teach others of you and your culture along the way. You will be amazed by how much the exchange of culture, information, love and knowledge will impact you, others and the campus as a whole.
5. Join organizations, clubs, etc. It is very important to stay involved with the University. There are so many things you can do! Of course there are Greek organizations, but there are also ministries, awareness groups, societies for academics, government and even vegans who like hugs! There is something for everyone. Do not let the fear of not being accepted keep you from getting involved. You will be surprised how much people have in common with you.
6. Do not spend all of your Dine-In Dollars and Bevo Bucks your first semester there! You will be sad and calling home for money if you do not learn how to balance you funds. Trust me, I KNOW! There are resources such as Bevonomics that help students financially who live on and off campus.
7. Utilize the “Profiler” in order to find a roommate(s) suited for you. It is very important to get along with your roommate(s). Having a healthy relationship with the person(s) you live with is important for you to have healthy relationships with others. There are definitely Residential Assistants that help with these kinds of problems. There is the Counse...
Which types of students will excel at your college?
EVERYONE! Though UT is big, there are ways to make the community around you small by getting involved with clubs, groups and organizations. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, there is something for you. You will eventually break out of your shell and get to know others and more importantly yourself more.
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 love the University of Texas at Austin! It is in the State Capitol city of Texas. Austin is a place filled with much culture (e.g.: music, art, food, etc.) Even with school being the first priority while I am in Austin, I am able to encounter this culture and diversity daily because of the multiplicity of the kinds of people who teach, attend and visit the University. I have had the chance to explore new music here at the University of Texas—specifically a class I took at the University called “Jazz Appreciation.” As cliché as it may sound, I left with a sincere appreciation and love for jazz and many other types of music. I have also met many people and I have been to my share of gatherings with friends. It is important to go out and have fun—places like 6th Street, South Congress, Guadalupe, even the movie theater are awesome places to get out and get your mind off of school for a bit and relax. Try new restaurants, bars, or even just walk around Austin to see what awesome things you can encounter. College is not all about learning in the classroom, but also among others in fun, social gatherings outside of class.
I would say that the University of Texas is definitely worth the cost. You definitely get the bang for your buck. Though it can seem pricey with personal and state financial issues, there are so many opportunities that help to fund this awesome Longhorn experience (i.e.: Federal Financial Aid, Appily.com, University issued scholarships, etc.) UT Austin helps to provide its students with the best educational and social experiences possible with as many financial opportunities possible. There is even an Annual Giving Center on the campus where students, including myself, work to call alumni, Texas parents, etc. to seek help in fundraising efforts to help students fund schooling, research, internships, study abroad, etc. Just knowing that the University cares this much to help its students, I would say that whatever we as students would be left to pay is definitely worth it for a University that genuinely attentive to its students. The University offers Special Speakers Series—a free series of lectures and speakers where reputable speakers, professors, scholars and authors such as Maya Angelou, Gary M. Lavergne, and Shirin Ebadi come to present information and panel discussions to instructors and students alike. There is also the UT Theater where every week there is a film shown in the UT Theater for students for free! These along with the previously named academic resources are just a couple of the many events, opportunities and activities that the University puts on for its student body. Most definitely a bang for your buck!
1. VISIT!!! To truly find out if it is for you, be sure to visit as much as you can before making your decision! See if you can stay for a weekend. This will help with your decision making. 2. Ask questions! As many as possible! Never be afraid if you do not know something. People at the University want to help you! Let them 3. Apply for scholarships and as much free money as possible. Do not allow the fear of not getting these opportunities steer you from trying. There are so many opportunities for you to pay for school and enjoy such a University as Texas. 4. Be open to new things. There is so much you can learn and gain from those around you. Learn of others and teach others of you and your culture along the way. You will be amazed by how much the exchange of culture, information, love and knowledge will impact you, others and the campus as a whole. 5. Join organizations, clubs, etc. It is very important to stay involved with the University. There are so many things you can do! Of course there are Greek organizations, but there are also ministries, awareness groups, societies for academics, government and even vegans who like hugs! There is something for everyone. Do not let the fear of not being accepted keep you from getting involved. You will be surprised how much people have in common with you. 6. Do not spend all of your Dine-In Dollars and Bevo Bucks your first semester there! You will be sad and calling home for money if you do not learn how to balance you funds. Trust me, I KNOW! There are resources such as Bevonomics that help students financially who live on and off campus. 7. Utilize the “Profiler” in order to find a roommate(s) suited for you. It is very important to get along with your roommate(s). Having a healthy relationship with the person(s) you live with is important for you to have healthy relationships with others. There are definitely Residential Assistants that help with these kinds of problems. There is the Counse...
EVERYONE! Though UT is big, there are ways to make the community around you small by getting involved with clubs, groups and organizations. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, there is something for you. You will eventually break out of your shell and get to know others and more importantly yourself more.