Paradise- School gets in the way sometimes . . .

Introduction
To out of state prospectives:
Do not be discouraged by the overwhelming percentage of in state students. They keep it that way by law, but Texas is a huge state so even though the vast majority of the students are Texan the student body is anything but homogenous.
Going to UT was probably the best decision I've made yet. The education I am getting is invaluable, and the social life is insanely perfect.

Campus Life and Social Life
5 Best things- in no particular order:
- Sports
- 6th Street . . . Bars, Clubs and Bars
- Music, ACL
- Greek Life
- AUSTIN
The sports are crazy, and the Longhorn fans have been so their entire lives.
6th Street and downtown- if you're 21 (or have an ID) you have access to a 2 mile long street full of nothing but bars! There are also 18+ clubs
There is always something going on in the greek scene, whether its a theme party or bringing in Snoop Dogg they are always fun.
The school is so big that there are about 5 thousand different clubs to join.
Some of the dorms are small and prison like but there are many new ones and the private ones are unreal (suites- own bathrooms etc.)
The negative thing about the social life is that people usually find their niche and stay in their bubbles. Advertisement
Academics
Balancing work and social life at school is definately do able. I'm in my second year and have gotten great grades while going out atleast 3 nights a week.

The students here work hard and play even harder. The libraries are always packed, but so are the bars- so whatever you decide to do with your tuesday or thursday night- you're in good company.

Actually thats a lie. Thursday nights the libraries would be empty. Many students try to avoid classes that meet on fridays.

There are many honors programs available so take advantage of these if you want the extra challenge! The professors that teach these honors courses are tenured and the class sizes are smaller (intro to soc could be taken with 22 people instead of 300). Professors in general are extremely willing to meet with students and love when visited at office hours, as many students don't do so until right before finals. I have had amazing professors in classes I thought I would hate, which made me love the courses, and the reverse situation as well. TA's vary significantly. I have an english TA from last year who still will edit my papers but have had TA's that barely speak english at all. Its a crapshoot.

As for the workload, its heavy but extremely fair. I work and study extremely hard but the hard work almost always pays off. Your school and major will dictate your workload. Education majors have about 1/4th the workload as those going pre med. Go figure.

Student Body
Most of the students are from Texas, and are attractive- although no one really cares what people wear on campus. Everyone is laid back- most girls wear their workout gear or skirts (anything to stay cool) and a lot of the guys are in t shirts or polos. Laid back is the key word, which makes life easy as everyone gets along well, helps eachother out. I love my fellow students and school isn't competitive- everyone is there to do well and have a good time and Texans are always friendly. There is a lot of money at UT but students don't show it off. well done kids.
NOTE to out of staters: Most students will think it exceptional that you came all the way from _______ to go to UT. This may be because they and everyone else they know have always wanted to go to UT and they assume that people from all other states want to stay in their state as well . . . hmmm. Although Austin is an extremely liberal city, many students that go to UT are extremely conservative (its Texas) but they adjust accordingly.

In Closing...
The University of Texas is a dream, the people are always friendly, the weather is always nice, there is always something to do and school is tough but enjoyable. Austin in itself could be a reason to go to UT. There is so much to see and do here. Some people love New York, some people hate it; same thing with LA. I have never met a person that didn't love Austin. So, if you can get in- by all means GO.