University of Texas--Austin | Student Reviews | Best College

Student Profile

Amanda

Class: Sophomore
Major: Business
Gender: F

High School: Cypress Falls High School
Transfer Student: N

Big Picture

UT's campus has a lot to offer. You just have to be motivated and make the effort to take advantage of it. It's harder when you live off campus, like I do/did in the Castilian. As much as I liked my dorm, I wasn't in the middle of campus and I was always just a bit lazy. Of course, I made a great group of friends from my dorm. There are a lot of events that go on every week, with flyers marketing them. Make an effort now and then to read and look at one - I did. And the events are really great. Texas Revue in the spring is really fun to go to. The drag is really great, but you do get tired of it after one Semester. Also, make sure you have pockets of cash. Eating out as a student is really appealing and the Drag has a lot to offer, but that money adds up at the end of the week, and the month...and before you know it $100 is down the drain and you don't know how. So when you go into a restaurant and see a table of people your age all ordering water, they are definitely college students. My friends and I started spending a lot of time on congress, going up that hill. There are a lot of funky little shops. It's just nice way to kill a quiet, calm, and gorgeous evening.

Academic Life

If you have a class you really enjoy going to, try to get to know the teacher. Class participation is usually shy, and with an encouraging professor that can change. If it doesn't, DON'T be afraid to speak up and ask questions. You're not incompetent. Half the kids are probably wondering the same question, and if they're not, you only did them a favor. In my economic classes, I would always ask questions and I loved that when I got an answer, everyone in my class would write it down. See, if I hadn't asked it, they wouldn't have that little bit of knowledge. It's a little ***y but, class participation is really valuable - and your questions and inquiries have value too. In all honesty, I've never been one to procrastinate. I made an effort not to pick up that habit also. And so far I'm pretty successful. WORK FIRST, PLAY LATER. It's difficult, but when you finally get to play, it's SO MUCH MORE FUN because you don't have those obligations and burdens boggin' you down. Course material really depends on the professor. It's not bad if you can manage your time well. See above. Be assertive in class, but not annoying.

Student Body

I like the diversity here. So there's not much to do. You'll always be able to find a group or organization, or at least three other people who have the same values as you. Just look around. I can't tell what's prevalent in terms of demographics.