University of Texas Reviews

I lived in West campus the last...

I lived in West campus the last three years of college. It was so convenient. Unfortunately, if you want to find a good place, you have to start looking before New Year’s. Go to www.taa.org to check out Management before you rent. Ely Properties managed my first two places, and they tried to screw us out of our deposit. If your management tells you anything that sounds funny, check with TAA or one of the Law professors to see if it’s true. Also, if you ask to be present during the final inspection, they have to arrange a time so you can be there . . . it’s the law, no matter what they say. I lived in University Gardens last year, and the management was great and prompt.

Housing off campus is convenient,...

Housing off campus is convenient, but pricier if you want to live within walking distance. Sometimes you run into problems with realtors and apartment management companies, such as Campus and Central Properties.

West Campus is pretty expensive...

West Campus is pretty expensive because it’s so close to everything. However, you can find many equally nice places farther away, and then just take the bus. UT students can ride all Metro buses for free with their student ID.

The campus has a great bus system...

The campus has a great bus system for on and off campus. However, Austin is very congested and parking is a luxury at a big expense.

I still haven't figured out the...

I still haven't figured out the bus system here honestly, but those who use it often say that it's not too bad. This city really depends on buses, so if you put enough time into figuring out where you need to go, then you will get there without a problem.

It's really easy to find an...

It's really easy to find an apartment close to campus, but that comes with an expensive price. With the good bus system, I would be a couple blocks farther away and save thousands. Everyone should at least check out some apartments after their first semester to see if its right for them.

During popular hours, the computer...

During popular hours, the computer labs are crowded and this can make it really difficult to find access to a decent computer. Most definitely bring your own laptop and you won't regret it.

Bring your own laptop. I guess...

Bring your own laptop. I guess it's not the end of the world if you can't get one, but so much correspondence relies on the professors' daily communication with the class that I would be very bothered to have to find access to a computer so frequently. The Wi-Fi is really fast, just really expensive as well. It is well worth it though, with all the studying that you will hopefully be doing.

For the most part, the teachers...

For the most part, the teachers are awesome. Teachers keep my interest, even in the eight o’clock classes. Dr. Brandl in the business school is a great lecturer, so much so that he got a standing ovation the last day of class. Most of my classes are interesting, but there are some that make me feel like I’m back in high school again. The good ones open my eyes to new perspectives about the world around me.

Austin is a laid-back place with...

Austin is a laid-back place with lots of different things to do. There are other schools here, but they don’t matter. There are a million things to visit in and around Austin.

Austin is a really laid-black town...

Austin is a really laid-black town with stuff for everyone. There’s always something going on every night of the week if you want it.

Security is decent, but Guadalupe...

Security is decent, but Guadalupe is scary at night. I try to walk with a boy or a group of girls after dark.

It’s so diverse that all the...

It’s so diverse that all the groups generally tend to keep to themselves. It’s not uncommon to hear conversations in Spanish, German, Japanese, or Korean while riding the bus or walking across campus.

This is a very liberal campus. Not...

This is a very liberal campus. Not everyone is white and Republican in Austin. There is plenty of ethnicity.

The push for diversity seems to be...

The push for diversity seems to be creating a more segregated campus. The recruitment of minorities is unnecessary and counterproductive. They force difference in race down our throats, while trying to convince us that we’re one big happy family.

The guys are laid-back, and the...

The guys are laid-back, and the only reason I go to campus anymore is to see all the hot girls walk around in tank tops. I love warm Texas weather.

I can’t remember the last time I...

I can’t remember the last time I was walking around UT and didn’t see a hot guy. They are everywhere. With about 25,000 men running around, you are bound to find a cute one! Many days, I am overwhelmed with the hotness around me in my classes, but that usually means I’ll go, so that helps me out.

The girls are the hottest in...

The girls are the hottest in Texas. All my friends that attend other universities and come to visit me simply gawk whenever they are on campus. It doesn’t get any better. Your odds aren’t too bad, either, with approximately 25,000 college-aged women within walking distance. You can’t strike out every time.

San Jacinto is considered by most...

San Jacinto is considered by most to be the best on-campus place to live. It has a great location and big, clean rooms. It’s a little like a hospital with the set-up, but it’s probably the best on-campus spot.

I didn’t live in an on-campus...

I didn’t live in an on-campus dorm, but I’ve heard that Jester is bad, and San Jacinto is good. I lived in University Towers off campus on 24th Street, and it looks and feels like a gigantic prison. It’s apartment-style, but it’s a dorm. All the staff there, except for the RAs are a$$holes, which is probably why nobody lives there anymore.

Jester sucks. Prather is quiet as...

Jester sucks. Prather is quiet as hell, but you can get away with anything there. Moore-Hill is similar. Live in either Towers or Castilian because you’ll have the most fun and you will meet more people there. Get an apartment on West campus after freshman year.

Jester Center has a funky smell to...

Jester Center has a funky smell to it, but you get used to after a while. San Jacinto is the lap of luxury, but it’s more isolated.

Basically you want to live in an...

Basically you want to live in an off-campus dorm. They are literally across the street from campus, so it’s like living on campus, but in a much, much nicer place. Try the Castilian, Dobie, or Towers. They actually don’t cost that much more than living on campus.

Jester is the ‘scary dorm,’ but...

Jester is the ‘scary dorm,’ but it’s not that bad (if you don’t have a community bath). San Jacinto is really quiet. For private dorms, the Castilian rocks. Towers is cool, but definitely a party spot. Then you have some good all-girls dorms; SRD, and Hardin House—a.k.a. sorority central.

For girls, if you live in a coed...

For girls, if you live in a coed setting, it is much easier to make guy friends. If you are living in an all-girls dorm, your main option for meeting guys is in a party atmosphere. That lends itself more to a dating or hooking up scenario rather than to a friend situation. It is harder to get to know guys on a friend level at parties. However, when you live with them in your dorm, you can make some great guy friends. This should actually work for guys making girl friends, as well.