By now I'm sure every class of 2020 freshmen has heard a list of things they must know before stepping foot on UT's campus. They get it from friends, older siblings, parents, and even articles similar to this one. Sadly this list isn't really all that different from all the other ones you've already heard, but hopefully, you'll still find something helpful you didn't hear from somewhere else! So sit back and enjoy while this upperclassman (still coming to terms with that title) tries to give you the advice she wished she had heard two years ago.
1. When you hear the term "The Six Pack" it doesn't refer to a six-pack of your favorite soda.
At UT there are six buildings -- Batts Hall, Benedict Hall, Calhoun Hall, Mezes Hall, Parlin Hall and Homer Rainey Hall -- that line the South Mall leading up from the Littlefield Fountain (the big fountain on 21st Street with the horses) towards the Tower. Many students will have classes in one of these buildings, and you can even catch people lounging on the grass in the middle of the buildings in between classes. So when you hear the phrase "My next class is in the Six Pack" or "Meet me in the Six Pack" just head towards the big grassy lawn below the tower and you'll be good!
2. Follow the Instagram account 365thingsaustin.
There is literally always something going on in Austin. Whether it's free music events, cool deals at local yoga stops, or openings of new restaurants 365Austin will have the hookup. They post about such cool events every day, so follow them ASAP and don't miss out.
3. If you haven't yet, buy your ticket to this year's ACL Fest now.
One of a unique things about Austin is the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival, and trust me you won't want to miss this incredible weekend. Going into my freshman year, no one told me the entire city basically shuts down in order to attend the festival, so while all my friends went to the festival I stayed in my dorm and watched Netflix. Don't be me. Buy a ticket. Even if you're not able to find a weekend pass, get a day pass. Trust going at least one day is better than not going at all.
4. Set up a Bevo Bucks account.
If you live on campus, you will already be provided Bevo Bucks as part of your meal plan, so you're set! However, if you live in an off-campus dorm (like I did) one of the best things you can do is set up a Bevo Bucks account. Most, if not all, the restaurants on Guad (or The Drag) accept Bevo Bucks as well as the CVS on Guad and all the dining halls and restaurants on campus, so when you're tired of dorm food you have a way to buy food without diving into your bank account. I loved it so much, I still use them as a junior.
5. Join an organization.
OK, this one you've heard from just about everyone, but it truly is one of the best things you can do as freshmen. The University of Texas is huge, and there are thousands of students walking across its grounds every day. One of the easiest ways to make the huge campus feel smaller is by getting involved in some way. Whether that's joining a sorority or fraternity, running for student government, joining a spirit group, or finding a club that aligns with your interests find something that interests you and join! You'll begin to recognize faces and making friends will be a thousand times easier.
6. Download the app Tilt.
One of the apps most UT students will use is the app Tilt. With Tilt, users can organize events and pool money from friends for things like birthday parties, tailgates, club dues, concert tickets, t-shirt orders, etc. Along with a new feature that will allow users to pay individual people back for small amounts of money, Tilt is quickly becoming one of the most used apps on campus.
7. Download UT's very own app.
I'm sure your Orientation Advisors told y'all about this, but really this app is amazing. It has the bus system (pickups and drop-off locations and the times), your class schedule, events on campus for upcoming days, the sports schedule, and a map all within the app. Trust me the map and bus system will come to be one of your favorite things while you try and figure campus out.
8. Round Up is not a rodeo event.
Every spring, UT's Greek Life puts on a weekend long event called Round Up. Here the fraternities schedule acts to perform and the sororities will host food events at their houses with all proceeds going to their individual group's philanthropy. Hailing from a small town, my first thought was "why is UT having a rodeo event." LOL, I was so wrong. So whether you're a Greek student or not, go to Round Up, listen to awesome music, and dance the night away with your friends all while raising money for charity.
9. Go to a football game.
There is truly nothing like a Texas Longhorn football game. I'm not a big football fan, but even I can't deny that seeing Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium (or DKR) overflowing with fans decked out in burnt orange screaming "TEXAS FIGHT" every home game is a surreal experience. So even if you never go again, at least go to one football game your freshmen year. You'll regret not going to at least one by the time senior year rolls around and real life is knocking on the door.
10. Make use of the Career Advising Center in Jester.
I'm not sure about you, but freshmen me was clueless. I came with a major that I basically chose because I wanted to spend the rest of my life traveling, so when adults started asking me what I wanted to do with the rest of my life I was lost. Luckily UT has the Vick Center for Strategic Advising and Career Counseling that is open to all undergraduate students. So if you begin to question your major or the career you want out of your current major, go to the center located in Jester. You will be able to take personality and career tests that will begin to help you (as cheesy as it sounds) discover who you are. Going to the center the spring of my freshmen year became the decision that has essentially defined the rest of my college career. I found my current major, discovered a career path, and found a passion I didn't even know I had.
With school starting soon, you will be getting so much advice thrown your way you won't know which way is up. Whatever pieces of advice you choose to listen to, get ready for a whirlwind freshmen year. It will be over before you know it, so cherish every second.
