What To Know as a Transfer Student at UT Austin

Congratulations on becoming a Longhorn!

No matter where you’re coming from or how long it took you to get here, an acceptance to UT Austin is a wonderful gift that you undoubtedly worked hard to receive. But after your initial excitement dies down, reality starts to sink in. Questions about finding housing, meeting friends, where to eat, and more might arise as you consider all the possibilities that come with transferring to a new college. Luckily, as a second-year transfer from UTSA, I’m here to help!

Where Will I Live?

Finding housing at UT is infamously difficult. Living in a dorm is borderline impossible for transfer students, as they are primarily inhabited by freshmen and require extremely early and precise action to secure—something that’s often hindered by receiving your admission decision in mid-June. Thus, most transfers (such as myself) opt to live in an apartment. Apartments are easily the most popular housing choice for UT students. Walking around West Campus, you’ll see apartment buildings as far as the eye can see, which can make your selection feel stressful. Thankfully, sources like Reddit are helpful to see what real students have to say about different buildings, so you can narrow down your list with ease. Checking the Google reviews for the complexes you’re considering is also a must, as people are normally very vocal about their experiences—both good and bad.

How Will I Meet People?

Initially, I felt very intimidated by the idea of having to make a whole new set of friends when I got to UT. I missed the connections I’d made at UTSA and felt like the perpetual “new kid,” like I was stuck in a time loop of my freshman year awkward phase.

Luckily, I found University of Texas students to be exceedingly kind and welcoming, making my transition easy. The first way you can find friends when you transfer is to strike up a conversation with another student wherever you are. Class, the bus, campus restaurants, and the dining hall are all prime options to simply say hello and build a new connection. Even if every student doesn’t become your forever friend, you’ll appreciate the exercise in confidence and putting yourself out there.

If you’re able to meet the signup deadline before the semester begins and want an instant group of supportive friends and an immediate pathway to a semester full of fun experiences, rushing a fraternity or sorority is a fantastic option.

After classes have started, your next best option for building your social circle is joining orgs and clubs, which UT has no shortage of. You can find out about these through sources like HornsLink and by walking down Speedway while the organizations are tabling. You’ll be able to speak with current members and easily gain essential knowledge about the programs.

Where Will I Eat?

One of my favorite parts of attending the University of Texas is the surrounding food scene. The dining halls on campus, like Jester and San Jacinto, serve excellent food—even upscale cuisine like steak every once in a while.

However, if you’re like me and chose not to have a meal plan, you’ll most likely find yourself surviving on a fusion of frozen meals, simple breakfasts, on-campus coffee and snacks, and the occasional restaurant visit.

HEB, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart all have locations close to campus for grocery shoppers and home cookers. If you’re in between classes looking for a quick, affordable bite, Union Coffee (which is actually a Starbucks—don’t be fooled by the name!), Chick-fil-A, and Texas Expresso are my favorite places to stop.

When you have a little extra cash and want to treat yourself, the Rio Grande street food trucks are a close and walkable option for students who didn’t bring their car to school. If you have reliable transportation, spots like Mian & Bao, Chili’s, Sip Pho, and Shake Shack are all student favorites. More affordable options include Cabo Bob’s, P. Terry’s, and Sprouts Farmers Market, where you can find $4.99 customizable sandwiches that you can upgrade to a meal for just $1 more.

How Is The Coursework?

Simply put, UT is hard. Sitting as the #1 public university in Texas, if you’re coming from a smaller school, you may find yourself quickly overwhelmed. I know I felt this way when I came from UTSA, where the classrooms were smaller and I was taking introductory-level classes.

Studying will be a big part of your life as a Longhorn, but finding study tactics that work for you will be the key to your success. Some people prefer to find a silent area of the Perry-Castañeda Library for full focus, while others prefer to hang out in a coffee shop with friends while they work. It’s perfectly acceptable to study pretty much anywhere on campus, and you can turn your homework into a fun adventure by picking a different corner of UT each day.

Despite that, many students still have trouble managing their stress when the work starts to pile up. If this happens to you, take a moment to breathe, step away from your studies, and regulate your surroundings, thoughts, and emotions. Allow yourself a small break to take a walk around the 40 Acres, meet up with a friend, or just relax in bed until you feel ready to tackle the assignment.

How Can I Navigate My Way Around Campus?

After you’ve settled into your apartment, one of the most beneficial things you can do for your future Longhorn self is practice your walk to your classes a few times. Whether you print out a physical map or use an online service like Apple Maps—which also works between buildings on campus—knowing your way on foot is essential.
Once you get this down, if you don’t have a car with a UT parking pass, your next best option when you don’t want to walk to class is the CapMetro bus. Free for all students with a UT ID card, the bus is a reliable way to get around campus. You can find out information about your best route and bus stop from the front desk at your apartment building.

I recommend being at your bus stop significantly earlier than the time your class starts—especially if you live farther from campus like I do.

Change can be scary. Transferring to UT Austin can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to explore a new campus, make new friends, and grow as a student. Remember, thousands of students have made this transition before you, and you are more than capable of doing it too. Every challenge you face will make you a stronger, more capable Longhorn. Use your resources, step out of your comfort zone, and stay curious! Welcome to UT!