Why UT is the best university in Texas, the US, and probably the world

As an out-of-stater from New Jersey, I applied to Texas on a whim. After checking out myriad colleges up and down the East Coast, I was almost positive a small, private university in North Carolina would soon be my alma mater.

However, all plans changed upon visiting the University of Texas. Within five minutes, Austin stole my heart. Today, I’ve never been more proud to be at UT and cannot imagine spending the best four years of my life anywhere else. Here’s why.

We bleed orange

Every Texan is a Texan before they’re American, and UT is no different. Despite its size, UT possesses a sense of community unlike any other school. Pride and spirit radiate from every individual – the thousands of diverse students, faculty, visitors, staff, fans all united by a simple hand gesture and phrase “hookem”. Everyone at UT is genuinely proud to be a part of the experience and undoubtedly believes it is the best institution in the nation. Whether it’s minutes before a chemistry exam or at a bar downtown, “Texas Fight” will forever be a crowd pleaser. 

We live for challenge

When Niche published the 2016 list of top public universities in the nation, it was no surprise to us that the University of Texas at Austin was sitting proudly at the number one spot. There is no doubt that UT is academically rigorous across the board. UT students are united by their love of challenge and their craving for the sense of accomplishment that follows. Odds are every student has had more than their share of late nights caffeinating at the PCL, burying themselves in work and at times questioning their major. The endless hours of studying however, are rewarded on the walk home when one glance at the lit up tower reminds you what you’re a part of.

We embrace the southern lifestyle

With only seven percent out-of-state students, I was a nervous minority transitioning from the Jersey Shore to the Lone Star State. My fears quickly vanished as they were met with the most genuine southern charm and hospitality. I was definitely pleased yet a little confused when a stranger held open an automatic door for me during my first visit to Austin. I have come to fully embrace cowboy boots, light-wash jeans, country music at tailgates, and have accepted that “y’all” will inevitably slip into my vocabulary at times.

We love food

Whether it’s brunch dates at 24 Diner, breakfast tacos all day at El Chilito, chasing down food trucks, bottomless coffee and pastries at Mozart’s on Lake Austin, the food scene never disappoints. UT students will have likely experienced the inevitable 2am Kerbey Lane queso cravings or the sweet tooth that will only be satisfied with an ice cream sandwich from Moojos on Guad. One thing I know for sure is there will always be an endless list of places to try and weekly hole-in-the-wall discoveries.

We play hard

From the infamous Sixth Street downtown, game day tailgates, Zilker Park, frat parties featuring famous artists, cultural museums, late night karaoke, Barton Springs pool, to duck tours on the lake, Austin teems with adventure. Not only is there always something to do, but always something to do that you’ve never done before. UT offers the perfect balance between work and play as you’ll find numerous ways to stay sane and let loose through all the studying.

We prioritize our fitness

The physical challenges are just as rigorous as the mental ones. On any given day you can choose to push yourself during life changing yoga at Black Swan, go on a quick jog to the state capital, paddleboard on the lake with your best friends, experiment with a hip hop class at Ballet Austin, or maybe just lay poolside under the palm trees after a workout at Greg. Nothing compares to the feeling of a hike down the green belt on a random sunny, 75-degree day in the middle of the winter or the view of the city lights at night from Mount Bonnell after a steep climb.

We’re all about music

As someone who lives with headphones glued to their ears, I could not wait to move to the live music capital of the world. This past year I got to experience the craziness that is Austin City Limits music festival. From big shots like Drake and The Weeknd to the better-kept-secret artists like George Ezra and Ben Howard. Three days of nonstop live music and your most hipster outfits aka heaven. Aside from popular festivals like ACL and South by Southwest, chances are your favorite artist will make an appearance at the Frank Erwin Center right on campus like mine did last May (I love you @edsheeran). You’ll also come to appreciate the less well known, yet incredibly talented street artists and local cover bands downtown.

We take advantage of the opportunity

UT students are caught in a web of connections, whether its for a job, internship, or research opportunity thanks to the school’s size and dedicated staff and alumni. There’s no better location for UT than the unique, thriving, state capital. At UT, you have the opportunity to create yourself and meet the most incredible people. I would have never thought a few years back that I would be living in a sorority house with 50 of my sisters eager to participate in groundbreaking medical research. What starts here really does change the world.

Hookem’.