Meet Cristine
It Only Took a Few Hours
It only took a few hours in Austin to know that I HAD to attend school here. My parents brought me to UT for my 17th birthday and it just happened to be during South by Southwest (the colossal music/film festival). The city seemed alive and I fell in love with it. When they brought me to campus, I was immediately comfortable, which I think is crucial to a successful college career. If you’re not comfortable where you’re living, then I think the transition from high school to college is a lot harder.
A Sense of Community
Even though it is a large campus, the sense of community is incredible. A lot of people say you become “just a number,” but I think the attention you need is definitely there.
A Positive Vibe
The school spirit here is amazing. Walking around campus, you get a really positive vibe off of the students. Everyone really loves our school and you can tell.
Cristine’s advice
On studying
Pace yourself. Don’t try to cram all your studying into one night. I know everyone says this but it’s beyond true. Don’t stress yourself out by waiting until the last minute.
On making friends
Be social! I’ve met some of the friendliest people in Austin by just saying hi. Look in your classes. Making friends in a class is not only nice, but essential. You already have one thing in common and it makes the class seem a bit easier when you have someone to study (or vent) with.
On what to wear and not to wear
Don’t dress up for class!! We live in Texas… and it is HOT. My suggestion to all incoming freshmen is to invest in comfortable clothing. You’ll be walking a whole lot and you might as well take it as easy on yourself as possible.
On what to do if you bring a car
I actually brought a car my first year on campus. I parked in Brazos parking garage (luckily!). If you do end up bringing a car (and it isn’t necessary), then get out and explore Austin. Make bringing your car worth it! I used any free time I had between classes and studying to explore the area and I loved every second of it.
Longhorn Lock-In
I had the opportunity to come to several UT events before I actually attended. My favorite one, though, was the Longhorn Lock-in. Experiencing a football game was absolutely amazing. The energy in the stadium was infectious. Before the end of the game my whole group was standing, singing and cheering along with the rest of the Longhorns.
UT Provides Support
UT provides a huge amount of help to their students. My FIG advisor, Richard Ribb, has been amazing at helping me out my first year. He doubled as our FIG coordinator and academic advisor. I can always shoot him an e-mail or stop by his office whenever I have questions concerning UT. He’s also pretty knowledgeable in the Austin live music scene!
A FIG Mentor
When I heard about the FIG program I really just wanted the guaranteed classes. Through the course of the semester, I met some really amazing people. I’m now a FIG mentor because I want my students to have the same awesome experience I did!
"Making friends in a class is not only nice, but essential."
An Easier Transition
I lived in a residence hall my first year — Moore-Hill. The residence hall council was extremely active and there was always something going on. We had pancake nights, movie nights, Club Mo-Hizzle, Mo-deo and tons more. It made the transition between home and UT so much easier.
Feels like Home
Visit campus. I can’t stress enough how important it is that you’re comfortable wherever you end up. Whether it is UT Austin or any other school, it should feel like a home to you.
Live Music Capital of the World
I absolutely LOVE live music. I spend a lot of time exploring Austin’s many music venues on the weekends. Austin doesn’t discriminate in genres either. I can go out and find an indie band one evening and a country band the next. I think the live music scene in Austin gives it such a vibrant feeling.
Texas Law
I plan on attending law school after I graduate. I hope to become a lawyer specializing in intellectual property law and media. My top school is Texas Law so I look forward to another four years living and establishing myself in Austin.
More about Cristine
Favorites
- Class: Rhetoric of Legal Representation
- Professor: Elspeth Palmer
- Study location off campus: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters—amazing coffee, amazing view!
- Place to eat near campus: Alamo Drafthouse—dinner and a movie, perfectly combined.
- Book: The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand (so influential)
What I love about Austin
The city is so youthful; everywhere you go there is such a good vibe. People are friendly and courteous. You never run out of things to do in Austin, whether you like live music (my personal favorite) or the outdoors! It’s amazing.
Want to Contact Cristine?
Send Cristine an e-mail at cardenasc@mail.utexas.edu.