MEET CHRIS
Name: Chris Modi
Hometown: Yorktown Heights, NY
Major: Government
Favorite place in Austin: Zilker Park
Starting a Student Organization
Chris is proud of the fact that he is one of the founding members of the Out-of-State Students Association.
“Like everything, the Out-of-State Students Association (OSSA) started out as just an idea. An idea brought about through casual talk among what would be the future founders, while on a boat trip on Lake Travis. Though we didn't know each other at the time, collectively we saw a need for an Out-of-State students group. OSSA was born that day, and has been growing ever since.”
OSSA is one of hundreds of organizations started by students who have identified a need for students to get together to share goals and ideas - or simply to get to know others with similar interests. You can find out more about student organizations, including how to start one of your own, from the Dean of Students Office.
One of the Most Diverse Places
With hundreds of options throughout the country, Chris found that although UT Austin may seem like a typical campus, it has much to offer someone looking for variety, diversity, and a uniquely beautiful setting.
“Physically, [the University of Texas at Austin] is a very traditional campus with grand buildings, green lawns and statues of great men. The best part of all is that if you look just south of campus, you can see the Texas Capitol, and the skyscrapers of downtown Austin. It's great contrast.
“Socially, UT is one of the most diverse places. Not just in terms of students, but also in terms of activities. You could easily choose a new activity every day for years, and not run out of new things to try. That’s one of the beauties of going to a big school with a lot of resources.”
And the city of Austin offers its own benefits for University students. According to Chris, “Zilker Park, Town Lake, and Lake Travis are great places to take advantage of the weather, which always seems to be 75 and beautiful. Everything I could ever think of doing is on or nearby campus, which is the best part of UT.”
Some Great Music
And for music lovers, the University of Texas at Austin offers the distinction of being in the heart of the “live music capital of the world.”
“You can go down any night of the week and listen to some great music. Sixth Street is a great place for weekends, if not to hit up the clubs and bars then to just see the massive amounts of people having a good time,” Chris said.
Shorts and Sandals Every Day
There's a lot to bring an out-of-state student to the University of Texas at Austin. As Chris puts it, “[I’d encourage someone to come to the University of Texas at Austin because of] the nationally ranked academic programs, the incredible value for your money, and a social scene that can't be beat.
“Oh yeah, and the weather! It doesn’t get much better than being able to wear shorts and sandals almost every day of the year.”
Updated 3 March 2006
