Meet Tayler
Touring UT and Austin
My mom made me visit the UT campus the summer before my senior year in high school because she knew it would be perfect for me…and she was right. My friend who went to the University showed me around and then my mom and I toured Austin for the rest of the day. I wish I would’ve done an official visit or met with an admissions counselor at the time, but my impromptu visit seemed to do the trick anyway.
Bigger and Better
One of my favorite experiences was probably “Gone to Texas.” It’s an event for new freshmen and it takes place the night before classes start. It’s basically just a huge party with free food, free t-shirts, free everything! The Tower is lit orange and different organizations perform for everyone. I met a lot of people from my college and met up with some of my new friends I had made at orientation. It was a lot of fun and it was the first thing that made me feel like a true Longhorn. It was the start to my UT career right on the Main Mall with the other 7,000 freshmen. It lived up to the saying that everything is bigger and better in TEXAS!
Tayler's tips
Studying
It’s really all about time management. Everyone receives a syllabus on the first day of class and it is usually broken up by each day and tells you when everything is due, what you’re reading assignments are, when you’re tests are, etc. It’s a great tool to help you stay on top of your school work because once you get behind, it’s really hard to catch up. So if you see in one week that you have two tests and a paper, try getting your paper written a week or two before so that during the week you can study for your tests.
Making friends
Don’t go home!! Your parents may be sad for a little while but it really is beneficial for you to stay in Austin, especially the first month. I’m not saying that you should never go home, but the more you leave, the more opportunities you'll miss out on to make friends and be involved. Which brings me to my next piece of advice - join something! It doesn’t have to be a big thing or take up a lot of your time, but the best way to meet people is to find something to be a part of whether it’s an organization or job on campus. It also helps create school spirit and makes UT feel like more than just school. UT really is its own culture and community, so find ways to get involved.
What to wear
Have a good pair of walking shoes. I found that my flip flops that I thought were so comfortable weren’t so comfortable after walking around campus. I think the main thing is to be comfortable and dress for all types of weather. It may be 100 degrees outside, but it’s probably around 60 degrees in the classroom. I carry a jacket everywhere with me just in case.
My Home
I think the biggest thing that made UT feel like home was that I made it my home. This meant not going home on the weekends very often and instead staying in Austin, going to different events, and making friends. I took the attitude that this was going to be my home for at least the next four years. Once I had a friend base and my favorite places to hang out in Austin, it really started to feel like home. Eventually, when I would visit my hometown, I found myself homesick for Austin!
No Regrets
I love the city of Austin! It has many options for outdoor activities as well as a great music and theatre scene. I can rock climb during the day and see a show at night! It’s perfect. UT itself is also just a great school. Sport Management is a really good program with wonderful professors. I grew up an OU fan, but once I found Austin, I was hooked! I’ve never regretted becoming a Longhorn.
Staying True to Who I Am
When I first came to UT I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to find a church anywhere, but my view changed very quickly. There are so many churches and organizations in the UT area that you can really find your best fit. I was afraid everyone would be completely different from me, but I feel there is a good mix of people from everywhere. And the best part is that everyone is really respectful of your ideas, beliefs, and opinions. I’ve been able to stay true to who I am while learning about different cultures and religions.
After Graduation
After I graduate I have thought about taking some time off and going on a long-term mission trip somewhere. If I do that, after I return I would like to work as an event coordinator/planner for a sports organization such as the Olympics or the PGA. I really enjoy planning and organizing and like the idea of helping put on a huge event. I’m really looking forward to putting my skills and knowledge I’ve learned at UT into practice. I also hope that I will be able to live in different areas and travel around the world.
More about Tayler
Clubs/Organizations
Favorites
- Study location on campus and off campus: On campus - Flawn Academic Center (FAC); Off campus – Mozart's
- Place to eat near campus: Potbelly
- Books: Harry Potter series, The Giver, Pride and Prejudice
- Movies: Gladiator, Moulin Rouge, and The Prestige
- Thing about Austin: The Greenbelt! It’s an awesome area a short drive from downtown where I can go rock climbing or hiking along the trails. It’s a great way to spend your afternoon outdoors. And after that I can head on over to Halcyon downtown for some tableside s’mores! They bring everything to your table and you can roast your marshmallows right there! It’s a great little Austin-y place to visit.