<p>I'm going to be a freshman next year- should I go with the UT dorms or private (probably Castilian) dorms?</p>
<p>If you can still get a housing contract, I would strongly recommend the on campus dorms. They are incredibly convenient and the food is MUCH better than those off campus.</p>
<p>Speaking from experience, I spent a lot less money eating out when I lived in the dorms, and I find myself wishing I could go back to the convenience of having food ready whenever I’m hungry!</p>
<p>However, if you are interested in living on campus, I would definitely apply for a contract by the end of the week. Space fills up extremely fast and if you wait too long you may not have the option to live on campus.</p>
<p>What dorms should I stay in then? I just applied for a contract yesterday, so I won’t get San Jac or Duren. What are my best possible options?</p>
<p>Check out the Residential First-Year Interest Group (FIG) Program. [Residential</a> FIGs | School of Undergraduate Studies](<a href=“http://www.utexas.edu/ugs/fig/resfigs]Residential”>http://www.utexas.edu/ugs/fig/resfigs)</p>
<p>If you’re looking to be in a very social dorm that puts you close to a lot of class buildings, the gym, the football stadium, and the library, then I would definitely recommend Jester. The majority of freshman end up living there.</p>
<p>Jester is a good choice. I had a lot of friends stay in Moore Hill as well. That’s a really social dorm, but they’re also pretty tight knit. (i.e. they would get together and play Ultimate or Soccer frequently) </p>
<p>I’ve never been in the other dorms nearby (Prather, and another one?) But they looked nice too. I was suggest that if you’re a guy, stay far far away from Simkins. Its very far away from pretty much everything, especially food. If you’re a girl, Kinsolving is nice and has (in my opinion) a better dining hall than Jester.</p>
<p>Really if you are comparing food, you should compare Castilian to any of the on-campus offerings. They actually have a bunch of UT professors and such eating there because the food is really better. You’ll be happy too with their policy on how many trips you can make to the cafeteria. Get the unlimited plan and come and go as often as you like.</p>