<p>realistically, UT is probably my top choice in terms of fit (my schools in front of it are UVA and Cornell), but I'm worried about one thing: how easy is it to make friends when you're OOS? Although I'm trying to work on it, I'm not the most outgoing person, so I was wondering how much this could hurt me in terms of making friends and meeting people, especially at UT where >90% is instate, and thus people probably have their own circles already. I'm not a total recluse as I have a small group of friends that I do stuff with regularly, but still.</p>
<p>I don't think being OOS is going to make any difference. Unless you plan on busting out some Oklahoma shirts, no one's going to notice or care that you're from OOS. If anything, being OOS will make you seem more interesting.</p>
<p>You're basically going to make the majority of your friends from: the place you live, like your dorm, apt, etc...; friend of friends; any clubs or activities you do</p>
<p>Don't expect to make a lot of friends from class.
I personally keep to myself in class, so I only have maybe 2 or 3 friends per class</p>
<p>I am an incredibly outgoing person (and OOS), so we can be friends at Texas! I too have heard that it is hard to make friends there, and that with so many Texas kids that students often keep their high school friends. </p>
<p>I personally don't think it will be to much of a problem, but at the same time it is something to think about. I'm thinking of joining an activity or two early on so I have some friends outside my dorm - I've been scanning through possible activities. Also, I was thinking if I end up with a Texas roommate who already has a big group of fun friends, maybe I'll end up being assimilated into that group. This will be interesting no matter what.</p>
<p>They also have an Out of State Student Association which is pretty much a group of OOS kids who hang out and go to socials and stuff together. </p>
<p>I'm OOS, and I think it's harder because everybody else literally knows 50 other kids from their high school, but if you join clubs and stuff you'll definitely be able to make a bunch of friends.</p>
<p>Are people in UT friendly to international students?
I am a Chinese.Although I got a not bad TOEFL score,I don't think I could speak English fluently or hear very clearly.</p>
<p>I am a Texan, born and bred, and a UT alum so I can say with certainty that unless things in Texas have changed drastically, you shouldn't have a problem making friends! True that because of the top 10% rule most people will have friends attending, but Texans are friendly people and will find you very interesting coming from out of state!</p>
<p>I hope to go and I am OOS, but have already made friends through the Facebook UT 2012 Group. From what I've heard, OOS students are very welcome at UT and, if they put forth the effort, can make plenty of friends.</p>