<p>My daughter just got her housing contract and we are deciding on which option is best for her.As an OOS, she does not know any other incoming freshman and in fact knows only one other UT student. Although we visited UT during the application process, that is the extent of her familiarity with the school and Austin.For this reason, I have been urging her to consider a residential FIG. She is concerned that Whitis (although near the School of Comunications) is far from the gym and the action at Jester. She is also afraid that her social interactions will be limited as she will be living with and attending classes with the same group of students.</p>
<p>The community in Whitis Courts, where Res FIGs live, is great! Students love it. Starting out with having Res FIGs friends automatically leads to meeting more friends. There is a bus stop across Dean Keeton from Kinsolving that goes to the other side of campus. Kinsolving Dining Center is a great place to eat which is across the street from Whitis Courts. I would choose Res FIGs!</p>
<p>The Anna Hiss Gym is near by… if she is really worried about not being near a gym. Though I really really would not take proximity to a gym into account when making living arrangements.</p>
<p>Whitis is near Kinsolving and Duren, which are popular places to live. Inconvenient to some classes, close to others. On the whole I would agree with UTHousing and say, yes, go for Whitis/Res FIG. There are many opportunities to meet other people in your other classes, in the cafeteria, in clubs, at football games, and at parties. (And at the Out of State Students Assn meetings.)</p>
<p>Thanks for your responses-she decided on a FIG. Although she has reservations she agrees that this is likely to make a large school seem more manageable.</p>