<p>I'm aware of the fact the Austin is a very progressive/liberal city, but I also know that UT has more than 90% in state students, and considering how conservative texas is, I was wondering if the school is as liberal as the town that its in. I'm a very liberal, agnostic, non preppy, northern kid from chicago area. Will I feel out of place? Does it have a huge souther vibe? Are the students preppy? Very religious?</p>
<p>Try Cal Berkeley. Better yet, come to Texas with an open mind. You may learn that liberalism is oppressive. Besides, don’t you want diversity. </p>
<p>All kidding aside, every school is what you make of it. Have an open mind, you will find friends with whom you agree and those with whom you disagree. In many ways college is where you should feel out of place.</p>
<p>Think of it this way 90% of conservative kids across the country will be forced to attend a college that is much more liberal than they. Sometimes it helps to hone your opinions by being in the ‘enemy’ fire. Besides, Austin is the most liberal place in Texas. The hardcore conservatives don’t go there except to attend the legislative sessions.</p>
<p>You seem a lot like myself. I’m exactly the same from NJ. Maybe if I get in we could exchance info or something?</p>
<p>I like the thought torveaux haha its just a question though. Right now i live probably one of the most conservative cities in the country, and one of the most religious. A small suburb out of chicago so that is what I’m looking for, a change in scenery. But yes i definitely agree, diversity is good, I’m just not looking to good to an Alabama type place where the vast majority is preppy, religious, racist conservative (almost where I live now), and I have no idea if texas fits that category. just getting more info that is all</p>
<p>and yes person from NJ</p>
<p>Austin is a liberal city in a conservative state. People here just do what they want. You will see lots of tattoos, body piercing, colored hair. You see some of that on campus, but not all in every class. West campus is more conservative than North Campus as West Campus is dominated by the Greek scene. Greeks tend to be more conservative but they do party and pretty hard. Many of these kids come from established families with money from the more conservative cities in Texas. UT has something for everyone, if you want to branch out, it is here, if you want to gravitate to what you have always known, it is here. It is what you make it. As far as preppy…this is not the North East. Girls wear Nike shorts and oversized t-shirts to class and guys live in khakis and T shirts, button downs, whatever. Styles for guys very much greater than girls.</p>
<p>Having visited all three schools with our three sons, I would rate Texas up there with Michigan for liberalism, with Berkeley up many notches higher. On our Berkeley visits, the student tour leader made a point of showing us where all great demonstrations had happened. We barely got close to the engineering complex, which we were interested in. But the reserved parking for Noble Laureates was pretty darned cool!</p>
<p>We got a kick out of the Keep Austin Weird shirts for sale everywhere.</p>
<p>OP, you will feel right at home. Plenty of liberalism at UT.</p>
<p>But yes it is in Texas, so there will be students who are Republicans and who are religious. Pretty good diversity of opinion and of background. </p>
<p>I am a hard core republican when it comes to how I think the economy should work - not socially though - and I live in Austin. Is Austin full of a bunch of tree hugging hippie liberals? Yes. BUT there are just as many republicans though. If you want to be a hippie, you can hang with the LSD taking street performers. If you want to be a normal person, you can. If you want to be a prude, you can. Austin is what you make out of it!</p>
<p>Let me restate my top post. I was going on the extreme ends of both sides… If you are a democrat, you will be fine and nobody will criticize you. If you are a conservative, nobody really cares. I would consider Austin to be more neutral than democrat or republican after living here 18 years</p>
<p>thanks</p>
<p>You will find more of the religious, conservative types in private schools (at least those you would think of as such). Not sure what you mean by preppy. That term was popular in the 80s when I was in school, but it was exactly as likely to be someone politically conservative as liberal to dress and act in a preppy fashion. I think most people at most colleges, regardless of region tend to wear jeans or shorts depending on the weather, (or sweats, pajamas or whatever is allowed). As far as ‘most colleges in the South’. It is really more about Football than any religion or political bent. I moved here from Wisconsin and I have lived many places north, south and west. The only real difference down here is the absolute passion for football.</p>
<p>I concur with what MrDrProfessorSir said. I’ve lived in Austin since 1986 and the city typically has a live-and-let-live mentality. I would call it neither liberal nor conservative, but more independent, if you’re seeking a label. </p>