So I might be attending UT Austin this fall. I moved to Scottsdale, Arizona about a year ago but besides that I’ve lived in Texas most of my life. I love it and it is by far my favorite state. But I’ve heard it is the “least Texan” city in Texas. I’ve also heard that there is an overwhelming hipster and LGBT population there. I was just wondering how true that was and how well I would fit in. I’m a Christian, African-American guy who leans more toward the Republican/Conservative side. I don’t support gay marriage but I have no problem with gay people and would never try to cause any trouble with anyone who didn’t believe what I do. I’m also pro-life, if that matters.
Thanks in advance!
It is a huge school with all kinds of people, but more liberal than most places in Texas. There are plenty of Christians and conservatives. What I like best about UT is the rich, diverse, yeasty environment.
It’s true that Austin is very liberal and hipster, and pride themselves so. Hell thats the one reason its my number choice if I get in. As an advocate for feminism, trans rights, LGBTQ rights and so forth, most of my friends and people who frequent Austin say I would love it there.
That’s not to say Austin isn’t huge enough to find your niche, you definitely will, but in terms of overall vibe I see you as more of a Baylor than a UT (if that makes sense lol)
I hope you don’t take this as discouraging you from going, I just know that enviroment is one of the most important factors for me when it comes to choosing a school.
That’s one of main reasons for choosing UT!! I see you more as an A&M person, but you can find your place in Austin too.
As an alum and a parent of a current UT junior, I can tell you there is definitely a large Christian community on campus and many churches and campus ministries to choose from. There are also large groups of any other group you can think of. UT is like it’s own city. The cool part about it is that the students really embrace each other. There were lots of late night conversations in my son’s freshman dorm sharing personal back stories. There is a group for everyone at UT. Not all Christians want to go to TAMU!
There are hundreds if not thousands of every conceivable type of person at UT. You will not feel out of place in a sea of hipsters if you come here, I say this as a person who has met every variety of person here. There are also a ton of clubs/extracurriculars you can join to find your niche
While Austin may be the least “Texan” city in Texas, I’m not sure if your original description is totally objective. Like most of the other posters here, I concur that you would find many different, smaller populations of people within Austin – all with distinctive views, lifestyles and personalities. There is no question some people will hold beliefs and attitudes like yours, and many won’t. One benefit for you might be the exposure to all sorts of people, yet not to the exclusion of those who validate your own current beliefs and lifestyle.
That said, I also agree with the poster who mentioned that you might fit in better at Texas A & M. Do you want to be challenged, and perhaps widen your experience in your college years with UT-Austin? Or would you prefer to spend your time in a more homogenous community that largely confirms your current perspective on life?
You are yet young, so some reflection would be worthwhile. This is a personal decision. Congrats on the UT acceptance.