<p>what do people here usually do for entertainment (concerts, student union, etc)? and are there any nearby shopping centers? what is the overall campus life like?</p>
<p>2 words (kinda): 6th STREET!!!!!- all the clubs and bars- the best place in austin</p>
<p>Supahmonkee,</p>
<p>I'm a UT parent, not a student, but hopefully I can add some helpful information. </p>
<p>First, there is always something happening at UT that involves sports. Need I say more? If you don't like sports, there's also drama, fine arts, speakers, and many other events. Check the events calendar at UT's website (<a href="http://www.utexas.edu/)%5B/url%5D">http://www.utexas.edu/)</a>, the Texas Union website (<a href="http://www.utexas.edu/student/txunion/)%5B/url%5D">http://www.utexas.edu/student/txunion/)</a>, or the Daily Texan (in print or online at <a href="http://www.dailytexanonline.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.dailytexanonline.com/</a>) to find out what's happening on campus.</p>
<p>Second, music is a big part of Austin entertainment. You can find a variety of music at the Union, Sixth Street, Austin City Limits and more. While the Union focuses on students of all ages, some of the others are alcohol-focused and not a good choice until you are 21.</p>
<p>Third, there are lots of places to shop in Austin, far more than I've ever visited or could name, but one place I've found that college students like is Central Park Shopping Center at Lamar and 40th ST. It has retail shops and the Central Market, a grocery store with an excellent restaurant that offers fresh food from the market at fair prices. As for large malls, I think Highland Mall is the closest to campus (unless you count Dobie Mall - it's closest but I consider it a mini-mall), but there are several malls in Austin and most can be reached via the UT shuttle or Capital Metro bus system. The Arboretum Mall is probably the most-upscale of Austin's malls but Barton Creek Square Mall is also nice. Here's a link to a summary of Austin malls: <a href="http://austin.about.com/od/malls/%5B/url%5D">http://austin.about.com/od/malls/</a>. For the serious shopper, there is an outlet mall south of Austin near San Marcos, Texas (<a href="http://www.primeoutlets.com/cntrdefault.asp?cntrid=1042)%5B/url%5D">http://www.primeoutlets.com/cntrdefault.asp?cntrid=1042)</a>.</p>
<p>Finally, some students enjoy the many outdoor activities available in Austin, especially the hike and bike trails, Town Lake, Zilker Park, and the beautiful chain of lakes including Lake Travis and Lake LBJ.</p>
<p>thank you so much!</p>