<p>I'm going to be an engineering student at UT Austin, and I can't seem to decide between the new Duren Residence Hall or the San Jacinto Residence Hall for a shared room with private/connecting bath. I haven't personally been inside either one, but from looking at maps and pictures, Duren is obviously newer and seems to have slightly nicer rooms, but I like the location of the San Jacinto (closer to the football stadium and the main gym/pool area I think). Could any current students or alumni give me their opinions on either of these halls? Thanks a bunch!</p>
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<li>Kaelin D. Hooper</li>
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<p>I am going to recommend San Jacinto on the basis of location. It is right by DKR, Jester, Gregory Gym, and pretty close to many classes. As a freshman engineering student, you are not going to have to take many actual engineering classes that are located in the engineering buildings on the North side of campus. You will mostly have classes that are central on campus, thus much closer to San Jacinto. A thing to consider is that San Jacinto has a bus stop right outside, so the engineering buildings are a quick bus ride away if need be.</p>
<p>I considered ut heavily and I highly recommend san jacinto for location. If you want to argue that Duden has better dorms because it’s newer then maybe you can but it’s hardly a substantial argument because San jacinto is also a pretty new dorm. You’ll be better off at San jacinto</p>
<p>I agree with you guys, I think it has a better location. At least, that’s what I thought, only having been to the campus once so far. It’s much closer to a lot of the amenities that the university offers.</p>
<p>Thanks guys!</p>
<p>It is my understanding that nearly all freshmen are put in Jester. San Jacinto and Duren have mostly non-freshman. You can look forward to these dorms after the first year.</p>
<p>While it is true that most freshman end up in Jester, there is a good percentage of freshman that get their housing in early enough and are able to get into Duren/San Jac</p>
<p>Kaelin, In my opinion … neither. You can live West of campus on the drag with a 24 hour kitchen privileges at the TAOS CO-OP dorm. Very close to campus and a great value. You will find lots of STEM majors there (they can do the math and recognize that on-campus is crowded, has less amenities, and is twice the price). Consider visiting. Good luck making the best choice for you! My son says he can’t see himself living anywhere else. He will return to live there for his sophomore year. Hook 'em!</p>
<p>I am a rising sophomore at UT and lived at Duren my freshman year. I really liked the rooms and the dorm, especially once I saw Jester and other dorms. It doesn’t have as much of a community feel as some of the others, though. San Jac is in a better location if you want to be close to Jester, the stadium, and the gym. Duren is very close to west campus and the drag - which can be very convenient at times.</p>
<p>San Jacinto is a better deal in my opinion…
- It has food! If you live at Duren you’ll have to walk to Kinsolving each time you want a meal or snack. Cypress Bend is really convenient if you live in San Jac. And you’re closer to the major food places in this area (JCM, J2, etc.)
- It’s more centralized. You’ll be right by the gym and stadium, as well as numerous places to study. There’s also a lacrosse field and track right next to San Jac- a great place to work out
- As a freshman, the majority of your friends will live in or near campus. It’s really handy living near the other dorms since you’ll have so many people close to you. When I lived in Kinsolving I found it a pain to walk home 15 minutes after hanging out with friends in Jester or in that pocket of campus</p>