What are UT Austin parties like? I want to go to this school for their astrobiology opportunities, but I also want to go to a fun school. So what’s the social scene like?
Austin, Texas? Longhorn tailgate parties? Center of tech and art? Large fraternity and sorority scene? Check, check, check, check. Austin and UT are far more diverse in fact than many other cities and college towns–there is ALWAYS something going on for all types of people and communities, from cowboys/girls to Freemasons to Korean gangnam parties to film events to LGBT. Even the classic Slacker scene (from the Linklater film). You should be able to find your tribe.
I can assure you that finding a party will be the least of your troubles in Austin. If anything, you should be worried about all of the social opportunities that will present themselves distracting you from your schoolwork. That can be a real problem.
I think there is a local ordinance that says they all must involve margaritas and Matthew McConaughey.
is Austin mainly bars and clubbing or parties?
If you are a girl, you will have no issues getting into fraternity parties except when they are at capacity (like during Round Up).
If you are a guy who is not in a fraternity, it will be tougher. Fraternity members pay a lot of money to be in the fraternity so you cannot go to the parties for free unless you know a member who can get you in. Fraternity rushees can attend parties.
Clubs on 6th street ID so they are mostly over 21. Beware the legal risks of a fake ID.
Private parties will be small and based on who you know from classes etc.
And of course there is more to the social scene than parties.
I am writing from southern Ireland. I am coming to Austin at the end of October with a few mates on a college reunion. We are in our late 20’s and want to have a wild time in Austin! How can we get into some of these frat parties and whatever else is big in that town?
There is a endless amount of parties easily enough to flunk out if you choose too 
Good luck!! You will not be bored the problem will be to stay focused on school.
^I don’t think the poster will be attending school at UT - just visiting Austin.
@baholl, just walk down Sixth Street and you’ll find lots of places to party.