Find at minimum three things to be good at -- make the first one academics, then choose two other things that are likable. Do not be afraid to visit professors during their office hours. They have so much information to share -- remember, students pay a lot of money to be able to attend an institution like UT Austin. Make that money worth it!
Soak it all up! Don't get so caught up in stressing about life that you miss the many opportunities around you. Get involved in something you are passionate about, and make the most of your time with friends. Study hard when you need to, but remember to find people you love to support you. Be spontaneous! Go to football games! We have one of the best teams in the country! Make smart choices, and realize that it is a privilege to be here, so don't waste it! Don't just let college fly past you. Work hard to prepare yourself for the next level of life, but enjoy college while you can!
Nick Brandt, BA Radio-Television-Film
San Antonio, Texas

Enjoy every second. Find what you love about every class you take and use that thing to propel you into a state of insatiable curiousity. It's through this curiousity that we learn the most. When we have a desire to learn, we build an appreciation for all of the knowledge around us. Don't take it for granted, and use the vast amount of materials available. Most of all, have fun and make friends.
Sarah Samuel, BJ Journalism
Liberty, Texas

Work hard, but enjoy! School can be so stressful and UT is far from easy, but always take some time to relax every once in a while. Also, UT has an endless amount of resources so use them!
Etherial Edetan, BS Public Relations
Missouri City, Texas

Don't be afraid of new experiences. Your time in college will be some of the best years in your life so live it to the fullest. Take advantage of all the great things the university has to offer and explore Austin.
Albert Swantner, MSE Mechanical Engineering
San Antonio, Texas

Enjoy your classes. It makes it a lot easier to read and study when you like what you're learning. Also, take advantage of every last resource you have. Talk to people, network and learn about everything there is outside of the classroom. I think some people forget about that part of the university.
Trisha Grace, MPA Accounting
Houston, Texas

College is filled with many ups and downs, and many times you may be stressed, or overwhelmed. However, sometimes it is through adversity, that we learn our biggest lessons, and gain the most knowledge. Always stay focused, motivated and passionate about accomplishing your dreams. Regardless of the many trials and tribulations you may face, you soon will be living them.
Armand Brown, BS Microbiology
San Antonio, Texas

Think about and identify what you want from your learning experience. Ask your peers in the program about the courses they are taking to determine what courses are the best fit for you. Learn that the purple shirts in the computer lab are always there for you, and be sure to participate in the volunteer and mentor programs.
Jeanne Ferraro, MLIS MLS academic libraries
Portland, Oregon

Experience all you can. Explore. Find something you're passionate in. Get your feet wet - try something new. This is an opportunity you will never again get in life. Get out of it everything that you can. When you look back at your time here, be proud of what you have done, cherish your memories with friends and appreciate all that others have done to allow you this opportunity.
Charles Conn, BS Chemical Engineering
Richardson, Texas

Get involved! Our great university contains a wealth of resources just waiting to be taken advantage of by the students. Seek out organizations to join, specific professors who can help guide you and staff whp can support your endeavors. I've had the opportunity to manage huge events that cost thousands of dollars, meet politicians and dignitaries, and have some incredible experiences--all due to my taking the initiative to get involved. The quality of your collegiate experience is in your hands.
William Roman, BS Radio-Television-Film
Spring, Texas

Find your niche. At a school of 50,000, it exists, but you might have to search. I played Ultimate Frisbee and met an amazing group of people, and there are literally hundreds of other clubs for any interest you may have. I also highly recommend being part of a Freshman Interest Group or an honors program, as these will give you small classes and greater access to your professors. Above all else, enjoy it! Sometimes it may be easy to feel lost at a school of this size, but its size is also a blessing - it promises innumerable resources, research opportunities, talented faculty and lifelong friends.
Micah Doak, BA History
The Woodlands, Texas

Take advantage of every opportunity, whether that is listening to a world-famous speaker, attending a concert, helping a faculty member with his or her research, or joining a wonderful student organization. You never know what event, which person, or what course will inspire you and influence your future.
Stephanie Chung, MA Slavic Languages and Literature
Austin, Texas

Focus. Be sincere. Find a mentor. Surround yourself with positive people. Get to know your faculty and your school...they care much more than you think they do. Be sincere and generous in your work and it will return to you tenfold.
Amanda Emmons, BS Nursing
Houston, Texas

Getting organized and practicing time management is key to success. Also try to experience as much as possible. Don't be afraid of meeting new people and trying new experiences. Go study abroad at least for a maymester. Meet as many people in your courses as possible. Working together is very helpful in getting through the tough courses and very important for group projects. Enjoy every moment of it, it goes by fast.
Lucas Araki, BS Electrical and Computer Engineering
The Woodlands, Texas