Practical Information
Transportation
Capital Metro Buses and UT Shuttles provide bus transportation services in Austin. Students can ride both bus systems free of charge. Capital Metro and Shuttle bus schedules on the UT campus.
E-Bus provides a safe late night alternative to driving. Bus routes cover downtown entertainment districts, UT, West Campus and Riverside. It is free for all UT students. E-Bus provides a safe late night alternative to driving. Bus routes cover downtown entertainment districts, UT, West Campus and Riverside. It is free for all UT students.
Taxis
Yellow Cab, 452-9999; Roy's Taxi, 434-7724; Austin Cab, 478-2222.
SuperShuttle provides door to door shuttle service to the airport.
Biking is very popular in Austin. If you ride a bike in Austin, remember that it is a moving vehicle and you are required to follow the same rules that automobile drivers must follow. Some Austin streets have designated bike lanes; use them. Always wear a helmet. Be sure to use a strong bike lock on your parked bike. Register your bike with the UT Police so that if your bike is stolen, you have a chance of recovering it.
Safety is a matter of great and primary importance at all times. Although Austin is a relatively safe city, caution should be exercised. Be aware of your surroundings. At night, we recommend walking with another person or in a group. Before you go to an unfamiliar place, get advice from other students or local residents who are familiar with various areas of Austin. Theft is a problem in especially in UT libraries, gyms, and other student areas. Never leave books, backpacks, laptops, cell phones, I-Pods, etc. alone, even for a minute.
Smoking is restricted to designated areas in public places. No smoking is permitted in UT buildings, for example. Austin, like many cities in the United States, has a clean-air ordinance.
Alcohol Consumption is a very important concern at UT. The legal age for drinking and purchasing alcoholic beverages in the State of Texas is 21. Bars and clubs often will ask customers for IDs proving that they are of legal age to enter the bar and/ or to be served. Exchange students should consider getting a Texas Department of Public Safety ID card to use for age identification instead of their passports.
Bank Accounts are commonly opened by exchange students. We recommend that you do not carry a lot of cash with you or leave it in your room. Several convenient banking options are available: Both University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) and Bank of America have offices and several ATMs throughout the UT campus and surrounding area.