What is Austin
like?
Austin is one of the fastest
growing smaller cities in the United States. It has a
population of over 600,00. It is the state capital of
Texas and President George W. Bush has his ranch
north of town, near Waco. Its economy relies heavily
on the high-tech sector. Intellectual life centers on
the University of Texas. Major private employers
include Motorola and Dell Computer, which Michael
Dell started in his UT residence hall room. Major
public sector employers include state government and
the University of Texas at Austin, currently the
largest public university in the U.S., with about
50,000 students. In terms of fun, Austin has a
variety of restaurants featuring food from around the
world, hiking and biking trails, lakes and a vibrant
music, film and arts scene. To learn more, check the
Austin Convention and Visitor's Bureau site: http://www.austin360.com/acvb/visit/visit.htm .
What's the weather like in
Austin?
Winters, which last from
December to late February, are generally mild,
although temperatures may fall below freezing some
days. Summers last from April until September and can
be hot and humid with temperatures reaching above 40
degrees Celsius. Weather in Texas is unpredictable, with sudden rainstorms and
temperature changes. Students will need warm jackets
for winter and light cottons for summer.
What about housing?
A variety of housing options
are available in Austin and are convenient to The
University. There is NO university housing available
for ESL students, but you may choose between co-ops,
private dorms, apartments, or other housing. Each of
these options has varying space, cost, and food
service availability. ESL Services' faculty and staff
will be able to answer any questions regarding
housing, but you will ultimately have to make your
own housing arrangements. If you decide to live in an
apartment, it will be helpful to consult an apartment
finding service upon your arrival. Many offer to help
you in your search free of charge.
Websites of local
apartment finders:
http://www.aaalocators.com
http://hometown.aol.com/keycon/AustinLocatorSvc.html
http://www.onioncreek.com
Additional Resources:
http://www.Austin360.com
http://www.utexas.edu/international/dept/faq/temphous.html
Where should I stay when I
first get to Austin?
Make arrangements to stay at
a local hotel or motel for the first few days to rest
and begin your search for permanent housing. Some
motels that are inexpensive and convenient to UT are
listed on the enclosed housing sheet, or at http://www.utexas.edu/international/dept/faq/temphous.html . Some housing assistance is
available at the International Office. Your first
official visit to the International Office will be
the registration time, shown in your welcome letter.
How to do get to UT? How do I
get around Austin?
You will be arriving in
Austin at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Taxi and bus services are available to take you to
your first destination, whether it be The University
or a local hotel. Capital Metro (http://www.capmetro.austin.tx.us) provides a direct shuttle bus from
the airport to UT and other locations around Austin:
Route #100-
Austin-Bergstrom Airport (Limited) Service stops at
UT and downtown area. It operates every hour, seven
days a week.
Route #350-
Operates along State Highway 71, Riverside Dr., and
North Central Austin.
Taxi services:
Ace Taxi 244-1133
Roy's Taxi 482-0000
American Yellow 452-9999; on
the web: http://www.taxicabsusa.com/austin/yellowcab.html
Super Shuttle 258-3826; on
the web, and you can book reservations: http://www.supershuttle.com/
Austin Cab 478-2222
Yellow Checker 472-1111
Check for further
information on the airport's website, at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/newairport/parking.htm .
How do I get around at UT?
It is important to consider
the accommodation's distance from UT. Many
accommodations are within walking distance or are on
a bus line. If you prefer to purchase a car and
drive to class, please keep in mind that ESL students
cannot have university parking permits and other
parking is VERY limited. Searching for a parking
space can often make you late to class, which is
highly discouraged. Taking a bus is the most recommended and reliable
way to commute to campus. Once you are at UT, shuttles are available to take you from one
side of campus to the other. Consult the UT map pages to locate the International Office
(the "IO"; in the old Student Health Center
–SHC), which
houses ESL Services, and other buildings where your
classes may be held.
How much money will I need to
pay for my tuition and living in Austin?
It depends on the length of
time in the program. Plan for not only living
expenses and tuition cost, but also books and school
supplies and an extra allowance for recreation or
entertainment. Please refer to the “Estimated Expenses for Intensive
English”
portion of the application. These numbers are an
estimate for the costs of the current semester's
programs. For a 15 week intensive program (spring or
fall), expenses are estimated at $7185. For a 9 week
intensive program (summer), expenses are estimated at
$5020. For the 5 week AEP session, expenses are
estimated at around $2080. These expenses reflect
moderate living conditions. Depending on the standard
of living, expenses may be somewhat higher or lower.
For part-time students, tuition costs will be lower.
How much money should I bring?
It is wise
to bring the amount of your tuition plus about $1,000
to $2,000 in traveler's checks, a money order, or
cashier's check for settling in expenses. Clearing
foreign checks through U.S. banks can take up to 21
days. Bringing some U.S.
currency is also a good idea.
What about health insurance?
How do I pay for health care if I get sick?
Students enrolled in an
intensive ESL program will have UT medical insurance
and use of UT Health Services. However, part-time students and
students arriving with their family will need to
purchase insurance for themselves and their family.
You can choose from a variety of plans in the U.S.
Where can I send mail and
packages before I arrive in Austin?
Please wait until after you
arrive to get packages sent from your home country.
There is no space available to hold items for
students. If you have a contact in Austin, you may
ask about sending items to them before you arrive.
What organizations are
available to ESL Services and UT students?
Through the UT website, you will find
a listing of the cultural and international student
groups that will
help you adjust to your new life in Austin. Contact
the organization's representatives by phone or email,
or view their website.
The PALS program at the International Office is
designed to bring international and American students
together for the purpose of cultural exchange and
practicing English conversation. Periodic activities
are organized to provide opportunities for PALS to
meet other people in the program and to enjoy a
social setting. For further information, visit the IO
or send an email to PALS@uts.cc.utexas.edu.
Where can I find more
information about services available for my family?
The IO website, http://www.utexas.edu/international/ , has links for prospective and
current students and scholars, with information about
family programs, activities for non-student spouses,
Austin schools, and enrollment in UT. The website is
designed for UT admitted students, but ESL students
can access some valuable general information to get a
better idea of services offered and for further
information about Austin.
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