Discover what makes college life in Texas unique. From vibrant campus traditions to diverse communities, explore the full student experience at Texas colleges.
500+
Student Organizations
85%
Live On/Near Campus
Big 12
Athletic Conferences
Year-Round
Campus Events
Housing & Living Options
On-Campus Residence Halls
• Traditional dorms (shared rooms)
• Suite-style living
• Honors housing communities
• Learning living communities
• Graduate student housing
Cost: $8,000-$12,000/year
Off-Campus Apartments
• Student apartment complexes
• Private rentals
• Shared houses with roommates
• Studio and 1-bedroom options
• Graduate/family housing
Cost: $600-$1,500/month
Greek Life Housing
• Fraternity houses
• Sorority houses
• Live-in opportunities
• Leadership positions
• Social and academic support
Cost: $7,000-$15,000/year
Student Organizations & Activities
Academic & Professional
• Pre-professional societies
• Academic honor societies
• Student government
• Research organizations
• Professional development clubs
Service & Volunteering
• Community service organizations
• Alternative spring break programs
• Tutoring and mentoring
• Environmental groups
• Social justice initiatives
Arts & Culture
• Music ensembles and bands
• Theater and drama groups
• Art and photography clubs
• Dance organizations
• Cultural celebration groups
Recreation & Sports
• Intramural sports leagues
• Club sports teams
• Outdoor recreation groups
• Fitness and wellness clubs
• Adventure and travel clubs
Iconic Texas College Traditions
UT Austin
• Bevo the Longhorn mascot
• "Hook 'em Horns" hand sign
• Tower lighting celebrations
• Red River Showdown vs. OU
• SXSW campus events
Texas Tech
• Raider Red mascot
• "Guns Up" hand gesture
• Tortilla throwing tradition
• Carol of Lights ceremony
• Wreck 'Em Tech spirit
Texas A&M
• Reveille the collie mascot
• "Gig 'em Aggies" saying
• Midnight Yell Practice
• Silver Taps ceremony
• 12th Man tradition
TCU
• SuperFrog mascot
• "Riff Ram" fight song
• Purple Friday traditions
• Big 12 Championship spirit
• Fort Worth community ties
Campus Dining & Food Culture
Dining Hall Options
• All-you-can-eat cafeterias
• À la carte food courts
• International cuisine stations
• Vegetarian/vegan options
• Late-night dining
Texas Food Favorites
• BBQ and brisket
• Tex-Mex cuisine
• Food trucks on campus
• Local Austin/Houston food
• Game day tailgate food
Meal Plan Options
• Unlimited meal plans
• Block meal plans (150-200 meals)
• Declining balance accounts
• Commuter meal plans
• Specialty dietary plans
Campus Safety & Student Support
Safety Resources
• 24/7 campus police patrol
• Emergency call boxes
• Safe ride/escort services
• Well-lit pathways and parking
• Personal safety apps
• Campus security cameras
• Crisis response protocols
Student Support Services
• Counseling and mental health
• Academic tutoring centers
• Career services and internships
• Disability accommodation services
• International student support
• First-generation college programs
• Financial aid counseling
Diversity & Campus Culture
Cultural Diversity
• Large Hispanic/Latino student populations
• International student communities
• Multicultural student centers
• Cultural heritage months celebrations
• Language exchange programs
• Study abroad opportunities
LGBTQ+ Support
• LGBTQ+ resource centers
• Pride events and celebrations
• Inclusive housing options
• Anti-discrimination policies
• Support groups and counseling
Religious Life
• Interfaith chaplaincy programs
• Campus religious organizations
• Meditation and spiritual spaces
• Religious holiday accommodations
• Community service projects
• Faith-based student groups
Texas Values
• Strong sense of state pride
• "Everything's bigger" mentality
• Friendly, welcoming communities
• Outdoor recreation culture
• Music and arts appreciation
• Entrepreneurial spirit
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