The Forty Acres

Academic Experience

Our students receive a highly rated, world-class education and learn from the world’s top faculty, famous for everything from the invention of the lithium-ion battery (your smartphone says #thanks) to frequent contributions to the top national media publications and outlets.

Student Organizations

They build community in the form of more than 1,300 student organizations focused on everything from b-boying—that’s breakdancing, for the uninitiated—to eradicating cancer.

Spirit and Athletics

They let loose and find themselves in the spirit of Texas, and discover that frontiers have more to do with persistence, determination and grit than wagon trains and the Wild West. This is exemplified on the field, the court and the track, where cries of “Texas! Fight!” echo the same unwavering spirit in the face of adversity that saw “Gone to Texas” scrawled on doors across the country in the 19th century.

History & Traditions

Through the years and around the globe, our traditions bind us together as one Longhorn family — proud, ambitious and determined to change the world. Whether you’re a first-year student or a proud Texas Ex, all Longhorn faithful don burnt orange, raise their horns, and shout “Hook Em!”

Freshmen are introduced to it all during our unique first-year experience. It starts the moment you’re admitted and continues during summer orientation, when you find your 360 Connection—a small group of other freshmen who share common interests, from involvement in a First-Year Interest Group to participation in a range of student-success programs. It culminates each fall with Longhorn Welcome, a series of free events ranging from Mooov-In, our massive move-in party, to Gone to Texas, a huge new-student welcome that takes place on the South Mall the night before classes commence.