Our students planted 2,977 American flags on 9/11—each one precisely spaced. They play poker with Jeff Yass, debate with Peter Thiel, and run a Gentlemen’s Society dedicated to chivalry. One student publishes cartoons lampooning his classmates and professors. Others spent their summer goat herding in Italy.
They stash their phones to discuss Plato, then build AI apps and compete in Elon Musk’s Boring Company competition. A visitor once remarked that UATX students “seem like 19-year-olds going on 40″—mature, focused, mission-driven.
Within three weeks, one student personally met Ted Cruz, Jimmy John, and Harvey Mansfield. That’s normal here. You can make a reference to Plato and everyone gets it. That’s normal, too.
Housing
All students live in fully-furnished, private apartments, a short distance from UATX’s downtown Austin campus. Students are clustered together in UATX-specific blocks with RA’s and appointed staff on site.
The apartments are located in Austin’s vibrant West Campus neighborhood, chosen for its unparalleled student culture. The area has a wide range of cafes, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options. The location allows students to live together in their UATX community, while also enjoying the “college town” feel for which Austin is already well known.
There is a public bus line that connects students to campus. Some students also enjoy walking or biking/scootering to and from campus along the scenic route past the Texas State Capitol Building.
Dining
As our campus is located in an exciting urban environment, right in the heart of downtown Austin, UATX does not offer a meal plan. All student apartments have full kitchens. Students often enjoy cooking for each other and hosting dinners together.
Clubs & Activities
Select offerings include:
- The Austin Beacon – An independent publication, by and for students. Cartoons included.
- Austin Orienteering Club – Use a map, compass, and your wits to locate markers and complete the course in the shortest time possible.
- Austin Project – A national defense club that tours defense contractor facilities and hosts industry experts.
- The Austin Union – An independent student debate society. Select events: Jason Calacanis, Dave Rubin, and Joe Lonsdale on rogue media and AI. Clara Mattei and Phillip Magness on Marxism. Curtis Yarvin and Ilya Shapiro on the future of electoral government. Niall Ferguson on real books vs. screens.
- AustinXChange – A student-founded leadership network that connects students at UATX and UT with executives, founders, and leaders who have built meaningful careers through unconventional paths. The organization centers around small, conversation-driven discussions that provide real world context, rather than traditional speaker events.
- Botany Club – Students gardening together.
- Catholic Club
- Gentleman’s Society – Dress, speech, etiquette, conduct, and the pursuit of honor—for men.
- JewATX – Weekly coffee chats with Rabbi Abrahams, monthly Shabbat dorm dinners, and annual university-wide Shabbat dinner.
- Law Club – Meetings with distinguished guests from the legal community, LSAT prep, and law school admission guidance. Led by Claire Brickman, Esq.
- Media Club – Exposing students to an incredible network and offering students work experience with UATX Communications.
- PolarisX – Entrepreneurship gatherings and pitch competitions with students from UATX, UT, and Alpha High School.
- Quizbowl – College quiz competitions.
- UATXcavators – Engineers competing in The Boring Company’s Not-A-Boring Competition. Grit > prestige.
- Plus:
- Swing dancing practice every Sunday afternoon.
- Piano lessons offered by students, for students.
- Faculty-led reading groups: Prof. Michael J. Hoffpauir on the roots of political philosophy. Professor Jonathan Yudelman on Judah HaLevi’s Kuzari. Professor Carson Bay on Latin, as well as another group on Greco-Roman, Ancient Jewish, and early Christian literature.
UATX Shabbat at Chabad House
UATX Catholic Club
Athletics
Team sports and clubs include:
- Basketball
- BJJ & MMA
- Golf
- The Atlas Shrugging Society (weightlifting)
- Plus: Students gather most Saturdays to play soccer.
UATX soccer club. Video credit: Olivia Antunes, UATX sophomore.
Safety
The University of Austin prioritizes student safety. We partner with the Austin Police Department, Downtown Austin Alliance, Block by Block, and Watchmen Security to protect students, staff, and faculty both on and near campus.
The Scarbrough Building campus is access-controlled with on-site UATX security during all student hours and events. Student, employee, and visitor IDs are required for entry.
Student housing provides 24/7 on-site security with fob-controlled access to all entrances, amenities, and suites. UATX also uses AlertMedia for app-based emergency alerts, including weather emergencies.
Info for Parents & Families
Mothers and fathers play a pivotal role in helping their children navigate the complex process of selecting the right university. Equally important is the ongoing role parents play once their student begins their journey at UATX.
All UATX parents receive regular updates about life on campus; are invited to weekly speaker series; are invited to participate in faculty-led summer book club; are invited to attend UATX’s annual Family Weekend, which includes faculty-led seminars, social gatherings and keynote speakers; and are encouraged to host events in their hometowns (with our guidance) to introduce UATX to their communities.
The UATX Mom’s Club delivers hot chocolate to students when the weather turns cold; prepares care packages before final exams; volunteers at events; decorates for the holidays; and organizes social outings for UATX moms outside of university events to promote community and discussion.
Timestamps of a UATX student
Video credit: Olivia Antunes, UATX sophomore
Tuesdays nights at UATX
Video credit: Ewa Flake, UATX sophomore