University of Texas 1L Taking Questions Forum

[hodgesrules]

SOCIAL LIFE
Like Esc, I don't party as much as some of my classmates. (Water is my alcohol.) Many of them seem to enjoy the social atmosphere at school and on 6th street; however, I think this is due to what they enjoy. Austin will work for you if you're into what Austin offers. I'm indifferent--Austin is neither awesome nor terrible. I like the biking trails, though.

WORKLOAD
I expected a heavier workload. The reading is manageable. But my sense is that doing the reading is just the beginning. You have to apply what you glean from your casebooks in some way. You have to test yourself--early.

SOCRATIC METHOD
Of my 3 profs, only 2 use a soft Socratic method. One cold-calls, but he rarely does it. The other never cold-calls.

DIVERSITY
Compared to the other U.S. cities I've lived in, Austin lacks diversity, especially the area around UT Law. Simply put, it is not a melting pot. The latino and black populations are NOT sizeable--unless 7.5% of the total population is sizeable. To see people of color in sizeable portions (if you care for that sort of thing, of course), you have to go east of I-35. You just don't see many non-whites in and around UT Law. I know I don't.

I don't understand why the folks in this thread think Austin diverse. Perhaps they haven't gotten around much.

Here's what a 2007 U.S. Census Bureau survey reveals about Austin:

Population size: 725,306
White alone: 462,179 (~64 % of the total population)
Black alone: 61,595 (~8 % of the total population)
American Indian: 3,542 (<1 % of the total population)
Asian alone: 40,352
Some other
race alone: 141,534

I couldn't find stats on the Latino population size.

JOB PROSPECTS
Most of the 3L's I know have jobs, including V25 gigs. But these students are active and accomplished (e.g., journal membership, org leadership, etc). My sense is that 3L's who distinguished themselves sufficiently and did enough groundwork have secured jobs already.

[Esc]

DIVERSITY
Compared to the other U.S. cities I've lived in, Austin lacks diversity, especially the area around UT Law. Simply put, it is not a melting pot. The latino and black populations are NOT sizeable--unless 7.5% of the total population is sizeable. To see people of color in sizeable portions (if you care for that sort of thing, of course), you have to go east of I-35. You just don't see many non-whites in and around UT Law. I know I don't.

I don't understand why the folks in this thread think Austin diverse. Perhaps they haven't gotten around much.

Here's what a 2007 U.S. Census Bureau survey reveals about Austin:

Population size: 725,306
White alone: 462,179 (~64 % of the total population)
Black alone: 61,595 (~8 % of the total population)
American Indian: 3,542 (<1 % of the total population)
Asian alone: 40,352
Some other
race alone: 141,534

I couldn't find stats on the Latino population size.

That's pretty misleading. A quick look on wiki reveals a few of the following from the 2005-2007 Census-conducted survey:

Non-hispanic White: 49.9%
Black: 8.5%
Hispanic/Latino of all races: 34.2%
Asian: 5.6%
Other races: 19.5%

While the area around the campus is "whiter" and Austin obviously is not as cosmopolitan as LA or NYC, it is untrue to say that Austin isn't diverse. If you measure diversity by the percentage of non-hispanic whites, Austin is certainly more diverse than the country as a whole.

[hodgesrules]

Thanks for getting stats on the size of the Latino population. ~34 % is sizeable. (I assumed Austin had a sizeable Latino population.) But ~8.5 % and ~5.6 %??? Negative. Also, in this context I think a city-to-city comparison reveals more than a city-to-country comparison. That's why cities like DC and LA are much unlike Austin.

[Esc]

Thanks for getting stats on the size of the Latino population. ~34 % is sizeable. (I assumed Austin had a sizeable Latino population.) But ~8.5 % and ~5.6 %??? Negative. Also, in this context I think a city-to-city comparison reveals more than a city-to-country comparison. That's why cities like DC and LA are much unlike Austin.

While an 8.5% black population is a proportionately smaller amount than that of the nation as a whole (nationwide ~13.5%), the 5.6% asian population is a proportionately greater amount than that of the nation as a whole (nationwide <5%)

Yes, Austin is nothing like DC or LA, but it is a lot more diverse than a lot of other places.

[Snooker]

Thanks for getting stats on the size of the Latino population. ~34 % is sizeable. (I assumed Austin had a sizeable Latino population.) But ~8.5 % and ~5.6 %??? Negative. Also, in this context I think a city-to-city comparison reveals more than a city-to-country comparison. That's why cities like DC and LA are much unlike Austin.

The law school is very diverse for Hispanics, about average for blacks, and under the average for Asians.

I don't know why Austin itself has so few African Americans compared to Houston. They're just lacking in general. Houston is really a city for diversity, but Austin is a nice town.

[Snooker]

whats the workload like at texas? how many hours of work per day?

how would a canadian fare there? specifically one with more trad. texas/american ideals and values?

is austin a city with a lot of diversity? is it basically a bilingual city or more english only?

thanks a lot

All I can say is please come down and say some nice things about socialism!

As for language, it seems about 1/3 of people speak spanish, the rest English, and Asian languages are common around the university area.

[Snooker]

What's the dorm situation at UT like? Is it worth it to live on campus, or is it just as cheap to get an apartment nearby?

How about parking? Everywhere I've been in TX a car has been all but required, but I've never been to Austin. What do parking passes run?

Finally, how's the weather down there? Hot, I assume, but how's the Humidity? Roughly the same as Tyler/Dallas, better, or worse? Those hot TX summers kill a desert dwelling dude like myself.

The summers are really hot, but we deal with that by parking cars in a garage (or carport) and using air conditioning. We have underground tunnels connecting the buildings downtown Houston, which is where the law firms are. So if you needed to go three blocks for a meeting, you could trek down the tunnel.

[hodgesrules]

What is the Texas pride like? Obviously there are a ton to TX residents, and let's be honest they're known for over-loving their state. Would it feel weird to go to UT not being from Texas?!

I'm not from Texas, but I don't feel weird at all. I feel comfortable here--apart from the normal adjustments I've had to make as a newcomer. I think the non-Texans who feel odd at UT are those who act as if they're better than the Texans here. If you "love" Texas, Texas will "love" you. That said, I've met a few Texans who gush about Texas. Some of them scare me LOL.

[joesrevenge]

Let me address the social life question. Social life at UT is not lagging. You just have to take care of school first.

There is plenty of time to get all your work done and still have fun. Most of the people I hang out with treat school like a 9-5 job Monday - Thursday (with some work being done on Sundays) and drink/hang out/video games/poker/whatever from 5pm Thursday til late night Saturday. A 2L in one of the organizations I am in did this last year and made law review, top 10%, and etc...

The society program really helps with the social aspect. You have class, philanthropic events, and social gatherings (read: free booze) with the same group of people. When you combine this with intramural football with your small section there is plenty available in the social aspect.

Bar review is always fun. Its usually at a bar on 6th and therefore there are always stories on Monday.


*As for the question on not being a Texan and coming here: You will get adjusted to the weather, people, and general atmosphere pretty quickly. Just about everybody knows not a single person when they get here and I am pretty sure friends/study groups are not made by your state of residence (jurisdiction and venue on the other hand...)

[Snooker]

The biggest adjustment for our northern friends seems to be seeing our big, manly Texan friends shivering and shaking in 65 degree weather.

[yournamehere]

The biggest adjustment for our northern friends seems to be seeing our big, manly Texan friends shivering and shaking in 65 degree weather.

I still can't get over this ... I walk around in shorts and a t-shirt and people are bundled up like it's the middle of December. Should I expect long johns and down coats once we get to January and temps get down to 40?

EDIT: To stay (relatively) on topic, I spent my whole life in New England and haven't had a single problem getting adjusted to Austin.

[kurama20]

How are the semesters at Texas setup 1L year? 3 doctrinal classes and LRW each semester? Is LRW graded or P/F?

[Esc]

How are the semesters at Texas setup 1L year? 3 doctrinal classes and LRW each semester? Is LRW graded or P/F?

Right now 1L is 3 doctrinal classes plus a 1 credit LRLW each semester, plus an elective in the Spring semester. However, our LRLW prof said that starting with y'alls class they are going to make expand the writing requirement, so things could change.

[Hopefullawstudent]

How are the semesters at Texas setup 1L year? 3 doctrinal classes and LRW each semester? Is LRW graded or P/F?

Right now 1L is 3 doctrinal classes plus a 1 credit LRLW each semester, plus an elective in the Spring semester. However, our LRLW prof said that starting with y'alls class they are going to make expand the writing requirement, so things could change.

Oh boy. "Ya'lls"...? My high school gf was from Texas and said that ALL the time haha. It's charming, to an extent, but I don't know if I could put up with it for 3 years -- and maybe more? Ahh, I know. I'm such a Yankee.


-HL

[JazzOne]

that was a joke! lol. my husband is from Ohio and complains about Texas pride all the time. i've learned a lot from him, actually. fwiw, most people i know don't go around talking about how great Texas is, except in backwoods places. there, ppl talk about texas not needing the US and other similarly stupid things. i love texas, but i imagine i'd love any state (except maybe the reaallly cold ones).

Ohio pride (especially Youngstown, wtf?) is probably the most obnoxious state pride there is. At least I can understand why people would want to live in California, but Ohio? Good God is that a shithole.

[Esc]

How are the semesters at Texas setup 1L year? 3 doctrinal classes and LRW each semester? Is LRW graded or P/F?

Right now 1L is 3 doctrinal classes plus a 1 credit LRLW each semester, plus an elective in the Spring semester. However, our LRLW prof said that starting with y'alls class they are going to make expand the writing requirement, so things could change.

Oh boy. "Ya'lls"...? My high school gf was from Texas and said that ALL the time haha. It's charming, to an extent, but I don't know if I could put up with it for 3 years -- and maybe more? Ahh, I know. I'm such a Yankee.


-HL

Its not nearly as prevalent as you (y'all) might be expecting...

JazzOne, Ohio pride? I didn't know that existed. When I was there, no one seemed too proud about their state. They seemed more beaten down and cynical than anything.

[JazzOne]

How are the semesters at Texas setup 1L year? 3 doctrinal classes and LRW each semester? Is LRW graded or P/F?

Right now 1L is 3 doctrinal classes plus a 1 credit LRLW each semester, plus an elective in the Spring semester. However, our LRLW prof said that starting with y'alls class they are going to make expand the writing requirement, so things could change.

Oh boy. "Ya'lls"...? My high school gf was from Texas and said that ALL the time haha. It's charming, to an extent, but I don't know if I could put up with it for 3 years -- and maybe more? Ahh, I know. I'm such a Yankee.


-HL

Its not nearly as prevalent as you (y'all) might be expecting...

JazzOne, Ohio pride? I didn't know that existed. When I was there, no one seemed too proud about their state. They seemed more beaten down and cynical than anything.

I did my UG in the midwest, so I met a lot of people I couldn't relate to. High on the list were the people who like freezing cold weather. And the OSU fans are among the worst.

I mean, Texans may be annoying, but we don't routinely assault fans of the opposing team at football games.

[Esc]

I did my UG in the midwest, so I met a lot of people I couldn't relate to. High on the list were the people who like freezing cold weather. And the OSU fans are among the worst.

I mean, Texans may be annoying, but we don't routinely assault fans of the opposing team at football games.

Yeah, Buckeyes are pretty weird.

[JazzOne]

I did my UG in the midwest, so I met a lot of people I couldn't relate to. High on the list were the people who like freezing cold weather. And the OSU fans are among the worst.

I mean, Texans may be annoying, but we don't routinely assault fans of the opposing team at football games.

Yeah, Buckeyes are pretty weird.

Do you know who I am?

Just curious. OperaAttorney is the only TLSer I know.

[Esc]

I did my UG in the midwest, so I met a lot of people I couldn't relate to. High on the list were the people who like freezing cold weather. And the OSU fans are among the worst.

I mean, Texans may be annoying, but we don't routinely assault fans of the opposing team at football games.

Yeah, Buckeyes are pretty weird.

Do you know who I am?

Just curious. OperaAttorney is the only TLSer I know.

Nope. I don't know the people outside my section well enough to have figured any non Section 4 people out.

[OperaAttorney]

I did my UG in the midwest, so I met a lot of people I couldn't relate to. High on the list were the people who like freezing cold weather. And the OSU fans are among the worst.

I mean, Texans may be annoying, but we don't routinely assault fans of the opposing team at football games.

Yeah, Buckeyes are pretty weird.

Do you know who I am?

Just curious. OperaAttorney is the only TLSer I know.

You know another TLSer, JazzOne. His name is Daico. I still don't know how Esc figured out who I am. We're not even in the same section.

[JazzOne]

I did my UG in the midwest, so I met a lot of people I couldn't relate to. High on the list were the people who like freezing cold weather. And the OSU fans are among the worst.

I mean, Texans may be annoying, but we don't routinely assault fans of the opposing team at football games.

Yeah, Buckeyes are pretty weird.

Do you know who I am?

Just curious. OperaAttorney is the only TLSer I know.

You know another TLSer, JazzOne. His name is Daico. I still don't know how Esc figured out who I am. We're not even in the same section.

Oh ya, I forgot about Daico! By the way, Opera, I knew who you were in about 10 seconds at orientation. Not that hard to figure it out.

[yournamehere]

How are the semesters at Texas setup 1L year? 3 doctrinal classes and LRW each semester? Is LRW graded or P/F?

Right now 1L is 3 doctrinal classes plus a 1 credit LRLW each semester, plus an elective in the Spring semester. However, our LRLW prof said that starting with y'alls class they are going to make expand the writing requirement, so things could change.

LRLW is graded. I'd be happy if they expanded the writing requirement -- this is probably the most important thing we will learn to do in our future careers as attorneys and thus far our LRLW class has been kind of a joke. Although, I'm definitely not looking forward to having to write our final memo.

Also wanted to note that one of our classes fall semester 1L year is in small section - about 25 people per class. It really makes a difference and lets you get to know the people in that small section really well.

EDIT: I don't know anyone who is on TLS. Not really interested in finding out either.

[lhfan]

According to this http://taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blog ... least.html , UT students study 3.32 hours/day, one of the lowest amongst law school students. Is this generally the case? If so, that's pretty sweet.

[Esc]

According to this http://taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blog ... least.html , UT students study 3.32 hours/day, one of the lowest amongst law school students. Is this generally the case? If so, that's pretty sweet.

I don't think any of those numbers are accurate. Based on hearsay UT's first semester may be a bit lighter than that of other schools, but it is going to vary completely by individual. I study a lot. Other people barely study at all, especially in the beginning of the semester.