Hello, Blog!

I feel like growing up we all have this idea of what college is going to be like from movies and the stories we hear get passed around from our parents and their friends. The infamous parties and the oh so glorified academia aesthetic. (TW:JK Rowling…) Maybe this one’s due to all of the Harry Potter related media I consumed in my formative years, but I always envisioned the stacks on stacks of bookshelves in the ever so busy, yet somehow charming library and the faint sounds of laughter coming from a nearby courtyard.

Yes, a dream sold so hard, just for most people to wake up to a reality half as exciting. Where parties are nonexistent, and students hurry home in a rush to avoid socialization- that was my reality before transferring to UT. Though, I still made the best of it, with time well spent exploring my college town and lazing around with my boyfriend and roommates watching an over abundance of movies. It may not have been much, but it was always more than enough for me.

While that quiet little life was enough for me, I had to quickly adjust to the fast paced hustle and bustle of the Austin community. There’s no doubt in any sane persons mind that UT is a party school. With the infamous 6th street just a five minute uber away, and the rows and rows of fraternity and sorority houses, you’ll be sure to find a party goer during any time of the day during any time of the week- especially living in west campus. God, there’s like two liquor stores on every corner.

The semester has just started, so I haven’t had much time for partying- but man oh man can I sell you on the quiet-reading-girl-alone-on-the-lawn aesthetic! Here’s how I spent my day on Campus at UT while getting my work done and genuinely enjoying my time!

Really, this entire post is just about spending the day reading on the lawn. The sun was perfect, and the wind hit just right. If you’re anticipating attending UT, definitely be prepared for lawn season! It was my first time being able to sit in the South Mall this school year, and frankly, it was just like I imagined college in the movies. I got there around nine, when only three other people were present. I read my book, The Fall, while listening to a playlist dedicated to Albert Camus for hours, and before I knew it, I looked back up, and suddenly campus was buzzing with life.

Students sunbathed and took naps on their blankets while others spent their time ranting about their friends, classes, and everything in between. People were coming and going left and right as professors lead guided lessons outside and school field trips littered the lawn, and others spent time moving around the lawn, jumping from place to place trying to find the perfect spot. It was truly so freeing, for a lack of better words.

Things I would recommend for a sunny day on the South Mall

• blanket
• water bottle
• a bag or pillow to lay on
• a nice book to read

Of course, these are just my suggestions, but if you’re anything like me, the grass will make you itchy and the sun will make your mouth dry. And if you plan on sunbathing or just enjoying some time outside, it would be nice to have an elevated surface to lay your head down. Thus, I think these things are essential for a truly enjoyable time on the lawn.

There’s so many things going on in my life and school right now- I hope I can share them soon. UT Austin genuinely has so much to offer- and while I loved my former school, transferring was probably one of the best things I could do for myself.

Moral of the story, regardless of who you are and what you like, life is just as much as you make it, and its even better when you can find the joy in all the little things.

Thanks for reading, Blog

-tai