Texas Global is taking part in the International Student Barometer survey. We want to learn about your experience at UT Austin and how to make it better.
All current UT students received an email with an individual link to the International Student Barometer. The survey is for current UT students and will remain open through Feb. 23. Students who complete the survey will be entered into a prize drawing for a UT/Texas Global gift bag including a t-shirt, cap and other fun items.
Give us your opinion on several topics including:
- How was your arrival and orientation experience?
- How are you finding the accommodation?
- What do you think about the quality of lectures?
- What do you think about the university services available to you?
Students all around the world are being asked to complete the survey, and we urge you to join that collective voice. The results will be used to help us identify ways to improve the experience of you and your fellow students at UT.
How were your arrival and orientation experience?
My arrival has been challenging because of the COVID and lack of knowledge of how things work here. Even though I came from a country with a similar culture, identification, banking, health system, and other daily life activities are done differently. For example, due to the lack of credit history, I had to pay extra money as a deposit in the utility bill (200 USD), in the internet service (100 USD), prepaid my mobile plan (60 USD). I won’t qualify for car leasing while in my country, I have excellent reports. I feel unfortunate and like left alone to my own luck. I wish I knew that before.
How are you finding the accommodation?
Finding accommodation was hard too. Because I did online searching and roughly 90% (or even more) of the apartments that I could afford had some awful reviews stating pest control problems, severe failure of appliances, excess of noise, and whatsoever. I also talked with other Chilean students who arrived before me, and they struggled a lot because of the dire conditions. Also, to rent a property, you have to demonstrate earnings 3 times the monthly rent. That is almost impossible for all the foreign students. This causes abuse and landlords demanding higher deposits. University housing was not available. Share apartment with strangers was neither an option to me because I am old enough for that.
What do you think about the quality of lectures?
The quality of the lectures has been good. UT has excellent professors.
What do you think about the university services available to you?
I think I am not aware of the university services available. I do not know if there is a comprehensive list of resources or something like that.
This is important feedback. We know it can be hard adjusting to a new country and culture. Did you have a chance to review the International Student Orientation Canvas Course? It has a lot of helpful information on these matters. Please make sure to share your feedback in the survey. If you can’t find your link, email global@austin.utexas.edu.