UT

I am not completely sure if I have ever really talked much of what I do here, being a Norwegian living in Austin, Texas that is. I am currently enrolled as a sophomore at The University of Texas, Austin majoring in corporate communication and business. I just recently transferred in after doing my freshman year of uni at the American college of Norway. UT was and is my absolute dream school, and I am thrilled and honored that I am able to go here. Considering I do not really share much about life in general here, I figured I would answer some questions I have been getting (both on the blog, emails and from people).

Photos from around campus at UT

Are you in a sorority? And is sorority life big at UT?
Yes, I rushed this year and pledged Kappa Alpha Theta (Theta or KAO for short). Greek life (fraternities and sororities) are huge at Texas and there is always something going on. For me, as a foreigner, I wanted a place where I could go and feel at home (and it does not hurt that the sorority houses are the size of mansions over here) I also thought it was a good opportunity to get involve and constantly meet new people, which it has been and I love it!

For those of y’all I have on Facebook, you might have seen me do this? This is a Theta kite. I know weird, Americans make hand signs or signs in general for everything, *see hook em sign.

What made you choose UT?
First of all, It is a great school. Right now The University of Texas, Austin is ranked 26th in the world, and with that there are so many cool opportunities I would not have had a chance to do had I stayed in Norway. Besides academics it’s known to be a really fun school, which it definitely is, there is always stuff going on. And overall Austin just seemed to be a really cool place to live. Austin is the live music capitol of the world, and by just walking around downtown I have stumbled on the coolest festivals and concerts.

Jas and I before ACL day 1.

What’s been the best memory so far?
I think it would either be ACL (Austin City Limits), a music festival held in Austin every year. I went with a bunch of my friends in Theta and it was unbelievable. The line-up was incredible: Muse, Kings of Leon, Phoenix, Vampire Weekend, Passion Pit, Arctic Monkeys, Fun.,Kendrick Lamar, Kaskade, Tame Impala, Grimes, Noah and the Whale, Jake Bugg and many more.

..Or going to my first American football (college) game, it was the most surreal experience ever. You walk into the longhorn stadium, packed with people wearing burnt orange (our school color), canons and smoke machines going off while everyone raises their hands to do the Hook em’ Horns sign and sing our school song: the eyes of Texas are upon you. It’s unbelievable to think the stadium holds over 100.000 thousand people and it is always packed. Hands down the most American experience of my life. I loved it.

Courtney and I at a Sig Ep tailgate before one of the games

Having Alex visiting me at UT was unbelievable.

Meeting Bevo (our school mascot) for the very first time.

KAO sisters at the OU/Texas game in Dallas. One of the best football games I have ever been to.

My Big sister in Theta

What do you miss the most about Norway?
I try my best not to think too much about missing my friends, family and boyfriend that are still in Norway and being good about enjoying where I am at and getting to know people here. But it will be so much fun to come back for winter break and see everyone, 8 more days!! Other than loved ones I would say Norwegian food, candy and goat cheese. Yes, goat cheese.

Garland (one of my roomates) and I at a Halloween party.

Michelle and I

Theta Thug at a Theta-SAE mixer

What is the weather like?
I’m pretty sure that I can count the rainy days on one hand for the 4 months I have been here. Today, we had 28 celsius, blue skies and sunny all day, (I even had time to lay out for a little bit on the rooftop). Coming from a cold and rainy place like Stavanger it is hard for me to realize that there are places like here, where worrying about the weather simply does not cross your mind.

Is college hard compared to Norway?
Yes, college here is very hard and there seem to be an endless amount of work to be done constantly. I would say the American educational system is notably more “high School inspired” than the Norwegian system, at least in the sense that there’s still homework, quizzes and attendance that make up for most of your grade (adding midterms and regular tests as well). Students are given less responsibility over their own education than a typical European student.

Cole and I at a Sig Ep Halloween party

I cannot believe it’s only been 4 months, I can’t wait to see what these next three years have in store. Hope I answered some of the questions ok, and if you are Norwegian and want to study in the U.S feel free to email me if you have any questions.