Restaurants

Restaurants Around Campus

I have tried different spots around campus and
this is the first out of three of my favorite places to eat:

1. Hopdoddy

One of my favorite places to eat a good burger is Hopdoddy.
It is located within 25 minutes walking distances  on 1400 S Congress Ave, but it can also be easily reached by bus.
Hopdoddy is making one of the best burgers and fries I have ever had in my life!

No wonder the queue is so long!

But do not worry, even though you might have to stand in line outside, you will have a seat pretty quick.

My standard menu consists of a "Good Night Good Cause" and some fries. If you are feeling fancy you definitely have to try the truffle oil and parmesan fries!

You can have a look at their menu here.







Some good drinks on the menu are the "Red Velvet Cake" shake and "The Skinny Dip" frozen margarita!

Enjoy your visit at Hopdoddy!

Moving in Austin

Different Possibilities to get from A to B

If your are not having a car there are several possibilities to get you movin in Austin.
Unfortunately, Austin is not having Uber, but do not worry, there are other ways.
There are 6 other ways to get moving:

1. Ride Austin

   You can compare Ride Austin with Uber. It is following the same principal. You set up your pick up point on the map and someone who is feeling like picking you up will get you to the location you want to. Prices are cheaper than with a taxi and there are many drivers available. The payment is made via debit or credit card.
   You can download the App through the Appstore or on their website.

2. Fasten

   Another App you can download is Fasten. It is the same as Ride Austin or Uber just from a different company. You can find them in the Appstore or on their website.

3. Taxi

   Austin is having several taxi companies. They are the most expensive option and I cannot recommend any company nor could provide a phone number. If you want or are in need to call a taxi you can do it through the app "hailacab".

4. Bus

   Another good way to move in Austin is the bus. Austin is having a good bus system and gets you to most of Austin's places - of course it will take a bit longer, but you will get there.
   Google Maps is a good way to find the busline you need, otherwise it will be hard to find out which line to take.

5. Bike

   Another way to drive is via bike. Its fast and a good work out to get in shape. Also you can see a lot more of Austin when you drive through the streets with your bike!

6. Foot

   You have two feet, use them! ;)

First Week Part 2

FIRST WEEK PART 2

After all the events on the days before we have had a day off and had time to explore Austin.
I have to say, I was stunned by this beautiful city!

Austin Lamar Boulevard Bridge - A nice spot to see Downtown at the Colorado River.

Austin offers a lot places to visit and explore.

Some places that you can visit on a day off:

1. Texas State Capitol 
2. University of Texas
3. Barton Springs Pool
4. Zilker Park 
5. McKinney Falls State Park

On our day off, we took the bus to the Texas State Capitol and by foot on the shores of the Colorado River to the Barton Springs Pool. Especially in August the Barton Springs Pool is a perfect place to cool off. Everything is really easy to reach by bus, but we wanted to go by foot, so we only took a bus to the Texas State Capitol, which of course made everything a little longer.
Before the trip you should look up the bus connections and distances on google maps.
Furthermore, make sure you take with you a towel and a bathing short or suit, if you want to go to the Barton Springs Pool.

The Texas Capitol in the upper picture and the Barton Springs Pool in the lower picture.

Just a little advise for making plans, the Texas State Capitol and the University of Texas are pretty close to each other and the Barton Springs Pool is directly next to the Zilker Park.

All the mentioned places on the list are a must have and I can recommend each place!

The ones who want to see the Austin nightlife in their first week should definitely visit the 6th Street on Thursdays. The 6th Street is Austin's bar mile and most episodes of the cities nightlife are happening here. More info about that place is about to come.

So after the day in town there is a student welcome party on the outside in front of some residence halls, on the 26th August. It is a big event with free food, games and DJ playing music and is real fun. I met new people on that event and had a lot of fun while enjoying the food, music and some dancing.

The next day was another day off. After having a longer sleep on that day we went off campus to have brunch at The Magnolia Cafe on 1920 South Congress Ave. Its easy to reach by bus, a 7 minute bike drive or a 15 - 20 minute walk.
This place is offering really delicious food, so we had to wait 30 minutes to get seated, because the place was so crowded. The food is absolutely worth the waiting and I can just recommend visiting the place.

Sunday the 28th August, the last day of week one and the day before its getting serious. On that day we attended the "Mass of Welcome", a ceremony where all new students will get their Medal of the University. Its tradition that all new students attend this ceremony and have a symbolic walk through the big read doors of the main building. You also have to keep in mind that this is the only chance you have to get one of these medals! So I really recommend to attend the ceremony!

So this was week one. I hope you got a good impression on what the first week will be like on campus and that you are may be better prepared than I was.
More helpful stuff about to come in upcoming posts ;)

Shopping Around Campus

Shopping Useful Stuff Around Campus

There are several shopping possibilities around Campus where you can get groceries and stuff for your room.

Here is a list of 3 major shops within 20 minutes walk distance:

1. EZPWAN - 102 E. Oltorf St.
   EZPAWN is a thrift shop, where you can get different items. You can get used bikes, fridges, microwaves, computers and more. If you want to save money, this is your place. 
2. H-E-B - 2400 S Congress Ave
   H-E-B is a grocery store.
   Here you can buy fruits, vegetables, bread, toast and everything else what you would need to cook, even a pan.
3. Walmart - 710 E Ben White Blvd
   At Walmart you can literally get everything. If you do not want to ride to different stores to get everything you need,
   Walmart is the place. Here you get groceries, electronic devices (fridges, TV, etc.), clothes, bedding, bikes and even more. 

 

In addition to that, pay attention to this little note, if you are in need of an US SIM card.

There are many possibilities to purchase a US SIM card through the internet, but since I have no experience in that, I cannot recommend a service or provide a link.

But there are many opportunities on and off campus to get a SIM card. 

During the "Orientation Week", so the first week on campus, T-Mobile is going to come to campus on Tuesday. On this day, you will be able to purchase a prepaid card at Moody Hall. 

T-Mobile is offering different options. There is a prepaid plan for 30$, which only includes mobile data.
The other plan is a 45$ dollar prepaid plan with unlimited calls, messages and 3GB mobile data.

In case you do not want to wait, there are two shops in 20 minutes walking distance to get a SIM card before Tuesday:

1. T-Mobile - 500 E Ben White Blvd Ste 300
2. SPRINT - 2407 S Congress Ave 

Shopping for clothes and restaurants will come in upcoming posts.