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Welcome to Bat City: What to do in your first week in Austin

Calling college co-eds — this easy guide with places to eat, explore, and learn will help you feel like a local in your new town.

August 17, 2023 • 
Kate Mazade, London Gibson
UT Austin tower

For all ~9,000 of you starting your first year at UT, City Editor and former Longhorn London welcomes you.

Photo by @dmitris_lens

It’s officially college move-in season, and we want to say “Welcome to the Capital City” to our new arrivals at UT, St. Edward’s, Austin Community College, Huston-Tillotson, and Concordia — and anyone else starting a new chapter in Austin. Whether you grew up far away or already call ATX home, we are so excited you’re here.

Starting school is a lot of change at the same time, and taking on the 10th largest city in the country can feel a bit overwhelming.

But don’t worry — for all ~20,000 of you starting your first year of higher education, we put together an ultimate City Guide to help you out in your first few weeks. Soon, you’ll be navigating Bat City like a pro.

Don’t forget to bookmark this page, subscribe to our free daily newsletter, and follow us on Instagram for everything 512.

Table with several tinfoil-wrapped tacos and salsa from El Primo in Austin, Texas.
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Photo by @elprimoatx

ATX_Greater_goods
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Photo by @gg_roasting

A close up of a breakfast taco from Cenote.
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Photo by @konarik305

To-go container with Thai chicken kara-agé, pork belly bun, brussels sprout salad, and liberty rice from East Side King in Austin, Texas.
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Photo by @eastsideking

A close-up of bananas at Bananarchy
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Photo by @treyschowdown, Hunting Deliciousness

Two cocktails on a table at Second Bar + Kitchen.
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Photo by ATXtoday

Eat

We don’t know about you, but we think trying to unpack and cook is a no-go. Fuel up for any meal:

The Barton Creek Greenbelt trail, overlooking the Hill Country
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Photo by @tuckerridesbikes

A green wall with the words "i love you so much."
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Photo by ATXtoday

People sitting at picnic tables on the dock outside Mozart's Coffee Roasters, with Lake Austin in the background.
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Photo by @mymobile_captures

A crowd of people under the flags at ACL Fest.
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Photo by ATXtoday

The Austin skyline, as seen from between trees on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
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Photo by ATXtoday

A frog with the words "Hi, How Are You" above it.
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Photo by @eriwinter

A view of Mount Bonnell from above
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Willie Nelson statue in downtown Austin.
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Photo via ATXtoday team

The Pennybacker Bridge as seen from an overlook
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Photo by ATXtoday

Explore

Your world doesn’t have to stop at the edge of campus — get out and about with these:

ATX_book woman
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Photo via @bookwomanaustin

Wonderspaces Austin contains 14 surreal art installations. | Photo by @leilani.ibanez17
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ATX_DriskillLobby
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Photo by ATXtoday

The view of the Tau Ceti mural as seen from the tour bus.
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Photo by ATXtoday

A warm room with wooden floors and ceilings, with white busts and sculptures positioned around it.
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Photo by ATXtoday

People walking around in rainbow light inside Ellworth Kelly's "Austin."
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Learn

Get acquainted with your new city. Learn about local arts and culture:

Students — we hope your next few years are wonderful + you come to love ATX as much as we do. Faithful readers — help us welcome the new arrivals by sharing this article with a friend.

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