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Welcome to LLILAS at The University of at Unofficial Guide, Fall 2007 Provided by the Institute of Latin American Studies Student Association

Table of Contents

Welcome! 3

Introduction to Austin! 4

Newspapers! 4

Other Guides! 4

Weather! 5

Allergies! 5

Housing! 6

Neighborhoods! 6

Finding an Apartment! 8

Helpful Websites! 9

Average Prices for Location! 9

Considerations When Looking for an Apartment! 11

Furniture! 11

Purchasing New Furniture and Household Items! 12

Recycling! 12

Housing Cooperatives! 13

Buying a Home! 13

Roommates! 14

Renter’s Insurance! 14

Utilities! 14

Transportation! 16 Within the City! 16

Getting Home After a Night of Drinking! 17

Taxicab Companies! 18

Outside the City! 18

Auto Repair! 19

University Matters! 20

LLILAS Orientation! 20

Useful LLILAS Websites! 21

Office of Graduate Studies! 22

Classes/Registration! 22

UT Student Identifiers and Computer Information! 23

Money! 24

Taxes! 25

Banks! 25

Financial Aid! 25

Health Insurance! 26

Entertainment! 26

The Best of Austin! 26

Sports! 29

Other Entertainment Around Town! 30

Music and Film! 31

Around the State! 32

ILASSA! 34

ILASSA Conference on Latin America! 34 Welcome

Welcome to Austin, The University of Texas, and the Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies (LLILAS). In anticipation of your arrival this summer or fall, we have prepared this handbook to answer some of the many questions you probably have about moving to Austin and beginning your graduate career. Although it does not cover everything you will ever need to know, we hope it is helpful in getting you started. For any specific questions regarding the program not answered in the booklet or in the orientation information, please contact Anne Dibble, Graduate Coordinator, at [email protected]. For any additional questions, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or submit the question to the ILASSA listserve (see information in handbook about how to join) where students at UT and alumni will offer their assistance. We look forward to your arrival. “Hook ‘Em Horns!”

Sincerely,

Oscar Aparicio, President

Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies Student Association

The views expressed in this booklet are those of the Institute of Latin American Studies Student Association and not those of the Institute or The University of Texas at Austin. Please keep in mind that this information can become out- of-date at any time. The prices listed should be used as a general guide; there is no guarantee that the prices will be the same when you inquire. Likewise, phone numbers and other information may change. When in doubt, confirm the information. We take no responsibility for any errors that may exist. If you find errors or have suggestions on how to improve this packet, please e-mail me at [email protected].

This handbook was revised by Oscar Aparicio, Summer 2007. Introduction to Austin Newspapers, Other Guides, Weather, Allergies and Vernacular

Austin is one of the fastest growing areas in the country. Its metropolitan population is over 600,000. Aside from UT, there are four additional colleges and universities in the city. Austin is located near the middle of the state allowing easy access to Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Because Austin is the capital of Texas, you will find that there is a strong emphasis on politics in the news. There is also a large live music scene in Austin. Almost every bar, café and restaurant offer live music at least one night a week. Music interests here range from rock and roll, , and country to alternative and folk. If you would like to check-out the local bands, the bars on 6th Street are the easiest place to start. There is also a thriving visual and performance art community in Austin. The city currently boasts 33 galleries, more than 25 theaters, several interesting museums, and a performing arts center as well as dance and ballet companies, a symphony, and an opera. Austin also experienced growth in high-tech industry. Samsung recently built a site here, in addition to the companies which have been here for quite some time: Motorola, Texas Instruments, , Radian, 3M, Texaco, Sematech, IBM, Advanced Micro Devices, etc.

Newspapers

The daily newspaper for the city is The Austin American-Statesman (www.statesman.com). Ask for the student rate! The University of Texas newspaper, (www.dailytexanonline.com) is distributed free Monday through Friday on campus, no paper on the weekends. The Austin Chronicle (www.austinchronicle.com) is distributed weekly each Thursday and is also free to the public. This publication can be found in the foyer of most restaurants and at the Main Building and Texas Union on campus, in addition to locations throughout Austin. Although it does not cover much in the way of news, it does serve as a good guide to bar specials, weekend events, the art scene, politics, and music.

Other Guides

We don’t claim to be the last word in Austin guidebooks. We recommend the following guidebooks in case you want more information:

•Austin Travel: Lonely Planet World Guide (www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/ north_america/austin/)

•Austin 360 (www.austin360.com)

•Frommer’s San Antonio and Austin (http://www.frommers.com/destinations/austin/)The

•Insider’s Guide to Austin (http://www.insiders.com/austin)

•Check out the ‘Newcomers Guide.’ at http://austin.citysearch.com/

Weather

If you love the outdoors, then you’ll love Austin. Austinites can enjoy outdoor "hot spots" such as and almost year-round. Average monthly temperatures range from 49° F in January to 95° F in July and August. There tends to be one minor winter storm each year that will shut down the city completely. The average afternoon humidity ranges from 47% in July to 65% in February. Often forecasters will say that the high for the day may be, for example, 90°, but the humidity creates a heat index reading of 102°. In other words, it will feel much hotter outside than you think it will! Regardless of the temperature, Austin's average of nearly 300 sunny days per year means clear skies most of the time. When it does rain, be prepared for thunderstorms, often accompanied by heavy downpours.

Allergies

Does the weather sound too good to be true? Well, sadly there is a catch. If you have allergies to ragweed, cedar, or molds, you may need to buy prescription medication. For a daily allergy count, check the Austin-American Statesman Metro and State section on the back page or at www.statesman.com/weather/content/weather/pollen. The other bad news is that basic student health insurance does not cover allergy medication.

Vernacular

Austinites have their own way of pronouncing things that you’ll have to get used to:

Burnet = (BURN-it) Guadalupe = (GUAD-a-loop) (this is also called “The ” between 29th street to the North and Martin Luther King to the South) Manchaca = (MAN-chack) Manor = (MAY-ner) MoPac = (from the Missouri-Pacific railroad) = Loop 1 San Jacinto = (Sanjack) (San Juh-SIN-to) = (not THE Colorado that runs through the Grand Canyon) Town Lake = Colorado River (yes, another name for a dammed section of the same river) Loop 360 = Capital of Texas Highway

Housing Neighborhoods, Finding a Place, Helpful Websites, Furnishing Your Apartment

Neighborhoods

This section will provide you with a realistic view of the areas that are serviced by shuttles. The following is a map of the Austin neighborhoods. The bottom section of the area labeled “5- Central”, below the actual words, corresponds roughly to downtown. UT is located about where you see the word “Central.”

Far West is located in the hillsides in the Northwest Austin and is most accessible by MoPac. However, the UT shuttles that service this area are often overcrowded in the morning, and MoPac traffic is especially bad from 7:30 to 9:00 AM. If you can afford the rent, this area is a good first choice for an apartment, at least until you get to know the city better.

Enfield Road and Lake Austin areas are located just west of campus near Town Lake. Grad students heavily populate this area. The area offers a hodgepodge of architectural styles. Many of the houses and apartments were built in the 1960s and have begun to look run down. However, there are several places that have been renovated and as a consequence charge higher rents. Parking is limited at most complexes. Access to campus from this area is quite easy. The crime rate in this area is fairly low, and, if you are lucky, you may find a place with extremely low rent. The Lake Austin shuttle also services the Married Student Housing Dormitories, which are operated by UT. These dorms offer fairly low rents and are inhabited mostly by international students and couples and their children; however, waiting lists for this location are prohibitively long.

West Campus is the area directly west of UT. Although a shuttle runs through this area, it is literally just two blocks from campus. This area is inhabited predominantly by social fraternities and, as a consequence, is known for its wild and loud parties on the weekends. In addition, because of its close proximity to campus, the rent here is generally high and parking is difficult. This area is great for someone who doesn't have a car but does have some extra cash. This area also has smaller houses located outside of the “greek area” which are quite pleasant and financially reasonable for two roommates.

Intramural Fields and Red River shuttles service the area north of campus that is generally known as Hyde Park. There are lots of apartments and houses here to rent. The prices vary over a large range because some of the apartments are old and some are brand new. Many students live in this area due to it campus access via walking, or biking. The neighborhood is quiet, and most students find good deals here. There are also many coffee shops and restaurants (most of them locally owned) within walking distance.

The Cameron Road area, located on the northeast side of town, is also a mixture of old and new. Some consider crime here to be higher than in the previous neighborhoods mentioned. There are many apartments in this area, but also some houses in the residential areas. Grocery accessibility is not the best, but the Capital Plaza (Target, Ross, Office Max) is located on Cameron Rd. and the Highland Mall is just across IH-35. Shuttle service can be interrupted by accidents on IH-35. There are many students who live here because rent is cheaper, but first- timers may want to live closer to campus.

Pleasant Valley, North Riverside, Parker Lane, and Wickersham Lane shuttles service the area directly south of the river on the east side of I-35. Many UT undergraduates and students from other colleges live in this area. The neighborhood is populated almost entirely by apartment dwellers. In general, the areas next to the river and south of Oltorf have a higher incidence of crime, but most of the crime is limited to theft. Shuttle service here can be delayed by traffic on I-35. In addition, due to the large volume of students living here, the shuttle buses fill up fast. Many new complexes have been erected here in the past few years, and the area’s reputation has improved substantially.

French Place is located directly east of campus. Rent here is about as cheap as you will find anywhere in Austin. Along Manor Road there are several apartments that have been renovated to attract students. The closest grocery stores are H.E.B. on Red River and Fiesta on 38 1⁄2 Street. Many LLILAS students have been very happy living here and enjoy the short walk from the Benson.

You have several options for housing in Austin. There are plenty of apartments to fit most price ranges, as well as houses for rent. Many Austinites rent out rooms in their homes. There are also a few housing cooperatives in town. Finally, for those who have the means, there is the option of buying a house.

Finding an Apartment Rental prices range from $395 to $1500 depending on whether you want to live alone or with roommates, how close you want to be to campus, and how nice a neighborhood or apartment you desire. Most neighborhoods are as safe as those in any large city. The housing market is very tight in Austin, and the situation is unlikely to improve in the near future. Recently, occupancy rates have been very high, and rent is always rising. It is not uncommon to have rent increases of $30 to $60 every year. Security deposits are required to hold an apartment. Deposits range from $150 to $250 for a one bedroom and $200 to $400 for two bedrooms. An application fee of $35 to $50 is also charged to run a credit history in some cases. If you decide to rent a house or condo, deposits of one month’s rent are usually charged. There are some small-scale landlords who may not require an application. If you have a pet, you may also have to pay a pet deposit. The following is a list of apartment costs around Austin.

Helpful Websites

The University Division of Housing and Food Services website (http://www.utexas.edu/ student/housing) offers helpful information on housing in Austin, near campus, and on-campus. In addition, they offer a link to a housing search engine Longhorn Living (http:// www.longhornliving.org).

No UT affiliation: http://www.ausapt.com/ http://www.aptsforrent.com/ http://www.austin360.com/ http://www.statesman.com/ http://www.austinapartmentfinder.com/ http://www.austinchronicle.com/class http://www.craigslist.org/

Average Prices for Location

The following is a list of average apartment prices in the surrounding UT areas. Hyde Park and West Campus are popular places, but a bit more expensive. South Austin is less expensive, but a little ways from the campus life, which could be a good thing or a bad thing for you depending on what you are looking for. The prices below are ranges and May change based on the housing market.

NORTHEAST NORTHWEST AUSTIN AUSTIN SOUTH AUSTIN Cameron Road Far West (FW) Pleasant Valley (CR) 1BR: $550 + (PV) 1BR: $510 - $760 2BR: $745 + North Riverside 2BR: $650 - $915 3BR: $1100 + (NR) 3BR: $950 - $1100 CENTRAL Parker Lane (PL) WEST AUSTIN AUSTIN (Hyde Wickersham Park) Enfield Road Lane (WL) (ER) Intramural 1BR: $500 - $765 Fields (IF) West Campus 2BR: $590 - $1000 (WC) Red River (RR) 3BR: $950 - $1100 1BR: $525 - $900 1BR: $500 - $800

2BR: $750 - $1300 2BR: $715 - $1000 3BR: $1200 - $1800

Listed below are a few apartment locators who often deal with college students.

Apartment Headquarters, (512) 442-9333 Front Page Properties, (512) 480-8518

Property Management of Texas, (512) 476-2673

Vision Ads, (512) 418-8264 (a higher scale place in which you watch videos on each complex)

Apartment Experts (512) 339-4411

Considerations When Looking for an Apartment

Because parking is difficult for those who don't get up at the crack of dawn, we recommend that you get an apartment that is on a UT shuttle bus route or on the city bus route (see www.capmetro.org for a map and schedule). Although this may mean higher rent, it does save you the hassle of driving in traffic and trying to find a place to park. Most apartment complexes require you to sign a TAA (Texas Apartment Association) lease. Get to know this lease and pay close attention to the sections that the leasing agents fill in themselves. There is also a standard lease for duplexes and condominiums. You should definitely arrange a visit to Austin as early as possible to look for an apartment, and for the best possible selection.

Furniture

Moving within the United States: All the information you will ever need to move: http:// www.moving.com. For those of you who like to "do it yourself”:

•U-Haul: http://www.uhaul.com/

•Ryder: http://www.ryder.com

Renting furniture and other household items: Most Austin apartments will offer referrals to furniture rental companies who will deliver to your home during Orientation and set up everything for you. You can expect to pay $100 - $150 per month for rented furniture, depending on what you get.

•Aaron Rental: http://www.aaronrents.com/ •Cort Furniture Rental: http://www.cort1.com/

Purchasing New Furniture and Household Items

Austin has no shortage of furniture stores, including great discount places, so please don’t feel the need to haul every piece of your furniture across the country or ocean. There are plenty of second-hand (Salvation Army type) stores on Lamar, north of 45th, and others are distributed throughout the city. You should have no trouble buying used pots, pans, couches, etc. There are also many garage/yard sales in August. Many former students are leaving town at that time and are willing to sell their good stuff for very little money. If you want to buy new furniture, there are tons of furniture stores on Burnet Road. Check the yellow pages for listings. Austin City Search also has a Furniture Store link. One such store is:

•Furniture Factory Warehouse: 6510 S. Congress (512) 707-2095 or 5319 N IH 35 (512) 380-0025.

You can find just about anything you need within a ten-minute drive at Target or Wal-Mart, if you’re not as concerned about social responsibility.

• Target: http://www.target.com/guest/locator/index.html

• Linens and Things: www.lnt.com

• Bed, Bath, and Beyond: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/

•The Container Store: www.containerstore.com 9629 Research Blvd, 418-8479

• IKEA: www.ikea-usa.com For those of you who can’t live without it, the nearest IKEA is in Round Rock (only 30 minutes away): 1 IKEA Way, Round Rock, TX 78664

Recycling Receptacles for recycling aluminum cans and all types of paper can be found in buildings on the UT campus. Grocery stores collect used grocery bags for recycling. Many Austin neighborhoods have a weekly recycling collection, as do some apartment complexes. For all other recycling needs, Ecology Action of Texas http://www.ecology-action.org (512) 322-0000 runs recycling centers at the Hancock Center (IH 35 at 41st St.), Westlake Center (Campcraft Road at Westbank Road), Burnet Center (8100 Burnet Rd.), and the drive through center at 9th and I-35.

Housing Cooperatives

The following is a list some co-ops in Austin:

Buying a Home

Abbey House Student Residence Hall (512) 477-8865 [email protected] [email protected] 408 W. 17th St.

Austin, TX Inter-Cooperative Council (512)474-2408 iccaustin.coop 510 W. 23rd St.

College Houses Cooperative, Inc. Austin, TX 78705 www.collegehouses.org (512) 476-1957 1906 Pearl St. (512) 476-4789 Austin, TX 78705 [email protected]

(512) 476-5678

(512) 476-1743 Halstead [email protected] 2222 Pearl St.

Austin, TX 78705

Deutsches Haus Co-op (German House) (512) 476-9729 www.utexas.edu/students/dhaus 2103 Nueces St. For more coops: Austin, TX 78705 http://www.umich.edu/~nasco/gtcc/texas.html If you have a family or otherwise intend to stay in the same place during a 5-6 year stay in Austin, you may wish to consider buying a house. You may save money on your monthly payments, get a tax break, and will probably be able to earn a profit reselling the home when you leave. Programs exist to aid first time home-buyers with their down payment and interest rate. Those interested should contact the UT Office of Student Financial Services for further information (http:// finaid.utexas.edu).

Roommates

If you want to be included on a list of students seeking roommates, please send a message to our chupacabra listserve. Instructions on how to subscribe to the list serve are located below. You can also check the Austin American Statesman, the Austin Chronicle and Craigslist the predominant Austin newspapers, for roommate ads. Once you arrive you can also check the bulletin board in the Texas Union Building. There are dozens of students seeking roommates who post there.

Renter’s Insurance

It is a good idea to have renters insurance. There have been several apartment fires in Austin that have destroyed students’ entire possessions. You might try calling State Farm Insurance or William-Gammon first. If you or a parent served in the U.S. military, USAA offers the best rates. For $100-$200, you can insure around $25,000 of your valuables.

Utilities

Most apartments in Austin have electric heaters and water heaters. As a consequence, electric bills for an average two bedroom apartment are $40-$70 in the winter and $70-$100 in the summer. Of course, if you can find a place with gas appliances, your electric bill in the winter could drop to as low as $20. Once you decide on an apartment, you can call the electric department to find out the average electric bills for that unit. Utilities are often included within the price of rent, and many student apartments come with free basic cable. On occasion, Time Warner will run installation specials.

Phone: MCI Worldcom

AT&T Residential sales: 1-800-950-5555

One Rate Texas service Residential Sales: 1-800-222-0300 Southwestern Bell www.att.com/local_service/tx/html/ New service: 1-800-464-7928 index.html Spanish Assistance: 1-800-559-0050 Electric: Internet: Austin Energy Austin TX.com 721 Barton Springs Road (512) 300-0176 494-9400 home.austintx.com http://www.austinenergy.com/ Gas: Commuter Communication Systems Texas Gas Service (512) 257-2274 (512) 452-2390 www.ccsi.com http://www.southernunionco.com Constant.com Water: (512) 458-3882 City of Austin www.constant.com Water and Wastewater disposal

(512) 974-3329 Freeside Communications, Inc. www.ci.austin.tx.us/water/ (512) 458-9810

www.fc.net Cable: Time Warner Cable Grande Communications

(512) 485-5555 (512)220-4880 12012 N Mo-Pac Expway www.grandecom.com www.timewarneraustin.com

Grande Communications Illuminati Online (512) 220-4880 (512) 462-0999 http://www.grandecom.com www.io.com Internet (cont.): Real/Time Communications The Internet Port (512) 451-0046 (512) 349-2791 www.realtime.net www.inetport.com Southwestern Bell Internet Services Jump Point Communications, Inc. www.swbell.net (512) 257-4700 www.jump.net Texagnet [email protected] Onramp Access (512) 322-9200 Texas Networking, Inc. www.onr.com (512) 427-1651 www.texas.net

PrismNet, Inc. (512) 821-2991 Time Warner Communications www.prismnet.com (512) 485-6396 www.twtelecom.com

Transportation

Within the City

The city bus system is operated by Capital Metro, with more than 48 bus routes including downtown routes and the Capitol area "Dillo Express." City bus schedules can be found online or at the Union and the UT Co-op (across Guadalupe from the Union). Public transportation does not cover the entire city; there are several areas outside of the central Austin area to which the city bus system does not travel. As long as you have a valid UT student ID, you can ride the bus for free. For the riders without a student ID, Capital Metro offers free rides to customers on all routes on ‘Ozone Action Days’, daily information can be found at www.capmetro.org/riding/ ozone. Another great service is transportation to and from the airport from campus (see schedule for bus 100 Airport Flyer). Any questions about these services should be directed to the numbers below.

Website complete with maps and schedules: (http://www.capmetro.org)

Phone: (512) 474-1200

Special transit services for mobility impaired: (512) 478-9647

UT Shuttle

Capitol Metro is also contracted by the University to operate the UT Shuttle system; it is not necessary to show at UT ID to ride the UT Shuttle buses. The UT shuttle routes are extremely convenient if you can find an apartment near one. The buses run from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM, Monday through Friday. During the day, most shuttles come by every five to eleven minutes, but after 5:30 PM the buses only run every 30 minutes. When classes are not in session or during school holidays, the shuttles do not run at all, and during finals or registration the buses only run every thirty minutes all day. On Sunday, there is limited service available from 2 PM to 11 PM, and the frequency of buses varies for each route, so check in the city bus schedule.

Getting Home After a Night of Drinking

Getting Home After a Night of Drinking: The University operates a UT shuttle route for late night service called the “Entertainment Bus” which runs from areas around campus to 6th street and other downtown locations. Check the UT shuttle route for more information and specific running times. (http://www.capmetro.org/riding/ebus.asp) Taxicab Companies

Different than large metropolitan cities, you will seldom be able to hail a cab on an Austin street corner. Phone a cab and expect to wait 10-20 minutes for it to arrive.

Austin Cab Company (512) 929-3314

Roy's Taxi (512) 482-0000

Yellow Checker (512) 472-1111

Outside the City

Besides the standard planes, trains, and buses, you might consider going to the Union to find a way out of the city. The Union has bulletin boards where you can place ads to share rides or buy and sell plane tickets. Many private shuttle bus companies also offer service to major cities in Texas.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/austinairport/

Amtrak Trains: 250 North Lamar Blvd, 1-800-USA-RAIL, http://www.amtrak.com

Greyhound Bus: 916 E. Koenig Lane, (512) 458-4463, http://www.greyhound.com

Your Own Automobile

When driving a car in Texas, you must have car insurance. If you are ever pulled over by the police or if you are involved in an accident, proof of liability insurance and a valid driver's license will be needed. Proof of liability insurance is also needed for the yearly car inspection, to obtain a Texas driver's license, and to register your car and obtain Texas license plates. In addition to the insurance requirements, there is a mandatory seat belt law in Texas. All front seat drivers and passengers of automobiles and pickups must wear and buckle their seat belts. Children under age 2 must be in a safety seat. Children under the age of 4 must be in passenger restraints regardless of whether they are in the front seat or back.

For more information, visit the Texas Department of Transportation website: www.dot.state.tx.us and the Texas State Department of Public Safety at http:// www.txdps.state.tx.us

Auto Repair

The following service stations were recommended to us by an informal survey.

•Chote's Chevron •Love Car Care

•Sam's Chevron •Express Automotive

•Shreve Auto Repair •Oltorf Exxon

•Lambs Goodyear •Excaliber Automotive

•Wayne Barbee •Roger Beasely Mazda

•Dan’s Texaco •Groovy Automotive

Parking on Campus

Several options exist for parking on campus. You can buy a "C" permit, which gives you a license to hunt for a parking space in designated "C" lots. The current cost is $110 per year. You can also buy a C+ parking permit, which allows you access to all university garages between 5 p.m. and 4 a.m. weekly and all day on weekends (Friday at 5 p.m. to Monday at 4 a.m.). You can find C parking in the Benson Library lot but should arrive before 8:30 AM to find a parking place. Of course, if you don't mind the hike, many graduate students who come to school after 10 AM park in the residential areas immediately northeast and west of campus. For more information on parking, see the UT Parking and Transportation website: http:// www.utexas.edu/parking/. Parking is also disrupted during football games and special events so it is good to keep a beat on the events on campus.

There are a couple of parking garages on campus for daily parking. They charge by the hour with a daily maximum of $8.

Biking

Many students find that it is more convenient to bike to school rather than try to find a parking place. This is especially easy if you live north of campus because many of the roads in this area have designated bike lanes. Capital Metro also has bike racks on many of its buses. Be sure to register your bike with the parking and transportation office (www.utexas.edu/parking/ transportation/biking) on campus and use a secure lock because theft is common.

For more information on biking, check the following page on Austin360.com: http:// www.austin360.com/search/content/recreation/guides/bike/bikingindex.html

University Matters

LLILAS Orientation

Formal LLILAS orientation for Fall 2007 will begin on Wednesday, August 22 and includes advising, registration, and miscellaneous paperwork. Plan to arrive in Austin at least one week prior to Orientation so that you have time to unpack, settle in, and learn your way around town before beginning your first semester. You may check in with Anne Dibble on or before August 16 to fill out paperwork and pick up the orientation schedule, which can also be found online.

There are two listservs (email distribution lists) that you should sign up immediately for. The ILASSA listserve is where you will be notified of any and all LLILAS happenings, as well as conduct elections and see the weekly meeting minutes. It is highly recommended that all students register for this listserv. You can do so by emailing Mike Gale ([email protected]).

Chupacabra is a different, more inclusive, listserve that will keep you informed of meetings, classes, happy hours, jobs, and internships, and will let you know what your colleagues are doing and what’s on their minds. The biggest difference between the ILASSA and the Chupa listservs is that you do not have to be a UT student to subscribe. Chupacabra is a wonderful forum for meeting roommates and locating living quarters. To subscribe send your requests to this address:

[email protected]

Send a message as in the example below, substituting your information for Juana Doe’s. Leave the subject line blank, and be sure to type the text in the body of the message.

SUBSCRIBE CHUPACABRA Juana Doe

Once you have subscribed, you will automatically receive information on how to unsubscribe, send messages, etc. You cannot send or receive chupacabra messages unless you have subscribed. If you do not subscribe, we guarantee that you will miss out on important information. Any updates to this guide will be disseminated via Chupa.

If you have any questions contact Mike Gale, the ILASSA Listserve Administrator. http://wwwtest.utexas.edu/cola/llilas/studentgroups/ilassa/#officers

Useful LLILAS Websites

Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies website: http://www.utexas.edu/cola/ llilas/

ENLACE Career Center: http://lanic.utexas.edu/enlace/

LANIC (Latin American Network Information Center): http://lanic.utexas.edu/

ILASSA homepage: http://www.utexas.edu/cola/llilas/students/studentgroups/ilassa/ index.html Benson Latin American Collection: http://www.lib.utexas.edu/benson/

Office of Graduate Studies

The Office of Graduate Studies administers most graduate programs on campus. They offer a quick online orientation (www.utexas.edu/ogs/orientation) to the graduate school, graduate student life, commonly asked questions and their website is also helpful for questions about work, thesis/ dissertation criteria, etc. Visit their site at www.utexas.edu/ogs/

Classes/Registration

You will register for at least 9 hours (three classes) every semester and summer school is optional. We recommend you double-check these numbers, as the requirements may change depending on your degree plan. It is your responsibility to register on time and it is in your best interest to do so. UT uses a computerized registration system, which will be explained to you during orientation. For information about online registration, refer to Rose, UT’s online registration system. http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/rose/.

The Office of Graduate Studies at The University of Texas requires all students to maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. If you receive a C in any course in your division, you will have to retake the class. Students who drop below the 3.0 GPA will be placed on academic probation. Those who remain below the required minimum for two consecutive semesters face expulsion.

International Students Only: Your immigration documents (I-20’s or DS-2019’s) are being processed now by the UT International Office. Upon your arrival to Austin, you must check-in with the International Office for important information specific to International Students. International students traveling directly from overseas should plan to arrive in Austin early enough so that they can settle in and adjust to the new environment (see your Immigration Documents or contact the International Office for earliest arrival dates). Foreign students will find some information about language requirements in this package. ALL students: All students must take a proficiency exam in either Spanish or Portuguese during their first semester. Most find the exam relatively simple, but you may want to refresh yourself prior to the exam. The LLILAS graduate program coordinator, Anne Dibble, will let you know the specifics about the exam procedures.

Address Changes: Please keep Anne up-to-date with your address and phone number over the summer. You may reach her by e-mail at [email protected]. You should also update your address information through UT Direct (http://utdirect.utexas.edu/utdirect)

UT Student Identifiers and Computer Information

UT EID (Electronic Identity): Your UT EID and password are electronic identifiers that allow you to use secure UT services on the Web. You are assigned your UT EID when you apply/ or are admitted to UT. You may activate your UT EID and choose a password at https:// utdirect.utexas.edu/nlogon/eid_suite/get_started/get_eid.WBX. Be sure to answer security questions to set up your online self-reset capability. If you forget your UT EID, call the ITS Help Desk at (512) 475-9400. If you forget your UT EID password, you may reset it at https:// utdirect.utexas.edu/nlogon/eid_suite/essentials/change_epw.WBX, or go to Registration in the Main Building, MAI 16.

PADlock:

Your PADlock is a second secret password, used in conjunction with your UT EID password to provide another level of security that functions as an electronic signature when you enter into legally binding business with the University. Go to https://utdirect.utexas.edu/eid/padlock/ padlock_start.WBX to create your PADlock and to answer security questions to set up your online self-reset capability.

PADlock allows the University to meet a higher security threshold required by state and Federal laws for certain transactions. My Bank Info, My Withholdings, and Tuition Loans are example of services that will soon require a PADlock. UT Photo ID card:

Admitted UT students should obtain a UT student ID card. The ID center is located on the 1st floor of the (FAC), and is open 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. To have an ID card issued, you must present photo identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport). A $10 fee is charged for each card issued and must be paid within 30 days at the Cashier’s Office in the Main Building (MAI) 8 or online at https://utdirect.utexas.edu/acct/ rec/wio/wio_home.WBX.

Personal Computer Account/ IF Account:

An IF (Individually Funded) account entitles you to print in most campus computer labs and the Internet, although it is not required to use campus computers. Students have the option of creating this account. Get your account number and password at http://www.utexas.edu/cc/ account/, at Flawn Academic Center (FAC) 212.

E-Mail:

To sign up for free e-mail direct your browser to mail.utexas.edu and follow the instructions there.

For more information about computer services available and answers to additional questions, refer to the UT computer services website: http://www.utexas.edu/computer/.

Campus Computer Store:

The campus computer store offers discounted computers, software and computer accessories and is located in the Flawn Academic Center (FAC) on the first floor. You can purchase software such as Microsoft Word or Adobe Photoshop in come cases for a sizable discount. www.campuscomputer.com or (512) 475-6550.

Money Taxes

Texas state sales tax is 8.25%, but there is no sales tax on food. (Restaurants do charge sales tax, however.) There is no state income tax, however some states (such as California) still require to to pay state taxes on any income you may earn in Texas. Keep in mind that some grant money may be considered taxable; some students do find that they owe the federal government a lot more than they expected when taxes are due.

Banks

The following is a list of the major banks in the Austin area that have toll free numbers for those interested in getting information before arriving in Austin.

Bank One 1-800- 695-1111 English/ 1-888-226-5663 Spanish

Bank of America 1-800-344-8382 Student Banking/ http://www.bankofamerica.com

Frost Bank 512-473-4343 www.frostbank.com

University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) 1-800-252-8311/ http://www.ufcu.org

Wells Fargo Bank 1-800-869-3557/ http://www.wellsfargo.com

Many graduate students find the University Federal Credit Union to be very convenient due to its low cost, free check card, new bank branch on Guadalupe across from the Union, and ATMs around campus. Be sure to set up a bank account as soon as you can. Remember to bring enough money with you in cash, traveler's checks, and/or bank checks to get you started.

Financial Aid

If you need to apply for a student loan or need information on other types of financial aid, Student Financial Services is located at 600 W 24th Street. Their phone number is 512-475-6282, and the address is http://www.utexas.edu/student/finaid/index.html.

Tuition may also be paid in installments. If you choose this option, half will be due in August, with the other half split between equal payments due at the end of September and the beginning of November. This payment option is available to all students. The University accepts payment by cash, check, MasterCard, or Discover. Note: The University does NOT accept VISA cards as a form of payment. If you chose to pay with MasterCard or Discover, you are subject to a 1.75% “convenience charge” fee calculated based on the entire amount that you owe!

Health Insurance

As a registered student, you pay a Medical Services Fee each semester, which entitles you to a wide variety of University Health Services (UHS) programs and services. You may make an appointment to see the clinician of your choice as many times a semester as needed with no office visit charge. There are charges for many services and procedures used to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, but these charges are generally much lower than those for comparable services provided elsewhere. You may also access the educational programs and materials provided by the UHS Health Promotion department that are designed to help you make informed decisions about health-related areas of your life.

The UHS staff includes 15 physicians, 5 nurse practitioners, a physician assistant, and more than 30 nurses, as well as professionally trained and certified pharmacists, physical therapists, medical technologists, radiologists, and health educators. In addition, they offer stress reduction seminars, mental health counseling, and assistance for victims of abuse.

Their web address is http://www.utexas.edu/student/health/.

Entertainment

The Best of Austin One of the best things about living in Austin is that there are a huge variety of things to do. No matter what type of entertainment you enjoy, most likely you'll find something in Austin. We made an effort to include many things that are unique to the city. Hope this helps!

For general information about what’s going on in Austin, try these websites: http://austin.citysearch.com/ http://www.austin360.com/ http://www.austinchronicle.com/current/ www.austinist.com

The Texas Union has a food court, a TV viewing room, and the basement (also the Rec Center) carries a wide selection of video games, pool tables, bowling lanes, and air hockey tables.

Informal Classes: The UT informal classes offer many opportunities to expand your mind from exotic dancing and wine tasting to weather forecasting and basket weaving. There is a one-time registration fee that varies with the amount of equipment and instruction needed for each class. Typical prices are from $20-$100. Classes are offered monthly, and an information booklet can be found on racks around campus and in the Union. For more information, call (512) 471-0270.

Volunteering: Consider volunteering right here at LLILAS. Natalie Arsenault, LLILAS Outreach Coordinator, can tell you about ways you can use your background in Latin American Studies to volunteer in Austin. Call her at 512-232-2404 to get involved.

The Great Outdoors

Bluebonnets: Between March and May, depending on the amount of rain, the highways and fields in and around Austin and the rest of Texas will be covered with wildflowers. Don’t plan on taking home a bouquet, though. It is illegal to pick wildflowers in Texas! Also, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (4801 LaCrosse Ave, just off of MoPac in Southwest Austin) is the national center for the study of domestic wildflowers and is well worth a visit.

Enchanted Rock: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/enchantd/ Golf: Austin has a large number of municipal golf courses that have very reasonable prices (around $13 for 18 holes). They also have discounted prices after 5 or 6 PM (around $6).

Horseback Riding: Available at Medway Ranch (243-5151) west of Austin in Lakeway, at Bear Creek Stables in south Austin (280-0287), and Triple Creek Ranch (264-1371).

Intramural Fields: These are at the corner of Guadalupe and 51st Street and can be used by students. You can ride the IF shuttle from campus to get to the fields. They offer an archery range, baseball fields, tennis courts, and other facilities.

Lake Travis: Lake Travis is about 30 minutes northwest of town. There are several beaches where you can go wind sailing, sailing, or skiing. You can also go scuba diving at Windy Point or sunbathe nude at Hippy Hollow.

Disc Golf: Available at Bartholemew Park (18 holes), (18 holes), Mary Moore Searight Park (18 holes), Pease Park (18 holes), and (9 holes).

Mount Bonnell: Most likely you saw this on your visitation weekend. Go west on FM 2222 past MoPac and take a left on Rd. It offers a great view of downtown and Lake Austin. And it is properly pronounced Buh-NELL.

Mountain Biking/Hiking/Jogging: Try the trails at Zilker, Emma Long (a.k.a. City Park), Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail, and Pease Park.

Pedernales Falls: A state park with lots of options for hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching and horseback riding. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/pedernales_falls/

Road Biking: Many people like to road bike on Loop 360 due to its extremely wide shoulder. For information on biking in Austin check-out http://www.austinbikeroutes.com

Rowing/ Sculling/ Kayaking/Canoeing: Town Lake is a popular spot for non-motorized boats. Check out these sites for boat rentals: www.austinrowing.org, www.rowingdock.com

Shoal Creek Park and Trail: Many people enjoy the Shoal Creek trails. The park is set up for Frisbee golf and has volleyball courts. UT Outdoor Adventures: These are field and camping trips offered to UT student to areas around the state. For example, you can schedule trips to Big Bend National Park or weekend camping excursions. The organizers do most of the planning; you are required to do the work and pay for your way on the trip. Find out in the Rec Center (San Jacinto and 20th Street) where to get a brochure, or call (512) 471-6045. These programs are affordably priced opportunities to learn and participate in various outdoor sports, including canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and a lot more. They can also rent camping equipment.

Veloway: This is a wide paved loop, around 2.5 miles, which is open to bikers and roller- bladders. The track is south on MoPac past Slaughter Lane, on the east side of MoPac.

Zilker Park: Zilker Park is a great place for almost any outdoor activity. The actual park is off Barton Springs Rd between MoPac and Lamar. If you're going jogging, hiking, or biking on the Greenbelt trails, you can enter from Spyglass. (To enter this way, go south on MoPac from Barton Springs. Get off on Barton Skyway. The entrance is at the intersection of Barton Skyway and Spyglass.) You can also access the trails from the park, but they sometimes charge for parking on weekends. If you continue south on MoPac, and exit at 360 South there is a third entrance to the left. There are also routes for rock climbing. Inside the park is Barton Springs, a spring fed swimming pool that has a constant temperature of 68 degrees. The park also features playing fields, a botanical garden, an outdoor theater, and a train to ride. You can rent canoes and paddle boats in the park. For more information about Zilker Park of others parks in Austin, go to http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/parks.htm.

Sports

The Longhorn AllSports Package: If you want to go to all the athletic events, you save a BUNDLE by buying this package, and you can buy a Spouse/Dependent Card too, so you can draw one more ticket for the really important games. You don't have to be married!! It is nearly impossible to obtain tickets for some of the football games, but Sports Package members have first option at the student tickets. This package gives you the opportunity to attend many events free. If you don't really see yourself going to many games, it's probably not worth the money. The sports package is good for almost all UT sports; however, if you're interested in a particular sport, check it out first - many sports have free admission anyway! Recreational Sports Center/ Gregory Gym: These sports complexes along with the other gyms scattered throughout campus, offer you a wide variety of indoor sports options. For example, the Rec Center has facilities for volleyball, racquetball, wallyball, handball, and basketball along with ping-pong, free weights, nautilus, and aerobic equipment. In addition, there is an extensive aerobic workout program holding classes for both men and women. Gregory Gym offers a new indoor/outdoor aquatic center.

Intramural Sports: UT has intramurals in almost every sport, and the chemistry department has several teams put together by grad students. You can get also assemble your own team. If you would like to start a basketball or softball team, sign up fellow students and faculty and then take the list to the Rec Sports Center. ILASSA fielded soccer and softball teams during the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 school years.

Sports Clubs: UT has many student sports clubs including a Shotokan Karate club, Judo Club, Gymnastics Club, and Archery. Check in the Rec Center for what are available and meeting times.

Pro Sports: Texas offers the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets basketball teams, Texas Rangers (based in Dallas-Fort Worth) and Houston Astros baseball teams, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and Austin Wranglers football teams, and Dallas Stars hockey team. Austin is home to a number of minor league teams. The minor league hockey team is the Ice Bats. The , a minor league baseball team, is just a short drive north on I-35 to the . The Austin Toros play minor league basketball.

Other Entertainment Around Town

The Congress Street Bridge Bats: Just after sundown from April to October (they head down south to Mexico for the rest of the year), 1.5 million bats take flight from under the Congress Street Bridge in search of food. The peak is during August. For more info on viewing the spectacular show, call 416-5700 and enter category 3636. There is a "Bat Information Center" (and we're not joking!) directly southeast of the bridge. This is the largest urban colony of migratory bats in the Western Hemisphere (and some say the world)!

Botanical Gardens: Next to Zilker Park. Definitely worth a visit. The Texas Capitol: The largest in the country and well worth touring, especially since it’s free!

First Thursdays: Arts, music, and food on .

Visual and Performing Arts: Both the community and UT host a large number of plays, musicals, concerts, and other various shows. If you are truly interested in seeing many of these shows, the Performing Arts Center at UT offers a performance package, which will allow you to buy a discounted ticket to them. A booklet describing the semester's performances should be available so you can check before you buy, or you can call 1-800-678-6010 (471-1444 in Austin) for information or to buy tickets. For performances and exhibitions off campus, we recommend the Austin Chronicle and the Statesman as your guide. You can also find information about this topic on the Internet and at the Union.

Museums on Campus

Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library: Offers many exhibits and holds many of the papers of this past President. The gifts of state from foreign dignitaries are spectacular, and the scale model Oval Office is nifty as well.

Texas Memorial Museum: Natural history exhibits and gun collection. Dinosaur tracks nearby.

Harry Ransom Center: Currently holds art exhibits and a continuous display of the Guttenberg Bible and the first photo ever taken.

Huntington Art Gallery in the Art Building: Exhibits art made by UT students and faculty.

The Texas State History Museum: Located on Martin Luther King Dr. and San Jacinto just across the street from campus. It’s worth a visit when non-Texan family members are in town!

Blanton Art Museum: This is a wonderful, award winning, museum housing many art exhibits. Find more info at http://www.blantonmuseum.org/

Music and Film

Austin is "The Live Music Capital of the World." Just about every bar in town has live music at least one night a week. Look in the Austin Chronicle to find out who is playing where and when. In the March, there is a multimedia festival called (SXSW) (http:// www.sxsw.com/) which hosts thousands of live bands at various bars around town. A great way to see many of these bands for free is to volunteer during the festival. In September, you may want to check out the Festival (http://www.aclfestival.com/). Tickets for this event go quickly so get them as soon as possible!

Movie Theaters: There are more than a dozen major theaters around town that carry general release pictures and two nice dollar theaters. In addition, the Dobie Theater next to campus, the Arbor Theater at the Arboretum and the Paramount Theater carry art and indie films. Also, during the month of March “Cine de las Americas” takes place, screening many films made in Latin America. Don’t miss the Alamo Drafthouse (an Austin original). It would be impossible to explain it in this packet, but check out their website at www.alamodrafthouse.com. They show many different kind of movies while simultaneously serving food and drinks. They also have special events for movie premiers and sing-alongs.

Around the State

Houston: About 3.5 hours east on 290, Houston offers almost everything - a huge number of art museums, Astroworld (a Six Flags theme park), and about everything any other large city would have. In addition, the LBJ Space Center (NASA) is located in Houston and offers tours daily. Another 1.5 hours south on Interstate 45 is Galveston: an island with a multitude of beaches (although if you're used to clear water, you'll be disappointed with this part of the Gulf) and outstanding seafood. One thing to see in Galveston is the 3D IMAX Theater in Moody Gardens.

Dallas/Fort Worth: Another large metropolitan with almost everything imaginable, about 3 hours north on I-35. There is another Six Flags park here as well as the Texas Ranger's Ballpark in Arlington and the Dallas Cowboys. The shopping is fabulous; unsurprising given Neiman Marcus was founded in Dallas. Fort Worth has some especially fine art museums.

New Braunfels: About 45-min. south on I-35, this small town's main attraction is the Guadalupe River, on which you can raft or tube. Schlitterbahn is a fun water park here. In October the town hosts Wurstfest, a German festival featuring German sausage, beer, and dancing. For a good place to eat, try the Gristmill in Gruene (another small town right off the river). Gruene offers many small shops with antiques or unique handmade items. A drive up River Road is pretty and will end near Canyon Lake, which offers camping and swimming. There is an outlet mall in New Braunfels, but the largest outlet mall in the nation is just north of New Braunfels on I-35.

San Antonio: The main attraction here is the Riverwalk, which is lined with numerous shops and restaurants. During the Christmas season it is illuminated with lights. The River Center mall has an IMAX theater, which plays movies like “Apollo 13” and “Jurassic Park” in addition to the regular IMAX films. The Alamo is near here, as well as several Spanish missions. There is the new Alamodome, which hosts the Spurs, and Fiesta Texas (a Six Flags theme park). Splashtown and Seaworld are also located here. San Antonio has some amazingly good Mexican restaurants as well.

Big Bend National Park: Located in the southwest part of the state on the Mexican border. The prime time to go is any time other than the summer months, which can be really hot. Big Bend is part desert and part mountains. You can raft, hike, and bike. It's hot during the day and cool at night. During Spring Break, it is extremely crowded, but the weather is great. There are remote campsites as well as ones accessible by car. Very few showers are available unless you want to stay in the lodge. A hike up to the South Rim can offer an awesome sight. On a clear day you can see over into Mexico, but be sure to start early enough, take your camera, and don’t make a paper airplane out of your map. If you have the time and are in this area, you can also drive northward to the MacDonald Observatory, an astronomical observatory owned by UT.

Mexico: A great place to visit and only 4.5 hours south on I-35. The border towns (Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, Matamoros) are a nice weekend trip with shopping, entertainment, and a little more “mex” than “tex-mex”.

State Parks: The Hill Country and the surrounding area are home to some of the state's most beautiful parks. Most offer camping, wildlife, nature trails, and water sports. There are several guides to Texas state parks available at local bookstores that outline the amenities and whether you need reservations or not. We recommend seeing any of the following: Enchanted Rock, Inks Lake, Bastrop State Park, Pedernales Falls, Lost Maples, McKinley Falls. ILASSA

The Institute of Latin American Studies Student Association (ILASSA) was formed by graduate students seeking to encourage more active student participation in institute and campus affairs concerning Latin American Studies and to provide a greater student voice in the direction of the LLILAS program. ILASSA provides orientation activities and also sends representatives to the Graduate Student Assembly (COGS) and other campus activities. Membership is open to all UT students with an interest in Latin America. To become part of ILASSA you have to contact the ILASSA officers and sign up to listserv.

The association sponsors activities to foster exchanges on Latin American topics; to encourage involvement with the Latino community; to collect aid funds for disaster relief in Latin America; and to help in new student orientation. ILASSA also helps provide job- and internship-seeking services for graduate and undergraduate students through its strong alumni network. The annual Latin American Studies Student Conference is a major responsibility of the association.

ILASSA is also social in nature, sponsoring events during the term that focus on nonacademic pursuits. These include a highly successful coed intramural sports tradition, planned and impromptu parties, Friday evening get-togethers, and canoe, beach, and camping/rock-climbing trips. The institute provides a lounge in Sid Richardson Hall room 1.302 for use by members.

ILASSA Conference on Latin America

ILASSA's annual student conference is the oldest and largest student-run academic conference on Latin America in the world. The ILASSA Conference offers students from UT-Austin as well as other institutions in the United States and abroad the opportunity to present their research in the style and atmosphere of an academic conference, but with plenty of opportunities for fun as well. Hosting the conference gives ILASSA a unique opportunity for leadership and a chance to share that special Austin and LLILAS warmth. ILASSA students house students visiting from outside the Austin area during their stay in Austin. The conference is funded by LLILAS and other campus departments and organizations, through the sale of the ever-popular ILASSA T- shirts, and via other events. Local and international businesses are solicited for contributions or discounts for the conference participants as well.

Over 120 graduate students from the U.S., Latin America, and Europe presented at the the 2007 Conference. Overall, over 350 people participated in the conference. Anderson Sá and Oscar Olivera gave riveting speeches about their work during their keynote speeches. We expect a similar turnout next year. The conference is ILASSA’s biggest activity as a group.

For more information on the Conference please take a look at the website: http:// wwwtest.utexas.edu/cola/llilas/studentgroups/ilassa/.