The University of Texas at Austin

HISTORY & TRADITIONS

In 1839, the Congress of the Republic of Texas ordered that a site be set aside to meet the state's higher education needs. After a series of delays over the next several decades, the state legislature reinvigorated the project in 1876, calling for the establishment of a "university of the first class." Austin was selected as the site for the new university in 1881, and construction began on the original Main Building in November 1882. Less than one year later, on Sept. 15, 1883, The University of Texas at Austin opened with one building, eight professors, one proctor, and 221 students — and a mission to change the world. Today, UT Austin is a world-renowned higher education, research, and public service institution serving more than 51,000 students annually through 18 top-ranked colleges and schools.

LONGHORN TRADITIONS

You'll feel the inescapable pull of the UT Austin spirit in a million ways. For some, it's finding that secret studying (or napping!) spot tucked away in a quiet library full of ancient manuscripts; for others, it's the roar of the burnt orange crowd as 100,000 voices unify to the words of "The Eyes of Texas." Whatever the case, our many traditions help to strengthen our community and bind us together as Longhorns — proud, ambitious and determined to change the world.

BEVO	BIG BERTHA

BURNT ORANGE & WHITE	"THE EYES OF TEXAS"

LONGHORN FRIDAY	"TEXAS FIGHT"