"I chose UT Dallas for lots of reasons, but the residential living at the apartments is what grabbed my attention. Most universities that I researched did not have campus apartments, only dorms. And, it was close to a large city for the nightlife that offers, but still a community that’s small. You see familiar faces and get to know people. Living very close to class means there are no worries and no excuse for not being in class.

"And, it puts me in touch with other students to do the fun things. Don’t stay in your apartment—school is what you make it, and you need to get out to make the most of it. I love intramural flag football and volleyball. I like to hang out at the Student Union and eat at the Pub.

"Greek life is important to me—I’m an Alpha Kappa Alpha—and it’s one of the ways that you can make a difference on campus. UT Dallas is still growing, so there’s opportunity to have a say in how things are or to propose a new program and actually bring it to life.

"The faculty is eager to help, and my advice is to get to know them. Go to reviews they offer—they look for you, and they remember you. They’ll watch for you on campus and you’ll be more comfortable in class. In my case, I got sick and they really worked with me to make sure I completed my course work. Advisors are a lot of help and they want you to succeed.”

A’Rynn Davis, from Baytown, TX, is a senior psych major with a teacher certification program. She plans to teach elementary school while pursuing her graduate degree.