The Brief

Around 10,000 new University of Texas students are gathering beneath the UT Tower for “Gone to Texas,” the campus’s annual welcoming event.

The celebration features speeches from UT leaders, performances by the Longhorn Band and spirit squads, and the tradition of lighting the UT Tower.

Students expressed excitement and mixed feelings about their newfound independence as they prepare for classes to begin.

AUSTIN, Texas – About 10,000 new University of Texas students are expected to gather beneath the UT Tower for Gone to Texas, a campus tradition welcoming the university’s newest Longhorns.

A campus tradition under the UT Tower

What we know

The setup for the event was well underway with stages in place and chairs stretching across campus for a night celebrating UT tradition.

Gone to Texas will bring together the Class of 2030, along with new transfer and graduate students. 

University leaders, including President Jim Davis and head football coach Steve Sarkisian, are expected to speak. The Longhorn Band and Texas spirit squads will also make appearances. The evening will be capped off with the lighting of the UT Tower.

Freshmen react to college life and independence

What they’re saying

Some freshmen exploring campus ahead of the event said the excitement of starting college has been mixed with the realization that they are now on their own.

“Coming to this place and just being here and getting to know this awesome place with awesome people, awesome academics and just everything that we can be as sort of new people for the new year, it’s just a great thing to be, and I’m super excited for it,” freshman Sreeram said.

Freshman Camila said the experience is beginning to sink in.

“It’s a little surreal because the last couple of days we’ve just been walking around,” Camila said. “It’s like I’m actually alone, I’m independent, could do what I want now, so it’s definitely surreal, but starting to set in.”

Bailey, another freshman, said campus still feels a little like a vacation.

“But once I think class starts, I think I’ll settle in like, ‘Wow, this is real,'” Bailey said.

Gone to Texas event schedule and street festival

What’s next

Gone to Texas begins at 8 p.m. and is expected to last until 10 p.m. on Sunday. 

After the program, a festival along 21st Street will feature live music, food and vendors.

The Source

Information in this article was provided by FOX 7’s Marco Bitonel.