After months of Speedway being an absolute ghost town due to our omnipresent friend, COVID-19, the energetic frenzy of Party on the Plaza this semester was a welcome change for many. The org fair was a reminder that UT has hundreds of thriving student communities, but with so much to offer it can be an overwhelming experience for students who have never experienced life on campus until now. In the flurry of colorful booths, flying pamphlets and shouting students, how is one supposed to find their community out of the hundreds of organizations on campus? Never fear, Burnt X is here! I’ve kindly scoured Hornslink and compiled an alphabetical list of ten student organizations that you may have never heard of, but should definitely check out!
1. Afterglow
Afterglow is the University of Texas’ only digital and print music publication produced entirely by students. The magazine offers students the opportunity to work on videos, concert photography, podcasts and articles ranging from album reviews to insights behind music movements, such as the bardcore phenomenon. You can find them on Apple News and their official podcast Glow my God! on Spotify.
2. Asha Pravas
This student-run nonprofit organization strives to raise awareness about acid attacks on women, particularly in India. The group supports different non-governmental organizations through fundraisers in support of surgical, educational and economic advancements for acid attack survivors. The group is open to anyone interested in making a difference.
3. BlackPrintATX
Black Print is the only black interest publication at UT Austin, covering topics ranging from news, opinion, culture, arts, entertainment as well as a section called “Black Ink,” dedicated to poetry, art and personal essays. The magazine has an event calendar and “Black UT,” a free email newsletter that I highly recommend subscribing to, that is sponsored by the Black President Leadership Council. Check them out on social media and on their website for information about how to apply and contribute!
4. KVRX 91.7 FM
Okay, so I know video killed the radio star and all that, but it sure is fun to be in the DJ booth of UT’s radio station – hosting talk shows, playing music or even booking talent for various KVRX programs such as Unplugged and Local Live. KVRX is open to anyone with an interest in music — no prior experience required. Give them a listen for none of the hits, all of the time.
5. Texas Backyardigens
I’m not sure if this organization sings as much as your backyard friends the Backyardigans, but they sure do go on a lot of adventures! The Texas Backyardigens are a hiking club that meets every other weekend to explore the outdoors and frequently stop to take photos or sketch the surrounding nature. The best part? There is no membership fee or skill level required to join! Click here to learn more!
6. (Un) Jaded
(Un) Jaded is an organization dedicated to destigmatizing mental health issues and encouraging social advocacy amongst the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. The club is “committed to celebrating Asian identities, addressing intersectional issues, and promoting greater community involvement.” Membership is open to all. With the rise in racial violence directed towards the AAPI community during COVID-19, this organization could not be more necessary and relevant.
7. University of Texas Guild of Carillonneurs
If you thought that the various songs and jingles clamouring from the UT Tower were all automated, think again! The UT Guild of Carillonneurs is a student group who practice and play the carillon (the tower bells). The guild plays haunting melodies during the weeks leading up to Halloween and cheery winter holiday songs in December to keep our spirits bright. If you’re interested in becoming part of this historic society, check out their Facebook page!
8. UT Microfarm
Have you ever wondered where UT Outpost, an on-campus foodbank, gets their food from? There’s a good chance that the food students are receiving was grown by other UT students! The UT Microfarm grows and provides farm fresh organic fruits, vegetables and herbs to UT Outpost. It’s a great way to relax, support those in need and meet new people while learning about how to garden and find sustainably sourced food.
9. UTalent Records
There are so many talented musicians in Austin, including at our school! If you’re interested in music or a career in talent management and booking, UTalent Records could be your new home. The organization is the only student-run record label at UT and helps student artists reach their goals. It also provides ample business opportunities to those interested in the entertainment industry.
10. Vector Engineering Magazine
Okay, yes, I KNOW I’m promoting yet ANOTHER magazine, but this one is also unique and deserves its own shoutout. Vector Magazine is a student-run print and digital publication dedicated to covering topics in engineering, robotics and various other STEM fields. If you’re not a STEM major that’s okay, the magazine is open to all who are interested in science and technology!
If you’ve made it to the bottom of this list, I hope some of these student organizations interest you! If you still want to get more involved on campus and nothing on this list speaks to you, that is perfectly alright – UT offers hundreds of organizations for everyone and you can check them all out on Hornslink.