Explore UT Austin Through Self-Guided Tours

The University of Texas at Austin campus, known as the Forty Acres, is full of history, art, nature, museums, and student traditions. One of the best ways to learn more about campus is by exploring it on foot.

Self-guided tours allow students to discover campus at their own pace while practicing English and becoming more familiar with the University. You may even find new places to study, relax, take photos, or spend time with friends.

Cityscape with a tall tower, buildings with red-tiled roofs, and a colorful sky.

Explore Campus Attractions

Many students first recognize UT Austin by the Tower, but there are many other important landmarks across campus. A self-guided walking tour can help students learn more about the University’s history and traditions.

The UT Tower is one of the most recognizable buildings on campus. The 27-floor tower stands in the center of campus and lights up orange after Longhorn victories and special events.

Nearby, students can visit Littlefield Fountain, a historic World War I memorial located on the South Mall. The fountain is also a popular place to take photos and enjoy views of the Texas State Capitol and downtown Austin.

Other interesting stops around campus include the Barbara Jordan statue and Battle Hall, one of the oldest and most historic buildings at UT Austin.

University campus with students walking on a path lined with trees and an elegant building in the background.

Discover Public Art Through Landmarks

Landmarks is UT Austin’s public art program. It brings free modern and contemporary art to many areas of campus. The collection includes more than 50 works displayed across the University.

As students walk around campus, they can discover sculptures, installations, and other artwork created by internationally recognized artists. Students can also follow Landmarks Mobile Tours on their phones to explore self-guided tours, listen to audio guides, and watch artist interviews.

Some tours even include curated Spotify playlists connected to different artworks and created by Austin musicians and music personalities.

You can also watch interviews with artists and faculty members to learn more about the ideas behind each artwork.

Three diverse sculptures: a red starburst, a metallic ammonite, and an abstract silver piece in front of modern buildings.

Visit Museums On and Around Campus

UT Austin is home to several museums and cultural spaces that students can visit throughout the year.

The Blanton Museum of Art is one of the largest university art museums in the country. Students can explore exhibitions, modern art collections, and the colorful “Austin” installation by artist Ellsworth Kelly.

The image shows a gallery setting with several people looking at an art exhibit on a white wall.

The Harry Ransom Center includes famous historical and literary collections, including a Gutenberg Bible, photography exhibits, and works connected to writers and artists from around the world.

The image depicts a modern architectural building with a striking facade. It features large concrete columns supporting a flat roof, under which are large glass panels glowing with warm, orange lighting.

Students interested in science and history can also visit the Texas Science & Natural History Museum and the LBJ Presidential Library.

Just south of campus, students can explore the Bullock Texas State History Museum, which features exhibits about Texas history and culture.

Explore Nature and Green Spaces

Campus also has many peaceful outdoor spaces where students can relax, study, or take a break from busy schedules.

The Green Campus self-guided tour highlights sustainability projects, native plants, historic landmarks, and environmentally friendly buildings across UT Austin. The tour is about two miles long and takes around one hour to complete.

Students can also explore Waller Creek, a small urban creek that runs through campus and downtown Austin. The self-guided Waller Creek tour includes shaded walking paths, wildlife habitats, native plants, and quiet study areas.

Other relaxing outdoor spots include the Turtle Pond, the Biological Greenhouse, and the Battle Oaks near the Barbara Jordan statue.

The image shows four turtles resting on a flat, partially submerged rock in a calm body of water.

Experience Longhorn Traditions

Walking around campus is also a good way to experience UT traditions and student life.

Students can visit Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, home of Longhorn football since 1924. On football game days, this area becomes one of the busiest and most energetic places on campus.

Students may also enjoy visiting the Texas Union, studying on the Main Mall, exploring “The Drag” on Guadalupe Street, or spending time near the Capitol Mall that leads south toward the Texas State Capitol.

Exploring these spaces can help students feel more connected to campus and understand more about UT culture and traditions.

The image shows three students sitting on grass in an outdoor setting, engaging in a group study session.

Start Exploring

Self-guided tours are a fun and easy way to become more familiar with UT Austin. As you explore campus, you can practice English naturally, learn more about University traditions, and discover new favorite places around campus.

Whether you enjoy art, history, museums, nature, or photography, there is always something new to explore at UT Austin.

This blog post was contributed by Jack Taylor, administrative associate of global engagement at the Texas Global English Language Center.