WHAT is Planet Longhorn?

Planet Longhorn is a social organization run by students who are passionate about the world and dedicated to making the exchange experience at UT ultimately the most historic four months of your life! Many of us have already studied abroad and had such an amazing time we want to give back to the UT international community!

Planet Longhorn organizes social events and cultural outings throughout the Austin area that are open to all students, not just international students. We hope to create opportunities for foreign students to meet some good ol’ Texan folk and for UT students to meet interesting people from all over the world!

A few of our Signature Planet Longhorn events include:

• The legendary Texas-Sized Welcome BBQ and trip to Midnight Rodeo
• Floating the River
• The Sixth-Street Bar Crawl
• Cocktail Party in downtown Austin
• Halloween Extravaganza
• and loads more!

We also provide services to the exchange students such as: airport pickups, resources for housing/transportation, and the occasional trip to the grocery store…you know, so you don’t starve. We’ll also have a lot of casual gatherings as we head over to 6th street, attend concerts and music festivals, and get together for tailgates or at each other’s apartments just to throw a few back… so make sure you get in on the Planet Longhorn action and prepare for a massive spin on your social life!

HOW Can I Get Involved?

Arriving in Austin

If you haven’t yet arrived in Austin, we offer a few ways to help you get settled. Check it out:

• Need a ride from the airport? Fill out our airport pickup and we’ll see you at the airport!
• Living situations? We have a housing page about some of the common places for students to live in Austin, all near campus (and near all our parties and get-togethers).
• Friends? Head on over to our Facebook group page. There you can see what previous Planet Longhorn members have done, and post about your pending arrival! Of course, you’ll be able to friend UT students who you’ll meet once you come to Austin.
• Need anything else? Just email us, and we’ll reply as soon as we’re done cleaning up from our last event.

Events In Austin

Once you’re in Austin, stick with us and you’ll soon be experiencing all the UT and the amazing city of Austin, Texas have to offer. Which is a lot. A WHOLE lot.

Need proof?

• Take a look at our Events Page to see what we’ve been up to lately (usually a whirlwind of parties, cultural events, etc.).
• Join our facebook group to receive updates on the latest Planet Longhorn events.
• Contact our Officers, they run the day-to-day of Planet Longhorn and are happy to answer any questions.
• Check out our pictures on flikr for a hi-def look at a semester abroad in Austin, Texas.

This is Texas. We play sports.

The University of Texas hosts a number of intramural sports teams across a wide variety of sports. After-all, nothing says “America” like “YOU CALL THAT A STRIKE, UMP!?”

Each semester, we organize a number of “IM” teams to play for fun (and to win!) in sports such as soccer (“football”), baseball (the great American pastime!), basketball and more! Best of all, there’s no experience required.

WHY do I ever have to leave?

We know, after a great semester or two here in Austin, it can be tough to board the flight back home. But we have anextensive network of Planet Longhorn alumni, both exchange students and UT grads. Dreaming of taking a trip around the world? It’s likely that you’ll have friends in every city you can imagine (especially Austin).

We encourage you to sign up for our monthly newsletter by emailing members@planetlonghorn.net. The newsletter updates you on what shenanigans Planet Longhorn members have been getting up to, both at UT and abroad. We also highlight an alumni of the month, so that could be you!

Also, be sure to join our Facebook Fan Page (you won’t get messages like a current member, but it will be an easy directory to find old friends once you’re back home).