Life Outside of Work

Living in Austin

A growing city with friendly vibes, Austin has an entrepreneurial spirit, an open-minded sense of community, and vibrant music, film, and art scenes. Take advantage of the surrounding Hill Country, rivers, lakes, abundant hiking trails, watersports, recreation, wineries, and year-round sunshine. See what Austin offers, including the many free and discounted perks the University provides. 

Housing and Cost of Living

Austin’s cost of living is on par with the national average — a remarkable fact considering its booming economic and job growth. For those planning to buy a home, the University partners with United Federal Credit Union (UFCU) to offer several programs to support your transition. One of the most significant benefits is our low- to no-down payment, no-PMI (private mortgage insurance) home loans for faculty and staff. 

For assistant professors looking for rental options, the University offers discounted faculty housing leasing opportunities in a newly acquired university-owned property close to campus. Tenure-track assistant professors being recruited during the current academic year are eligible. The units are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are allocated by the Faculty Affairs team in the Provost’s Office. 

Another extraordinary asset is our tight network of faculty who share information to help each other find a neighborhood that fits their lifestyle and needs. 

Dual-Career Couples

In many cases, your new job will bring you and your significant other to Austin. Whether your partner is in academia or another field, we can assist in sharing information about on-campus employment opportunities. Your department chair can initiate the process. 

Child Care, Senior Care and More

UT Austin also partners with Care.com to provide benefits-eligible employees and their family members access to an array of work-life resources and referral services. 

Care.com specialists can help you understand and connect with resources, including: 

• Child care options, child safety, parenting resources, schools, pregnancy, adoption, special needs, summer camps, etc. 

• Short- and long-term senior care options, caregiving resources, retirement, transportation services, meal delivery, etc. 

• Legal and financial concerns 

• LifeMart discount program to save on everything from pet insurance to car rentals and more.