A very strong UT Austin College of Fine Arts offers many recitals, concerts, and theatrical productions that are free or that cost very little. Major national tours of Broadway productions, symphonies, operas, dance groups, and rock stars regularly include Austin in their itineraries. Many of the outstanding performers reside and perform here. The cost of living in Austin is comparable to major urban areas. Most graduate students live in private housing, although limited university housing is available, with priority given to students with families.
Public transportation is very good.
UT Austin sponsors a shuttle bus system that extends to all areas of the city in which large numbers of students live. The system also provides for free transportation on city buses.