Standing at the head of Austin, Texas schools is the University of Texas at Austin, the largest of the campuses in the University of Texas system. Almost 50,000 students attend the University of Texas at Austin where they are educated by a faculty of 2,700 and a campus staff of 17,000.
 
The University is situated in close proximity to the state capitol building in downtown Austin, Texas. Schools as large as the University of Texas generate a tremendous need for housing, both on campus via dormitory facilities and off campus in rental apartments. Austin, Texas is no different than any other college town in facing the complexities of housing its constantly changing population. As a result, it would be impossible to list all of the available local apartments. Austin, Texas online resources include numerous sites for searching available rental housing.
 
There are many features that draw students to Austin, Texas. Schools abound in the state of Texas with many alternate choices to the University of Texas including Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas A & M University in College Station, Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Rice University in Houston, and Texas State University in San Marcos.
 
But for many the allure of living in the state capital which is not only a seat of power in the state but a vital community in its own right is a powerful draw to Austin, Texas. Schools may abound, but there's only one University of Texas at Austin.
 
The school was founded in 1883 and in 2005 was the fifth largest campus in the United States. Almost $400 million a year go into various research projects being conducted through the University of Texas, giving it an international reputation as a premier research institution.
 
The campus in downtown Austin spreads out over 350 acres and is clearly locatable by focusing on the 307-foot Main Tower, a long-standing campus landmark. The tower is lighted in white at night, orange (the school color) for special occasions, and darkened in recognition of more solemn events. The 56-bell carillon at the top of the Main Tower plays daily.
 
In addition to classroom and research facilities the campus houses seven museums and seventeen libraries including the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library. The most recent addition to these cultural offerings is the 155,000 square foot Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art which houses 17,000 pieces. There are sixteen colleges contained within the university.
 
Without question the University of Texas is a jewel in the crown of the Lone Star capitol, Austin, Texas. Schools like the University, though public institutions of higher learning, have achieved their own "ivy" status, a reference to the older and more staid colleges and universities of the East which are described as "Ivy League." While neither staid nor as old as some of those august institutions, the University of Texas has achieved its own level of distinction and provides excellent educations for it students, research activities for the world at large, and services for its home community.