SM: Where do students go to party?
Julie: In Austin, we have 6th Street—where the “Real World” just filmed—where there are bars, clubs and a good music scene. And there are so many organizations on campus [over 900], so there are always formals and parties for those. Then there’s the Greek life, of course, which is totally crazy. Everyone parties at the fraternity houses.

SM: What’s the Greek life like at Texas? Is it popular?
Julie: Actually, it’s not. There are so many people at Texas, there’s so much else to do.

SM: Did you pledge a sorority?
Julie: I did. I was social chair, rush captain and I loved it. [Sororities] give you a group of girls that’ll be there with you for four years. It also gives you a life outside of school, because you volunteer together, party together and it’s something that’ll last a lifetime.

SM: Many women at large universities pledge in order to meet people. Did you see this trend at Texas?
Julie: Yeah. [Being in a sorority] definitely gives you a group to identify with at a big school. You already have one thing in common and you really get to know people.

SM: Besides 6th Street, what’s Austin like?
Julie: It’s a really liberal town. Travis County [where Austin is] was one of the only counties [in Texas] that voted for Kerry [during the 2004 election]. Anywhere you go there’s like a veggie restaurant, all organic. People are really open to new ideas; there are a lot of free-thinkers. Then there’s Lake Austin, which is a huge lake where everyone goes out waterskiing after school and on weekends.