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3.1 How many people live at Laurel House? What are they like?
At full occupancy, 45 people live at Laurel House. A total of 39 people live in single rooms while the remaining 6 people live in the two double rooms. The members of Laurel House are typically graduate students or upper division undergraduates and over 21 years of age. They generally have a wide variety of majors, backgrounds, origins, and interests.
3.2 Is everyone a graduate student?
No, not everyone is a graduate student. Typically, graduate students compose about 60-70% of the house. The remaining members are primarily upper division undergraduates. Often a few lower division undergraduates and university staff members also make Laurel House their home.
3.3 I'm gay/lesbian/bi. Will I be comfortable living at the house?
Yes. Typically, there are several gay/lesbian/bi members at any given time. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is not tolerated and specific procedures are in place to deal with harassment.
3.4 I'm a foreign student and my English isn't good. Can I still live at the co-op?
Yes. Students from Mexico, Canada, England, Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Austria, France, Romania, Russia, Czech Republic, Algeria, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Senegal, Jordan, Iraq, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Brazil (just to name some) have lived at Laurel House. Moreover, several members have been studying in English as a Foreign Language programs at UT while living at Laurel House. While English is the primary language of the house (so directions and instructions are given in English), typically several members of the house speak Spanish and other languages due to the language programs at UT.
3.5 I'm under 21. Can I still live at the house?
Yes. However, if you are under 21, you must apply in person at a house meeting. Members who are under 21 should be able to demonstrate that they are mature and are committed to maintaining the quiet atmosphere of the house. There are only exceptions to this rule under extenuating circumstances.
3.6 What type of racial diversity is there typically at the house?
The house is generally half foreign students, largely from Europe,
Asia, and Latin America. The American membership is usually
composed primarily of members with Caucasian and
Latino ancestry. Generally speaking, the racial
diversity mirrors the racial diversity of the student population in
Austin. Racial discrimination of any kind is not tolerated and
specific procedures are in place to deal with harassment.
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Laurel House Co-op / Austin, Texas, USA / last updated 30 March 2005