With a serene view of Lake Austin, economics junior Kelda Harrison sat studying French beside students who, like her, navigate UT with full-time jobs, households and children, setting them apart from their 18- to 22-year-old peers.
On Sunday, Oct. 12, New Wave Longhorns hosted a study session at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, bringing UT’s nontraditional students together for a morning of connection and productivity. The club, established in 2018, focuses on creating a community for nontraditional students like those 23 or older, full-time workers, parents and veterans.
“I have so much more of that place now at UT,” Harrison said, reflecting on her growth since transferring from Austin Community College in spring 2025. “I embrace every opportunity I get to go and hang out with my peers.”
Carolyn Price, student program coordinator for the First-Year Experience Office, said UT enrolls between 75 and 115 new nontraditional students each fall.
“They are a small but mighty cohort,” Price said.
Megan Luety, New Wave Longhorns’ president and a human dimensions of organization junior, worked as an operations manager for CORE Ready Mix until 2023, returning to school in spring 2024 to do something she had always wanted: attend university. Luety then started at UT in fall 2024 and now leads the New Wave Longhorns.
“When you already have so much going on in your life, like your families, your homework, possibly full-time jobs, any sort of barrier to connection can make or break somebody’s experience,” Luety said.
Most nontraditional students live off-campus, making parking and seating critical factors when looking for study locations. The organization chose to study at Mozart’s over on campus, reflecting Luety’s thoughtful approach to removing barriers.
“I like to make it as convenient as possible,” Luety said. “It’s very calming, sitting by the water. There’s always plenty of seating. They (also) have plenty of parking. If I remove as many of those barriers as possible, people are more likely to show up.”
For Harrison, a parent who works in addition to her studies, convenience matters.
“What’s really great about this community is its very low commitment, but very supportive,” Harrison said. “Coming as you are with all your stress, with your wins, and being able to talk with other people who really get you, that’s really important for someone in my position.”
New Wave Longhorns hosts regular events, from study sessions to happy hours, and operates a GroupMe chat with over 150 members, where Harrison met another economics major.
“That’s been really helpful because we’ve been able to study together (for) some of the harder econ classes,” Harrison said.
Price said that while progress continues, she is working to ensure all faculty and staff understand that UT’s student body is more than recent high school graduates.
“Remembering that we have those varied backgrounds within our student body can really help the campus community inform decisions that will be more inclusive of all students,” Price said.
For nontraditional students still feeling isolated, Harrison’s message is clear.
“You do belong,” Harrison said. “It’s never too late to change your life and get a degree from an awesome school like UT. There are others … out there doing it, and it is doable.”
