looking to make a trip to San Antonio (Houston, Dallas: fit in, transplants)

[MinNefer]

I am from Indianapolis looking to make a trip to San Antonio, for the first time, in late January I am looking at the University of Texas San Antonio Ph.D program. Can any one give me some in site on SA and UTSA? just like to know what the city and university is like for African Americans?

[L210]

My sister goes to UTSA and she likes it. There aren't that many blacks here, but that shouldn't mean you won't fit in. If you're a woman, you'll find the dating scene a little disappointing.

[Dreadlockd]

To piggyback on the the above, the city isn't a large hub for Afr-Amer. people. I've been here for a couple of years and my circle of friends is still growing. Unless you are immediately surrounded by AA's, you have to be proactive about making friends here. Your lifestyle will also dictate how easy it is to settle in here. Do you go to church, the clubs, jazz lounges, cultural events, open mics, etc.?

You typically hear the same thing from AA transplants "Where are all the black people?" The first thing I tell people is to check out Meetup.com, there are groups specifically tailored for black women & black people, and if those don't work out for you there are always groups based on other interests.

Austin is a little over an hour away, which is always popular for live music, cultural events, and open mics. So the occasional drive up there isn't so bad. Dallas & Houston are quite a hump away, but nice little mini getaways. They usually get all the good concerts. Marsha Ambrosius & Jesse Boykins just had a concert in Houston. You are more likely to find less mainstream artist in Houston & Dallas.

Hope that helps.

[Lee W.]

You'll probably like the winter here...unless maybe you like constant freezing weather, snow, ice, etc. The summer is kind of hard for many people who like to be outside often. A/C is our friend! We have droughts here...often. My African American friend got her degree at UTSA and stayed here in the area, owns a home, loves S.A. But Galveston was where she originally came from, so maybe not all that much different.