Jester Center

Jester Center or Jester Center Residence Halls is a co-educational residence hall at The University of Texas at Austin, built in 1969. The residence hall was named after Beauford H. Jester, who served as the Governor of Texas from 1947 until 1949.

With a capacity of 3,200 (3,300 with supplemental housing) students, it was the largest residence hall in North America at the time it was built. The building complex, which occupies a full city block, was the largest building in Austin, Texas when built and was the largest building project in University history.

The complex includes two towers: a 14-level residence (Jester West) and a 10-level residence (Jester East). The first four floors in Jester West still have built-in furniture, while the remaining floors and all of Jester East have been completely renovated to offer movable furniture. All rooms boast XL-twin beds. While some rooms have private or connecting baths, most students use community restroom facilities. Each tower also has study rooms, lounges, laundry rooms, and storage areas. From time to time, the study lounges have been converted into "supplemental housing" for students who are not allotted a standard residence hall room.

The residence hall also houses several offices for student services, tutoring, mentoring, academic advising, classrooms, and lecture halls. The center also contains an all-you-can-eat cafeteria called "J2 Dining" (signifying Jester 2nd floor), the highest grossing Wendy's in the world, a la carte dining center known as "Jester City Limits" (an allusion to Austin City Limits), a convenience store named "Jester City Market", Jesta Pizza, 40 Acres Bakery, a smoothie shop named "Freshens", and the Jesta' Texas Gift Shop, selling UT apparel.

Baby grand pianos are located on the second floor of Jester West and on the first floor of Jester East, off the lobby, for the enjoyment of the residents.

The Fireplace Lounge in Jester West and the First Floor Lobby in Jester East feature large-screen televisions and comfortable chairs.

Residents often use the numerous lounge areas as meeting places or group study areas. At least one lounge is located on each floor, but there is also a 24-hour quiet study lounge across from the Jester West Desk.

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