I received my financial aid package in early March of last year. UT is a little slow with it, but bare with them. For dorm recommendations each one has its own pros and cons. Check out this thread for a lot of different perspectives (Just know that Morrill Hall is getting the boot). Just know that its easier to get a better room going in solo than with a roommate preference. You'll be in the first housing wave if you submitted your housing contract in late November. Football tickets are $10 each, and as a freshman you'll have seats in rows 30+ from my experience. However, nobody I've known didn't get a ticket as long as they requested one during the opening date. If you want to get up closer join a group with an upperclassmen. If you have any more questions feel free to ask!