International Student Orientation

International Student Orientation is carefully designed to help new international students get off to a successful start at UT Austin. Offered before the fall and spring semesters, this series of in-person events and webinars connects students with campus resources, important information, and fellow Longhorns.

Why Attend International Student Orientation?

• Why Attend International Student Orientation?

  International Student Orientation is a stand-alone orientation with unique content for incoming, degree-seeking international students. Depending on your classification, you will be required to attend Freshman Orientation, Transfer Orientation, or Graduate Student Orientation alongside incoming U.S. students. While not mandatory, we strongly encourage new international students to participate in International Student Orientation to ensure you understand the University and government policies and procedures that apply to international students.

  Some of the essential services available during International Student Orientation:

  • SSN letters
  • Transcript verification
  • Immunization clinic
  • U.S. banking information and account creation
  • Immigration advising
  • Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) information

  *Please note that incoming exchange students visiting from partner universities outside the US should contact the student exchange advisors for information about their orientation requirements.

Pre-Arrival Webinars

• Start Preparing Before You Travel

  The pre-arrival webinar series is a set of Zoom presentations by ISSS advisors designed to set you up for success during your time at UT Austin. From the visa application process to learning about housing in Austin, we’ve got you covered.

  Check the Texas Global events page and your email for registration links, updates, and details on upcoming sessions.

  If you are unable to attend a webinar, you can view recordings and find more helpful resources on the Orientation Canvas Course (more information in section below).

   

  Webinar Schedule

  “Housing in Austin” — Thursday, March 19, 9-10 a.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT)

  “Applying for Your Student Visa” — Thursday, March 26, 9-10 a.m. CDT

  “Applying for Your Student Visa” — Thursday, April 9, 9-10 a.m. CDT

  “Health Insurance in the U.S. and Insurance Waivers” — Thursday, May 7, 9-10 a.m. CDT

  “Banking, Budgeting, and Onboarding” — Thursday, May 21, 9-10 a.m. CDT

  “Applying for Your Student Visa” — Thursday, May 28, 9-10 a.m. CDT

  “Ask an International Student Advisor” — Thursday, June 11, 9-10 a.m. CDT

  “Planning Your First Week in Austin” — Thursday, June 25, 9-10 a.m. CDT

  “Ask a UT International Student” — Thursday, July 9, 9-10 a.m. CDT

Orientation Canvas Course

• Learn at Your Own Pace

  Prepare for life at UT Austin with our International Student Orientation Modules on the Canvas platform.

  Access short videos designed to help you prepare for your arrival by learning about cultural adjustment, expectations of the U.S. classroom, healthcare in the U.S., and much more.

  New students will receive an email invitation to join the Canvas in June.

  If you have questions about the orientation modules, email isss-orientation@austin.utexas.edu for assistance.

New International Student Welcome (Aug. 14)

• Your First Day at UT Austin

  New International Student Welcome

  August 14, 2026, 9 a.m.-noon

  The Texas Union

  Join International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) staff and fellow international students for a fun, interactive welcome to The University of Texas at Austin! Discover practical tips, helpful resources, and opportunities to connect as you prepare for your first few weeks in Austin. Food, prizes, and friendly faces await!

  Although attendance is optional, we strongly encourage all new international students to participate. This welcome event is an important part of beginning your UT experience and making a successful transition to campus life.

In-Person Resource Fair (Aug. 14, 17, and 18)

• Join us at “Resources and Refreshments”
  • August 14, 2026, 1-4 p.m. Texas Global 2400 Nueces Street
  • August 17, 2026, 1-4 p.m. Texas Global 2400 Nueces Street
  • August 18, 2026, 1-4 p.m. Texas Global 2400 Nueces Street

   

  Have questions as you prepare for life at UT Austin? Visit “Resources and Refreshments,” a one-stop resource fair hosted by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) in collaboration with campus partners. Meet staff from a variety of UT Austin offices, get your questions answered, and learn about services available to support your success.

   

  Whether you have questions about banking and wire transfers, health insurance, immunization requirements, immigration regulations, or other important topics, you’ll find helpful information and friendly staff ready to assist you.

   

  Stop by the Global Lounge at Texas Global, enjoy light refreshments, and connect with the people and resources that will help you get off to a great start.

Additional In-Person Welcome Events (Aug. 15-20)

• Explore Campus and Austin; Connect with Other Students

  In addition to the New International Student Welcome (Aug. 14) and resource fair (Aug. 14, 17, and 18), ISSS offers a variety of additional events designed to help you explore Austin, connect with other international students, and begin feeling at home at UT Austin.

  August 15, 2026: Austin City Bus Tours
  August 16, 2026: UT Austin Shopping Shuttle
  August 16, 2026: Explore the Forty Acres: Student-led Campus Tours
  August 17, 2026: Exchange Student Orientation
  August 18, 2026: Texas Two-Step Dance Lessons
  August 19, 2026: Graduate International Student Brunch
  August 19, 2026: Undergraduate International Student Mixer

  Throughout orientation week, student International Orientation Volunteers (IOVs) will also lead small-group tours of Austin, highlighting favorite study spots, restaurants, coffee shops, and other local destinations.

  Whether you’re exploring the city on a bus tour, learning the Texas Two-Step, meeting students with similar academic interests, or discovering hidden campus gems with an IOV, these events are a fun way to build friendships, gain local knowledge, and start your UT experience with confidence.

  Note: We will update the Orientation Events Calendar as events are confirmed.