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International Student Orientation

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) organizes orientation and welcome events for incoming international students every fall and spring semester. These events allow students to meet their future classmates and get oriented to The University of Texas at Austin, the City of Austin, the State of Texas and the United States.

International Student Orientation is a separate orientation that provides content unique to international students. Depending on your classification, you must also attend either Freshman Orientation, Transfer Orientation or Graduate Student Orientation. Exchange students visiting from partner universities abroad should refer to their exchange student advisor to learn more about their orientation requirements. 

Spring 2025 Orientation Events

Welcome events and orientation programs are held either online or in person. We will update the Orientation Events Calendar as events are confirmed. 

Pre-Arrival Webinar Series

Prepare for your arrival to Austin by attending virtual sessions presented by ISSS staff on a range of topics. 

Topics include:

  • Housing in Austin – Thursday, November 7, 9-10 a.m. CST
  • Health Insurance in the U.S. and How to Pay Tuition – Thursday, November 14, 9-10 a.m. CST
  • Ask an Advisor: Degree-Seeking Students – Thursday, November 21, 9-10 a.m. CST
  • Ask an Advisor: Exchange Students – Thursday, November 21, 9-10 a.m. CST
  • Employment – Thursday, December 5, 9-10 a.m. CST
  • Accessing ISSS Services – Thursday, December 12, 9-10 a.m. CST

Register here for pre-arrival webinars.

Note: All sessions are recorded and available on the Canvas platform (see below). 

International Student Orientation Modules on Canvas

Prepare for life at UT Austin with our International Student Orientation Modules on Canvas. These short videos are 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 platform in mid-November. If you have questions about the orientation modules, email isss-orientation@austin.utexas.edu for assistance. 

In-Person New International Student Welcome 

Monday, January 6, 2024

10:30 a.m. CST

William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center (WCP)

Join ISSS staff and fellow international students for a fun and interactive welcome to UT! Learn practical advice for being a UT student and resources to help prepare you for your first few weeks at the University. Food, prizes, and friendly faces are waiting for you!

This welcome event is not mandatory, though it is highly encouraged to attend.

Registration is required and will open on December 4.

Resources and Refreshments

Monday, January 6, 2-4:30 p.m. CST and Tuesday, January 7, 10-11:30 a.m. CST

Texas Global Lounge (N24)

ISSS is pleased to partner with various UT offices to answer questions from new international students. Want to know more about health insurance? Immunizations? F-1 and J-1 immigration requirements? Drop by and get some answers! Refreshments provided.

In-Person Welcome Events

Get to know Austin, the UT Austin campus, and your new classmates during the following welcome events. 

  • Longhorns Get Creative - Wednesday, January 8
  • Texas Two-Step Dance Lesson - Thursday, January 9
  • Campus Scavenger Hunt - Friday, January 10
  • Campus Tours:  Go-To Spots on the 40 Acres, Saturday, January 11

Registration is required and will open December 4.

For detailed information on each event, and to register, visit the Events Calendar.