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International Student Orientation

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) organizes orientation and welcome events for incoming international students every Spring and Fall semester. These events provide an opportunity for 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 in addition to the Freshman Orientation or Transfer Orientation which is required for all undergraduate student and Graduate Student Orientation required for all graduate students. It contains separate and unique content not available as a part of other orientations.

Fall 2022

This Fall, all welcome events and orientation programs will be offered in a hybrid mode with some online components starting in May and in-person events taking place on campus prior to the start of the semester.

International Student Orientation Modules

Prepare for life at UT Austin with our International Student Orientation Modules on CANVAS. The modules will become available to all newly admitted students on June 1. These videos are designed to help you prepare for your arrival, learn about topics such as cultural adjustment, expectations of the U.S. classroom, healthcare in the U.S. and much more.

Pre-Arrival Series

Prepare for your arrival on campus by attending our virtual pre-arrival series. Attend sessions with ISSS staff and current international students on a range of topics to help you prepare for your Longhorn journey. You will be able to register online via the Orientation Events Calendar.

  • Applying for Your Student Visa Wednesday, May 18, 8 a.m. (CDT)
  • Housing in Austin Thursday, June 2, 8 a.m. (CDT)
  • Health Insurance and Health Care Monday, June 13, 8 a.m. (CDT).
  • Ask an Exchange Student Advisor Thursday, June 23, 8 a.m. (CDT)
  • F-1 and J-1 Student Employment, Tuesday, June 29, 8 a.m. (CDT)
  • Banking and Finances, Tuesday, July 7, 8 a.m. (CDT)
  • Ask an International Student Advisor, Wednesday, July 13, 8 a.m. (CDT)
  • Ask a UT Student, Thursday, July 28, 8 a.m. (CDT)

International Student Welcome
Friday, Aug. 12, 2022

Join International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) staff and fellow international students for a formal welcome to UT Austin! This will be a one-hour virtual session.

Mentor Meetings
Friday, Aug. 12, 2022

Attend “Mentor Meetings,” and hear from current UT students on a variety of topics to help you adjust to campus as a new Longhorn. Topics will include: transportation, housing, academics and student jobs and more. All sessions will be virtual. You may attend all sessions that interest you.

Welcome Events

Get to know Austin, UT Austin campus and your new classmates during our Welcome Events. All events will take place between August 13 and August 28.

Registration and event schedule for in-person welcome events will be published on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at noon. You will be able to register online via the Orientation Events Calendar

Here is a preview of the events we plan to hold:

  • Learn Texas Two Step
    Put on your cowboy boots and learn how to dance like a real Texan.
  • Campus Scavenger Hunts
    Teams of students compete for prizes by hunting for landmarks and buildings across campus.
  • Austin City Bus Tours
    Explore Austin, Texas from the comfort of an air conditioned bus. We will drive through Downtown, visit Mount Bonell and see the Texas Capitol.
  • Swimming Pool Social
    Explore Gregory Gym’s leisure pool, meet new friends, enjoy popsicles by the pool or go for a swim.
  • Student-led Campus Tours
    Student volunteers take small groups of new students on tours of UT campus, various libraries, and study spots.
  • Student-led Austin Tours
    Student volunteers take small groups of new students to explore South Congress, Zilker Park, and local grocery or farmer's markets.