Pre-Arrival Checklist for Students
There are many tasks to take care of before you arrive to study in a different country. This list will help you make sure you remember some of the most important ones. Education USA is a very helpful website developed by the U.S. Department of State which includes information about undergraduate and graduate study and pre-departure information and resources.
Apply for a Student Visa
Before you may apply for a U.S. F or J visa, you must gather evidence of your financial support and obtain a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 from the university, pay your Student Exchange Visa Information Service (SEVIS) fee, and gather evidence of your ties to your home country. You will also need a valid passport. All these documents are necessary for you to apply for a visa at an embassy or consular office in your home country. For more information about immigration matters, see the immigration information page.
Make Travel Plans to Austin
Remember that you will need to familiarize yourself with UT, attend orientation events, complete housing arrangements, complete immunization and tuberculosis testing requirements, and prepare to register for classes. Plan accordingly.
The earliest that new F-1 and J-1 students should enter the United States is 30 days prior to the start dates listed on the I-20 or DS-2019. This is an immigration limitation and cannot be changed. If you are admitted for the fall semester, we recommend that you arrive in Austin no later than the day before International Student Orientation.
If you are admitted for the first summer semester, you should arrive in Austin no later than the week before classes begin. If you have questions about the entry process into the United States, please review the Study in the States website on Getting to the United States on what to expect at the port of entry.
Plan Your Transportation from Airport to Campus Area
Use our airport transportation guide to plan your trip to the campus area. The local airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA), is located approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) from UT Austin, so there are multiple affordable options for local transportation
Arrange Your Finances
Bring enough money with you to cover your first semester tuition, fees, books, and at least three months of living expenses. Tuition amounts depend upon your degree level, program of study, and the tuition rate (Texas resident vs. non-resident) that applies to you.
You must pay your first semester tuition after registration. If you plan to pay by check or bank transfer, you must use a U.S. bank account.
For more information about living expenses, tuition amounts, tuition deadlines, and payment methods, please see the Financial Information page. For information about declaring money when you enter the U.S., see the Customs & Border Protection website.
Secure Housing
Start searching for housing as soon as possible after admission. Finding accommodations in Austin can be both costly and competitive. For information about on-campus housing, visit University Housing and Dining. For information about off-campus housing options, visit Off-Campus Living Resources.
Complete New Student Check-In
After you arrive in the U.S. your next step in the check-in process is to complete all required forms in myIO. You will not be able to register for classes until you have completed this process.
Complete Immunization Requirements
Proof of immunizations and Tuberculosis screenings are required before you are able to register for courses at UT Austin. For more information regarding these requirements, visit University Health Services.
Attend Orientation
International Student Orientation is designed specifically for incoming international students and offered in August and January. It includes essential information about university life, U.S. immigration rules, and support resources. While not mandatory, attending International Student Orientation is strongly recommended to help you succeed both academically and personally at UT Austin Visit the International Student Orientation page for more details.
All freshmen and undergraduate transfer students are required to attend UT Austin’s New Student Orientation (“Longhorn Orientation”). You will not be able to register for classes until you have attended Longhorn Orientation. F-1 & J-1 students: If you will be arriving from outside of the U.S. (non-transfers), you may attend the Longhorn Orientation session in August only. If you are already in the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status, you may attend in June, July or August.
Connect With the UT Community
There are numerous international student organizations at UT that are eager to be in contact with new students and answer questions about life at UT. To access a list of these student organizations, visit the Dean of Students website and search by keywords such as “International."