Spring Pre-Orientation Checklist

Get ready for your Spring Orientation session by completing these steps. Scroll down for more details on each checklist item.

Additional information for:

 

Secure Housing

It is important to be proactive in securing your housing for the academic year! If you’re thinking of making your home in one of our 15 residence halls, complete the housing application as soon as possible after you finish your admissions application. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to have your preferences met. 

If you are planning to live off-campus, please utilize the Off-Campus website to access the apartment search portal, specially designed for UT Austin students to find great leases, roommates and list sublet opportunities.  

 

Submit Proof of Required Immunizations (required for course registration)

Students new to UT Austin registering for their first semester and readmitted students MUST comply with all applicable immunization and medical clearance requirements prior to orientation. Students cannot register for classes until they satisfy all requirements. For more information on immunization and medical clearance requirements and instructions for submitting documentation, please click here.

 

Set up Duo Two-Factor Authentication (required for access to UT Austin platforms)

IMPORTANT FIRST STEP – For security purposes, the University requires that you setup Duo Authentication in order to utilize all UT accounts such as MyStatus, MyUT, UT Zoom, Canvas and the orientation registration system. If you are receiving an error message that says “you are not enrolled due to the Multi-factor Duo Authentication,” you must set up Duo authentication. 

Steps to Set Up Duo

  • Visit bit.ly/utduo
  • Log in using your UT EID and password.
  • Follow the instructions to register your device.
  • Download the Duo Mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your device.

You can learn more about how to set up Duo here. Visit the IT@UT website for more information.

 

Check Your Email Address

You will be receiving lots of emails from the University, so check to make sure the email address you have listed in your student record is valid and one you will have continued access to (i.e. an email address that will not expire). To do so, follow the steps below:

  • Go to All My Addresses.
  • In the section labeled 'Student Records - Email Address', change email here.
  • Once new email is entered, click on 'Update This Address' in this section.

Once you have a good email saved, be sure to check it at least weekly to stay so you don't miss any campus or orientation messages.

 

Get Connected

Follow @UTOrientation on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook for all New Student Orientation updates and helpful tips from current Longhorns.

 

Watch the UT Online Orientation Instructional Video

This video has information for what incoming students will need to complete their Spring New Student Orientation session at The University of Texas at Austin. Students who are registered for Spring New Student Orientation will receive an email to access the video in mid-December.

 

Review Orientation Schedule Information

General orientation schedule information for your session will be available on the Spring Orientation Information webpage.  Additional schedule information, including Zoom links for live virtual interactions, will be shared via the Pre-Orientation Canvas modules prior to the session. 

 

Set up your UT Zoom Account

You will need the most up to date Zoom version and an official UT Zoom account to complete orientation. Follow this link to set up Zoom on your mobile device or computer.

 

UT EID Upgrades and Student IDs

 To upgrade your EID or verify you already have, go to UT Online EID Upgrade Application Guidelines and select Upgrade My EID. Upgrading your UT EID allows you to conduct University business online.
  

To obtain your UT ID Card, follow these steps:

  • Submit your ID Card Photo online here.
  • Wait for email confirmation stating your card is printed and ready for pick up.
  • Visit the Flawn Academic Center (FAC) to pick up your ID Card.
    • You can wait until you are on campus or the start of the term to pick up your UT ID Card.

UT ID Cards cost $20 and payment can be made via What-I-Owe.

 

Complete Canvas Modules

Available December 30 for students who have registered for orientation.

You will need to complete Canvas modules as part of your orientation session. The modules contain helpful resources for academic success, navigating campus life, and health and safety at UT Austin. 

You will log into Canvas (https://canvas.utexas.edu/) using your UT EID and password, and DUO authentication. The modules will take one to two hours to complete.

 

Review Assessments and Placement Tests Information

UT Math Assessment

College of Natural Sciences first-year freshman students, regardless of AP or IB high school credit, must take the UT Math Assessment (UTMA) before their orientation session. You must purchase the online Math Readiness Package that will provide online learning modules and the proctored assessment. Some students in other colleges must also take the UTMA, including students planning to take Calculus I (M408C/K/N/R/Q), that do not meet the exemption requirements for non-CNS. Non-CNS students can wait until after discussing their course selection with an academic advisor at orientation to take the UTMA.  

The College of Natural Sciences, which oversees the assessment process for students in all colleges and schools, offers additional information, including exemption criteria and test registration details, on their UTMA website. 

If you have further questions, please email readiness@cns.utexas.edu 

UT Exam for M305G (Pre-Calculus) Credit 

If you do not plan to take a calculus course but still need a math credit to complete your degree, you may have the opportunity to take the UT Exam for M305G (Pre-Calculus Credit).  

If your degree plan allows credit for M 305G (a pre-calculus course), you have the option of testing out of the course with an eligible score on the UT Exam M305G (Pre-Calculus) Credit. For more information and to register, visit the Student Testing Services’ website. Results from these exams are available within 24-48 hours, in time for students who may need to adjust their schedules based on their results during the add/drop period. 

College Credit and Placement Tests

If you need to take other placement tests, you may register online through Student Testing Services at https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/ctl/regi/. Results from these exams are available within 24-48 hours, in time for students who may need to adjust their fall schedules based on their results to do so during the add/drop period. 

Students with credit-eligible Advanced Placement (AP), CLEP, SAT Subject Test, SAT/ACT Writing Scores or International Baccalaureate (IB) test score may find they have already earned coursework credit at UT Austin by taking exams. Credit by exam information, including a list of accepted exams and scores, testing schedules for exams offered on campus, and the ability to contact Student Testing Services staff can be found at https://testingservices.utexas.edu/credit 

Make sure you have any transcripts and test scores sent directly to UT Austin. It's helpful to gather all test scores and transcripts for completed college-level courses and have them with you during your advising appointment at orientation. Your advisor can still work with you to plan out your course selections even if some of your scores are still pending. 

Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

You can check your TSI status on your Registration Information Sheet (RIS). If you are exempt it will say "Exempt" or "Complete" on your RIS and there is no further action needed from you. If not, you will need to provide documentation of your exemption or present passing scores from the TSI Assessment before you can register for courses. For more information, email the TSI Office at tsi@austin.utexas.edu. During high volume times, please allow the TSI Office 6 - 10 business days to process your request. 

Other Tests

Depending on your college, you may be required to take other placement tests or assessments. You will receive information from your college via email about any college-specific testing requirements. 

 

Prepare for Class Registration

Be sure to access your Registration Information Sheet no later than two weeks prior to your orientation session to ensure there are no holds that will prevent you from registering. 

NOTE: Your advising hold will be cleared during orientation once you have met with your academic advisor. Your health hold will be cleared once you have submitted the appropriate documentation and have allowed up to two weeks for processing time. If you have an international hold, that will be cleared once you have completed the check-in process with Texas Global.

TRANSFER: Read more about what you can expect when you register for classes at orientation. 

FRESHMAN: Read more about what you can expect when you register for classes at orientation. 

You can estimate your progress toward your degree using the Interactive Degree Audit (IDA) 2.0 tool. You will be able to discuss your audit results during your meeting with an academic advisor at orientation. 

Beginning in fall 2021, all students will sign a Financial Responsibility Statement before registering for classes. The goal of the Statement is to be transparent and help you fully understand your role and financial obligation when attending UT Austin. By signing, you acknowledge your responsibility to pay tuition and fees by the payment due date and if you receive financial aid and scholarships, those resources will apply to your tuition. The Financial Responsibility Statement for the Spring 2025 term will be available for you to review and sign here.  

 

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

If you have a disability and need accommodations, you will indicate that when you register for your orientation session. You may indicate the need for the following accommodations:

  • Interpreting or captioning services

After you register for your session, an email will be sent to you from New Student Services to confirm your specific accommodation needs. Additional instructions about any required forms or supporting documentation will be included. Any supporting documentation must be submitted at least two weeks before your session. Learn more about how to arrange accommodations. 

 

Non-U.S. Citizens and Non-Permanent Residents

If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident upon admission to UT Austin, you are classified as an international student. If you are a Texas resident for tuition purposes, but are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident, you are still classified as an international student. You will see an international "I" hold on your Registration Information Sheet if you are classified as an international student. 

In addition to orientation, all international students are required to complete the check-in process with Texas Global. International students must also satisfy additional immunization requirements. Learn more about requirements for international students.

 

Spring Orientation Information