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:

 

Set up Duo 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, UTexas 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

  • Once downloaded, click on bit.ly/utduo link.
  • 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.
  • When asked to pair your device using the Duo Mobile app, you can use either a QR code or code, both are provided during the registration process.

After Duo is set up, you can proceed with completing your Canvas modules and logging onto Zoom. 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.

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 is still the correct one. You should update your email address to one you will have access to throughout the summer.  Follow the steps below:

  • Go to my.utexas.edu
  • On the left-hand side, click on 'PERSONAL INFO'
  • From the drop-down menu, click '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.

Visit the IT@UT website for instructions on how to set up your UT Austin email address.

 

Get Connected

Admitted Longhorns can connect with other new Longhorns in the official Transfer Student Facebook group and the Class of 2027 Facebook group. You can also follow @UTOrientation on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook for all New Student Orientation updates and helpful tips from current Longhorns.

 

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 14 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.  

 

Set up UTexas Zoom Account

You will need Zoom version 5.15.5 or higher and an official UTexas Zoom account to complete orientation. Follow this link to set up Zoom on your mobile device or computer. 

Some students experience trouble when trying to create their UTZoom account. If you have a personal account in Zoom, it automatically logs you into your personal account. If you encounter this, then you will need to click on your profile in Zoom, scroll down under the "Options" and select "Switch Account" to successfully set your UTZoom.

 

Watch the UT Online Orientation Instructional Video

This video has information for what incoming students will need to complete their orientation session(s) at The University of Texas at Austin. 

Watch the 2024 UT Austin Spring Orientation Instructional Video

 

Review Orientation Schedule Information

General orientation schedule information for your session will be available on the Schedule webpage. The Zoom links for the live interactions will be available to you through Canvas prior to your session. Preview the schedule-at-a-glance here.

 

Submit Proof of Required Immunizations (required for course registration)

You must satisfy all medical clearance requirements prior to orientation in order to register for classes. Visit https://www.healthyhorns.utexas.edu/requiredvaccine/index.html for more information on how to submit your required immunizations.

 

UT EID Upgrades and Student IDs

Important: If you have not already, please make sure to upgrade your UT EID.   

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.
 

You WILL NEED an upgraded UT EID to:        

  • View your grades online        
  • Update banking information online        
  • Make Payments on the What I Owe page        
  • Use Financial Aid to pay tuition or housing costs        
  • Order Official UT Transcripts 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 for New Student Orientation to pick up your UT ID Card.

UT ID Cards cost $10 and payment can be made via What-I-Owe.

 

Complete Canvas Modules

Available 5 days before the start of your scheduled session.

You will need to complete Canvas modules as part of your orientation session. 

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 - (Freshman Students)

If you’re planning to take Calculus I (M408C/K/N/R), you are required to complete the UT Math Assessment before your orientation session. You must purchase the online Math Readiness Package that will provide online learning modules and the proctored assessment.

The College of Natural Sciences, which oversees the assessment process for students in all colleges and schools, offers additional information about testing times, registering for tests and required scores.

If you have further questions, please email readiness@cns.utexas.edu or call (512) 471-3796.

UT Exam for M305G (Pre-Calculus) Credit 

If you are not taking Calculus I, but your degree plan allows credit for M 305G (a pre-calculus course), you have the option to take the UT Math for Credit Exam (M305G). For more information and to register, visit the Student Testing Services’ website

Placement Tests

Students with credit-eligible Advanced Placement (AP), CLEP, SAT Subject Test, or International Baccalaureate (IB) test score may find they have already earned coursework credit at UT Austin by taking exams. To learn more about what tests you should plan to take and when you can take them, visit Student Testing Services or call (512) 232-2662.

Texas Success Initiative (TSI) - (Freshman Students)

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.

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 at orientation. Your medical hold will be cleared once you have submitted the appropriate documentation. If you have an international hold, that will be cleared once you have attended your International Briefing and Check-In session.

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 2024 term will be available for you to review and sign here.  

Make sure you have any test scores (Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, etc.) 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. Complete your online assessments (math or chemistry) if required by your college, as well as any other required tests.

TRANSFER STUDENTS: It's helpful to gather all test scores and transcripts for completed college-level courses and bring them to your advising appointment at orientation. Make sure you have sent your most recent transcript to UT Austin. Read more about what you can expect when you register for classes at orientation (Transfer).

FRESHMAN STUDENTS: Make sure you have sent your transcript to UT Austin. Read more about what you can expect when you register for classes at orientation (Freshman).

Before you register, 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.

 

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, you must submit the appropriate documentation and arrange for accommodations 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.