Pre-Orientation Checklist

Get ready for your Freshman Orientation session and first semester on the Forty Acres by completing these steps. Scroll down for more information on each checklist item. 

As Soon As Possible

  • Secure Housing Early
  • Submit Proof of Required Immunizations

March/April

  • Set up Duo Two-Factor Authentication
  • Check Your Email Address
  • Get Connected

May

  • Encourage Your Family to Register for Family Orientation
  • Watch the New Student Orientation Instructional Video
  • Review Orientation Schedule Information
  • Set Up your UT Zoom Account
  • UT EID Upgrades and Student IDs
  • Make Travel Arrangements for May/June/July Orientation

Two weeks Prior to Your Orientation Session

  • Complete Canvas Modules
  • Review Assessments and Placement Tests Information
  • Pack for Orientation
  • Prepare for Class Registration

Additional information for:

 

As Soon As Possible

 

Secure Housing Early

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

Students new to UT Austin registering for their first semester and readmitted students. You MUST comply with all applicable medical clearance requirements. Students cannot register for classes until they satisfy all requirements. Visit https://www.healthyhorns.utexas.edu/requiredvaccine/index.html for more information on how to submit your required immunizations.

 

March/April

 

Set up Duo Two-factor Authentication 

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.

 

Check Your Email Address

You will be receiving lots of emails from the University, so it is important that you 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) throughout the summer.  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. 

 

May

 

Encourage Your Family to Register for Family Orientation

Encourage your family to register for Family Orientation, where they'll learn about resources to help you successfully transition to UT Austin and thrive on the Forty Acres. Learn more about the program and register to attend.

 

Watch the New Student 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. The video is available for viewing on the UT Orientation app. Students who are registered for New Student Orientation will receive an email to download the UT Orientation app and view their complete schedule information for their orientation session.

 

Review Orientation Schedule Information

General orientation schedule information for your session is available on the Schedule webpage. 

Additional schedule information for Freshman sessions in May/June/July will be shared via the UT Orientation App. You can download the UT Orientation App here or at guidebook.com/app/UTOrientation/

The orientation app is only available for May, June and July orientation sessions. Once you download the app, you will need to download the guide for the specific orientation program you will be participating in (e.g. Freshman Orientation 2024, Transfer Orientation 2024, etc.). You will receive an email to download your session's guide closer to your orientation session. 

Schedule information, including Zoom links, for Spring, Summer Term and August orientation will be shared via the Canvas modules prior to the session.

 

Set Up UT Zoom Account

You will need the most updated 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 claim your financial aid and 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 for New Student Orientation or the start of the semester to pick up your UT ID Card.

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

 

Make travel arrangements for May/June/July Orientation

Once your orientation session registration has been confirmed, you can begin making travel plans. More information about your visit to campus can be found here.

 

Two Weeks Prior to Your Orientation Session

 

Complete Canvas Modules

Summer Term Orientation: available May 20.

Freshman Summer Orientation: available 2 Fridays before the start of your scheduled session.

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. Some students in other colleges must also take the UTMA, including students planning to take Calculus I (M408C/K/N/R) 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. 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, 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 to take 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 fall schedules based on their results to do so 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. 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. 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 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.

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.

Chemistry Assessment

Many students registering for CH 301 will be required to complete the Chemistry assessment prior to the Fall semester. The assessment prior to the Fall semester. The assessment will not need to be completed until after orientation. It is important that you do not purchase a Chemistry Readiness Assessment until after you have attended orientation and discussed course selection with your academic advisor.

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.

Learn more about Assessment, Placement Tests, and College Credit requirements for New Student Orientation.

 

Pack for Orientation

All students will need: 

  • DUO App on your smartphone
  • Laptop/Tablet and charger
  • Headphones

If you are attending Freshman Orientation (May/June/July sessions only), you are required to stay in the residence hall for the duration of your session, and you will need to bring:

  • Backpack
  • Folder/Binder to hold any handouts
  • No. 2 pencils (placement tests)
  • Comfortable Walking/Running Shoes
  • Change of clothes
  • Towels (a pillow, sheets and blanket are provided)
  • Toiletries
  • Refillable Water Bottle
  • Snacks
  • Umbrella
  • Any medications you may take regularly
  • A government issued ID
  • Face Mask (optional)

 

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. 

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

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 completed the check-in process with Texas Global.

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

 

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
  • Housing Accommodations
  • Mobility Accommodations

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.