Get ready for your Freshman Orientation session by completing these steps. Scroll down for more information on each checklist item. Take note—more than a few of them are required depending on your orientation program (online summer school orientation, in-person freshman orientation).
March/April
- Set up Duo Authentication
- Check Your Email Address
- Get Connected
- Secure Housing Early
May
- Set Up UTexas Zoom Account
- Watch the New Student Orientation Instructional Video
- Review Orientation Schedule Information
- Submit Proof of Required Immunizations
- UT EID Upgrades and Student IDs
June/July
- Complete Canvas Modules
- Pack for Orientation
- Review Assessments and Placement Tests Information
- Prepare for Class Registration
Additional information for: |
March/April
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.
You can learn more about how to set up Duo here, or visit the IT@UT website for more information.
After Duo is set up, you can log into your Canvas and Zoom accounts. In order to complete your pre-orientation modules, you will log into Canvas (https://canvas.utexas.edu/) using your UT EID and password, and Duo authentication. You'll receive an email closer to your orientation session letting you know your pre-orientation modules are available. The modules will take one to two hours to complete.
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). If needed, you should update your email address to one you will have access to throughout the summer. To do so, 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.
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 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.
Get Connected
Admitted Longhorns can connect with other new Longhorns in the official UT Austin Class of 2027 Facebook group. You can also follow @UTOrientation on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for all New Student Orientation updates and helpful tips from current Longhorns.
May
Set Up UTexas Zoom Account
You will need Zoom version 5.6.4 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 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.
2023 UT New Student Orientation
Review Orientation Schedule Information
General orientation schedule information for your session is available on the Schedule webpage. Any Zoom links you will need to complete orientation will be available to you through Canvas prior to your session.
You can download the UT Orientation App here or at guidebook.com/app/UTOrientation/
The orientation app is only available for 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 2023, Transfer Orientation 2023, etc.). You will receive an email to download your session's guide closer to your orientation session.
NOTE: The 2023 August Orientation schedule is TBD. More details, such as links, can be found on Canvas.
Submit Proof of Required Immunizations
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 verify whether your EID is already upgraded, go to the EID Self Help Tools and select "Upgrade My UT EID."
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
Please visit our 'Upgrading a UT EID' knowledge article for more info on upgrading your EID!
EID upgrades are provided at no cost while ID cards cost $10. The ID Card fee is due within 30 days of card issuance may be paid in person at the Cashier’s Office in the Main Building, or online at the What I Owe page on the Student Accounts Receivable Website, or by clicking the “What I Owe” link in MyUT (my.utexas.edu).
June/July
Pack for Orientation
All students will need:
- DUO App on your smartphone
- Laptop/Tablet/Charger
- Headphones
If you are attending Freshman Orientation (June/July sessions only), you are required to stay in Jester Center residence halls for the duration of your session, and you will need to bring:
- Backpack
- Folder/Binder to hold any handouts
- No. 2 pencils (placement tests)
- Umbrella
- Comfortable Walking/Running Shoes
- Snacks
- Change of clothes
- Towels (a pillow, sheets and blanket are provided)
- Toiletries
- Refillable Water Bottle
- A government issued ID
- Any medications you may take regularly
- Face Mask (optional)
Complete Canvas Modules
Summer School Orientation: available 6 days before the start of your scheduled session.
Freshman Summer Orientation: available 2 Thursdays before the start of your scheduled session.
Spring Orientation: available 6 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
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
Placement tests in French and Spanish will be offered during orientation for summer 2022. 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, 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)
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 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 2022 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.
Read more about what you can expect when you register for classes at orientation.
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
- Accessible copies of orientation materials
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.