Pre-Orientation Checklist

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

March/April

  • Set up Duo Authentication
  • Check Your Email Address
  • Get Connected
  • Secure Housing Early
  • Submit Proof of Required Immunizations

May

  • Set Up UTexas Zoom Account
  • Watch the UT Online Orientation Instructional Video
  • Review Orientation Schedule Information
  • UT EID Upgrades and Student IDs

June/July

  • Complete Canvas Modules
  • Pack for Orientation
  • 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.

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.

 

Get Connected

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

 

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.  

 

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.

 

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 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. 

2024 'How to Get the Most Out of Orientation' video coming soon!

 

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.

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 2024, Transfer Orientation 2024, etc.). You will receive an email to download your session's guide closer to your orientation session. 

 

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

 

Complete Canvas Modules

Summer School Orientation: available 6 days before the start of your scheduled session.

Transfer Summer Orientation: available 10 days 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.

 

Pack for Orientation

All students will need: 

  • DUO App on your smartphone
  • Laptop/Tablet/Charger
  • Headphones

If you are joining us for the hybrid session (this session only), you are required to stay in Jester Center residence halls for the duration of your session, and 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

 

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 fall 2022 term will be available for you to review and sign here.  

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. 

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.

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.