10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Orientation At UT Austin

Orientation can seem daunting with a new school, new faces, and being away from home. I will reassure you that orientation is one of the best experiences and it’ll get you even more excited to attend the University of Texas in the fall. These 10 tips for orientation at UT Austin will help you make the most out of your experience!

1. The dorms are FREEZING

You wouldn’t think to bring warm clothes when it’s a typical sweltering Texas summer, so make sure to bring an extra blanket or a sweatshirt for cold nights.

2. Your roommate will be your best friend

Dorms in Jester are assigned by major and floors are assigned by college. Each activity is college-based, so you’ll find yourself hanging out with your roommate and people in your college.

3. Early mornings, late nights

Make sure to set an alarm that you can actually wake up to. You don’t want to miss any mandatory events because this will affect your ability to register for classes.

4. There’s plenty of free time

Throughout orientation, you are able to choose which events you want to attend. The mandatory sessions don’t take up the whole day, so you’ll be able to socialize at Jester. Check out the student center, play games, swim at Gregory Gym and ask your orientation advisors questions you may have.

5. Attend the non-required events

There is so much to do at UT during orientation. The orientation organizers work hard to ensure that there is always a mixer or an activity happening. Although the Glow in the Dark Dance Party sounds ridiculous, it’s one of the best ways to meet other incoming freshman. The more events you attend, the more friends you’ll make.

6. It’s okay if you can’t upgrade your UT EID

I wasn’t able to upgrade my EID or obtain a temporary student ID because my driver’s license was expired. But don’t worry, you will still be able to register for classes.

7. The fastest Wi-Fi is in Jester East

When you find yourself clicking “refresh” each minute as it approaches 2:00 pm on the last day of orientation, you’ll wish you had the fastest internet connection.

8. Your advisors are scheduling wizards

Before registration, your advisers will be the most helpful tool. Their job is dedicated to helping you sign up for the best class. They’ll advise you on whether you should transfer that certain AP score you feel iffy about and they’re happy to answer any of your questions.

9. Enter the Unique Number for each class you need in a Word Document

Classes fill up within seconds during orientation, so it’s imperative that you copy/paste the unique numbers as quickly as possible into the system. Writing the numbers down on a piece of paper is also effective, but not nearly as fast as already having them in a document on your laptop.

10. You’ll be HYPED to attend in August

After the three days of having “The eyes of Texas are upon you” stuck in your head and buying burnt orange apparel with your left over Bevo Bucks, you’ll be in the Longhorn state of mind. You’re ready to be on the 40 acres in the fall. Hook ‘em!

Do you have any other tips for orientation at UT Austin!? Share in the comments below!

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