Orientation Sessions
View The Guide online
Congratulations on your acceptance to UT Dallas! We welcome you to our family. Your presence here enriches the UT Dallas campus community and adds great diversity to our institution.
Orientation is your first chance to experience all that UT Dallas has to offer you. Orientation provides valuable information to ease your transition to the campus and life in the U.S. During Orientation you can expect to:
- Meet new friends and other new international students
- Learn about campus departments and discover campus resources
- Fulfill your Orientation requirement and determine how to register for classes
- Get involved on campus by attending orientation extra sessions and other campus events
 |
 |
 |
Summer and Fall 2012 Orientation Dates
Details coming soon.
Do I Have to Attend Orientation?
F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders
International Student Orientation is mandatory for F-1 and J-1 visa holders enrolling at UT Dallas for the first time and students changing their visa status to F-1.F-1 and J-1 Undergraduate Freshman (first time undergraduate student)
You will attend a Freshman Orientation at UT Dallas, where information specific to both U.S. and international students will be provided and your holds removed. Please verify that you have registered for the Freshman Orientation as soon as possible. For more information, please e-mail ISSOprograms@utdallas.edu.Other Visa Holders
International Student Orientation is not mandatory for other visa holders, however, you are welcome to attend if you are a new student.
What Documents Do I Need to Submit?
Important Documents to Submit Before Orientation
All F-1 and J-1 visa holders must submit copies of their immigration documents to the ISSO prior to registering for classes and attending Orientation. You may submit copies of your immigration documents by visiting the ISSO office at the Student Services Building, Room 3.400. If you are unable to visit the ISSO prior to your Orientation, bring copies of your documents to Orientation.
Important note: The International Student Services Office will not be able to make copies for you. Please make photocopies in advance. Copy machines are available on the ground floor of the McDermott Library across from the Student Union building. Each copy costs 10 cents.
Students Arriving from Overseas
If you are arriving from overseas, please submit the following documents upon your arrival in the U.S.:
- The stamped I-20 (page 1 and 3)
- The visa
- The identification page in your passport including expiration date
- Both sides of the I-94
Students Transferring from Another U.S. Institution
If you are transferring your SEVIS record from another U.S. institution to UT Dallas, please submit copies of the following documents 30 days before your program start date:
- UT Dallas Financial Affidavit
- Financial support documents:
- Bank statement on bank letterhead, no older than six months
- UT Dallas TA/RA letter, if applicable
- UT Dallas Scholarship letter, if applicable- The visa
- The identification page in your passport including expiration date
- Both sides of the I-94
- Most current I-20 (page 1 and 3)
- EAD card (if applicable)
What Happens After Orientation?
- Register for classes with an academic advisor (Complete an academic orientation if required).
- Pay tuition and fees at the Bursar’s Office.
- Take fee payment receipt to the Comet Center to apply for your Comet Card (student ID).
- Register for computer account online.
- Visit the Payroll and Tax Compliance Office.
- Apply for a free DART bus pass.
- Apply for health insurance waiver in the ISSO before Census Day, if eligible.
- Attend class and purchase books.
- Discover international student life
Updated: December 2, 2011
