International Student Orientation

The Intercultural Programs (ICP) Team congratulates you on your admission and welcomes you to UTD! International Student Orientation provides valuable information to ease your transition to university life.

International Student Orientation is mandatory for all F and J graduate international students and exchange students and is optional as a resource for freshman and transfer students. International undergraduate freshman and transfer students are strongly encouraged to attend their mandatory Freshman and Transfer orientation respectively.

International students learn about services, guidelines, and culture through International Student Orientation to accomplish successfully their educational purpose in the U.S.

Additionally, optional campus customized Tours & Presentations and Virtual Information Sessions are available to complement the International Student Orientation. Also, ICP provides recommendations and relevant announcements to enhance your successful arrival to UTD and participation in the International Student Orientation (see below).

ICP recommends to download the UTD mobile application, which is customizable to meet student’s needs. Once in the app, students are welcome to look for the ICP tile in the Student Life section and get important information about International Student Orientation and its resources.

For questions regarding enrollment options in the event of travel restrictions, please contact your graduate or undergraduate program advisor.

International Student Orientation

International Student Orientation is a great opportunity to meet and interact with peers, staff, and leaders.

Students are required to complete successfully the International Student Orientation, including the online Pre-Arrival Modules. The Pre-Arrival Modules are a pre-requisite to attend the in-person International Student Orientation.

sUMMER 2024 | FALL 2024

Pre-Arrival Modules

Objective

Students will obtain guidance and resources that will be helpful prior to their arrival in the U.S. and to the UT Dallas campus by completing the Pre-Arrival Modules.

Format

Online through eLearning (not live). You will receive a certificate when you have successfully completed all the modules. You do not need to send us proof of completion.

Dates

Students must complete the Pre–Arrival Modules between MondayApril 1, 2024 (10 am – CST) and one day before attending the in-person International Student Orientation.

How to Access

  1. Navigate to eLearning and login with your Net-ID and password.
  2. Under My Organizations, find and click on Pre-Arrival Modules for International Students
  3. Click on Pre-Arrival Modules to begin.

Notes:
(a) It is recommended you use Google Chrome or Firefox as your internet browser. (b) If you have yet not created your UT Dallas Net ID and password, do so at the Net ID website. (c) DUO authentication will be required for students who have not enrolled in academic courses.

In-Person Orientation

Objective

After completing the Pre-Arrival Modules, students will obtain guidance and helpful resources to start their academic and cultural journey at UT Dallas with success by attending International Student Orientation.

Format

In-Person

Location and Dates

Choose only one session according to student’s first semester at UT Dallas:

Date & TimeLocationCheck-inInternational Student Orientation (ISO) Coffee & Tea International Student Orientation (ISO) Buffet
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
2-5 pm
SU Galaxy Rooms12:30-1:30 pm12:30 – 2:00 pm at SU Galaxy Rooms5-7:30 pm at SU Galaxy Rooms
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
2-5:30 pm
ATC Auditorium12:30-1:30 pm12:30 – 2:00 pm at ATC lobby5:30-7:30 pm (location to be announced)
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
2-5:30 pm
ATC Auditorium12:30-1:30 pm12:30 – 2:00 pm at ATC lobby5:30-7:30 pm (location to be announced)
Friday, August 16, 2024
2-5:30 pm
ATC Auditorium12:30-1:30 pm12:30 – 2:00 pm at ATC lobby5:30-7:30 pm (location to be announced)

How to Access

Register via Galaxy on or after Monday, April 1, 2024 (10 am – CST). View registration instructions (pdf).

Virtual Information Sessions

ICP Team, in partnership with campus and off campus stakeholders, offers Virtual Information Sessions on a variety of topics that are beneficial to new international students in preparation for their successful arrival to UT Dallas. Registration is not required. Fall 2024 students are welcome to attend the scheduled Virtual Information Sessions (see table below). Please note that recorded Virtual Information Sessions are available in the ICP Youtube channel.

Please note that Virtual Information Sessions do not substitute for the International Student Orientation.

Objective

Students will learn how the ICP Team, campus and off campus stakeholders can assist them in preparation for their arrival to UT Dallas, complementing International Student Orientation.

Format

Live Microsoft Teams

Dates and Topics

DateTimeVirtual Information Sessions – Fall 2024
Wednesday, June 5, 202410–11 am (CST)Next Steps for Incoming International Students
Tuesday, June 11, 20249–10 am (CST)How to Rent an Apartment as an International Student
Wednesday, June 12, 20249–10 am (CST)Paying Your Tuition and Fees
Wednesday, June 19, 20249–10 am (CST)UTD Big Howdy
Wednesday, June 26, 20249–10 am (CST)How the Office of Graduate Education Can Work for You
Wednesday, July 3, 20249–10 am (CST)Indian Student Association (ISA) Orientation
Friday, July 5, 20249–10 am (CST)Iranian Student Community (ISC) Orientation
Wednesday, July 10, 20249–10 am (CST)Mapping Your Success: University Career Center’s Resources for International Students
Wednesday, July 17, 20249–10 am (CST)Preparing for Life in Dallas

How to Access

Virtual sessions will be accessible via Live Microsoft Teams. Click the Virtual Information Session of your choice (table above) to see its description and to join the Teams’ session. The Virtual Information Sessions will be recorded and posted on YouTube. Please allow two (2) business days for videos to be uploaded to YouTube.

Notes

Downloading Microsoft Teams to your desktop or laptop computer will provide the fastest access to the Information Sessions but is not required, as the events can be watched in your internet browser. The Microsoft Teams app is needed if you are joining from a mobile device.

All audience members will be muted when entering the meeting and will have the opportunity to pose questions in writing via the “Q&A” function on the right side of the screen at the end of the presentation. Live closed captioning is available to all attendees. Please look for the CC button when you join the meeting.

If you have questions related to technical issues during the event, please contact the UT Dallas Help Desk, via chat or telephonically at (+1) 972-883-2911

Times listed are in Central Standard Time (CST). You can use a World Clock Converter to find the exact time in your location.

Optional Tours and Presentation

Fall 2024 new international students are welcome to participate in exclusive tours and presentations in partnership with the McDermott Library, Office of Information Technology, University Recreation, and Texas Department of Public Safety. Hosts will offer prizes, giveaways, and more to attendees. Registration is not required. Consult details in table below.

Objective

Students will learn from campus and external stakeholders customized and practical guidance to smooth their transition to the UT Dallas community.

Format

In-Person

Dates and Activities

DateTimeActivityLocation
Friday, August 9, 202410-11amMcDermott Library TourMcDermott Library Main Lobby
Friday, August 9, 202411:30am-
12:30pm
Office of Information Technology (OIT) PresentationStudent Union (SU) Galaxy A, B, and C
Friday, August 9, 20241:30-
2:30pm
University Recreation TourActivity Center (AB), Auxiliary Gym
Friday, August 9, 20243-4pmLearn How to Get a Texas Driver License or Texas I.D.Student Union (SU) Galaxy A, B, and C
Wednesday, August 14, 202410-11amMcDermott Library TourMcDermott Library Main Lobby
Wednesday, August 14, 202411:30am-
12:30pm
Office of Information Technology (OIT) PresentationStudent Union (SU) Galaxy A, B, and C
Wednesday, August 14, 20241:30-
2:30pm
University Recreation TourActivity Center (AB), Auxiliary Gym
Wednesday, August 14, 20243-4pmLearn How to Get a Texas Driver License or Texas I.D.Student Union (SU) Galaxy A, B, and C
Thursday, August 15, 202410am-12pmVendor Resource Fair for International StudentsStudent Union (SU) Galaxy A, B, and C

Recommendations & Announcements

Transportation to
International Student Orientation (ISO)

Comet Cruiser 883 buses (neighborhood bus service) start running at 7 a.m. every 9 minutes Monday through Thursday and every 12 minutes on Fridays. The 883 East and 883 East Express buses start running at 7 a.m. every 30 minutes. View the Comet Cruiser schedule online. Please, plan strategically an EARLY arrival to the International Student Orientation (ISO). ISO check-in starts 90 minutes and ends 30 minutes before the beginning of each ISO.

Students should board EARLY. The best way to minimize overloading is to arrive early. ICP does not recommend waiting for the last bus before the event since that will most likely be full and you will be late. Late arrival to ISO may prevent you from participation.

No pass, ID, payment, or fare is required for Comet Cruiser (883 buses).

Be sure to stand at the bus stop. The buses cannot stop anywhere except at the bus stop. Once the bus leaves the bus stop, it cannot stop again so you need to be at their stop early, and ready to board.

Avoid jaywalking to bus stops. Only cross roadways at pedestrian crosswalks to access bus stops (especially important for those living at 7421 at Frankford, and the Frankford Estates!).

The bus times listed on the website are DEPARTURE times, not arrival times. Students should be at their stop ~5 minutes early to avoid missing their bus.

No open food or drinks are allowed on the Comet Cruiser.

Location of the Orientation

ISO will take place in the Student Union Galaxy A, B, and C and Edith O’Donnell Arts & Technology Building (ATC) Lecture Hall. Please check the location of the ISO based on the confirmation email you received after registration. View the campus map for additional assistance.

Airport Pick Ups

Big Howdy will offer airport pick ups for Fall 2024 new international students. If you require this service, submit your registration beginning mid-June.


Frequently Asked Questions

What topics are included in the in-person International Student Orientation session?

The in-person International Student Orientation session includes such topics as cultural shock, health and insurance, student’s conduct (Title IX, sexual misconduct, and academic success), campus safety, U.S. academic culture, among others.

How long will it take to complete International Student Orientation?
  • Pre-Arrival Modules: 30 to 45 minutes
  • In-Person Orientation Session: half-day session (about 4 hours)
Will I be required to have DUO authentication to login to eLearning to complete Pre-Arrival Modules?

DUO authentication will be required for students who have not enrolled in academic courses. If you have questions or concerns regarding DUO authentication, please contact the OIT Helpdesk by live chat at oit.utdallas.edu/helpdesk or call at (972) 883-2911.

How much does International Student Orientation cost?

The International Student Orientation fee is $50 USD, which is applied automatically in the student’s UTD account. The cost covers the following (this is an institutional scale operation): The Guide (annual publication for new international students), ICP portfolio, including campus resources, meals, extended UT Dallas Comet cruise bus services, airport pickup buses, ISO supplies, among others.

How can I change my International Orientation session?

You can resubmit the International Student Orientation registration form in Orion and select a new session at least 24 hours after submitting your first registration form. Please see the International Student Orientation Registration Instructions (pdf).

My chosen orientation date is not available in Orion, why not?

If the date you would like to attend International Student Orientation is not showing in Orion, then that date is already at full capacity for attendance. Please choose an alternative date to attend. Additionally, you can continue to check back as dates may become available as other students may change their orientation. See the International Student Orientation Registration Instructions (pdf).

What happens if I do not complete the International Student Orientation?

If you do not complete the Pre-Arrival Modules and International Student Orientation, a hold will be assigned to your UTD account, effective by Census Day, restricting you to register in the following academic term.

Are the Tuberculosis Test (TB test) and Meningitis Vaccination required?

The TB test is mandatory for all students born outside of the United States. Students will take their TB test when they arrive in the U.S.

All Summer international students should contact the Student Health Center to schedule a TB test appointment.

Fall graduate and exchange international students will receive a link to schedule a TB test appointment after registering to International Student Orientation.

Fall undergraduate international students should schedule their TB test using the Health Center Patient Portal after July 1.

To learn more about the TB requirement, visit the Student Health Center immunizations webpage. Contact the Student Health Center for any questions regarding the TB test requirement.

All students that are under the age of 22 are required to receive the meningitis vaccination. For questions regarding this requirement, please contact the Office of the Registrar at records@utdallas.edu.

Do I need health insurance?

Health insurance is required for all F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 international students. You can find more information on the Student Health Insurance webpage. Students may be eligible for a health insurance waiver if they satisfy the Student Health Insurance’s requirements. For more information, consult the Student Health Insurance webpage, section of waivers.

What is a hold and how can I remove it?

Holds on your student account prevent you from registering for classes. To view all holds on your account, use your Net-ID and Password to login to Galaxy. In your “Orion Student Center” you can click on “Holds” and view all existing holds on your account. If you click on each individual hold, you can get more information about which department has put the hold on your account and why. The department that puts your hold on is the only department that can take the hold off.

When do I have to pay for tuition?

You will receive a tuition and fee bill after registering for classes. For more information regarding tuition and fees please visit the Bursar Office webpage. For information about payment deadlines view the Academic Calendar for Summer or Fall.

What are UTD policies concerning face masks, international travel, and COVID-19 vaccinations?

Face masks: UTD encourages members of the University community to follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for the use of masks. If you are immunocompromised, we highly recommend wearing a face mask for International Student Orientation.

International travel: Please note that effective May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. For more information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

Vaccination:  The COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory at UTD. However, UTD faculty, staff and students are highly encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Students can book an appointment to get the vaccine on campus through the Health Center Patient Portal or a local vaccine provider.

I am concerned about travel restrictions or delay on my arrival, can I enroll in courses online?

For questions regarding enrollment options in the event of travel restrictions, please contact your graduate or undergraduate program advisor. To find your program advisor please visit the Academic Programs website: utdallas.edu/academics. Click on your major and degree level. This will take you to an information page about your degree program, and will include department contact information.

If you are not able to arrive on time, please consult ISSO late arrival information.

Where can I obtain resources such as pre-arrival and post-arrival check lists, housing, travel guides, webinars, and the new student guide?

New international students are encouraged to consult the Intercultural Programs (ICP) webpage, section of Pre-Arrival Resources and Post-Arrival Resources.