What to Expect at Freshman Orientation

This year orientation looks a little different but that does not mean it isn’t just as exciting! Here’s everything you need to know to make your orientation successful.

Virtual: 

• Make sure you have a good connection for Wi-Fi. You don’t want your connection freeze and miss out on important information!
• Now that you checked your Wi-Fi make sure you have access to your UTexas zoom account. Zoom links will be available on canvas.
• Download the Longhorn welcome app to keep up to date on virtual events and check out which ones you want to attend.
• Remember to join the Co-op for Textooks 101! Tuesdays at 1!

What To Bring: 

• Lightweight clothes: It is hot and you'll be walking outside a lot. Shorts, t-shirts, and plenty of extra clothes in case you get too sweaty.
• Walking shoes: Seriously, you'll be walking a ton. They don't call it the Forty Acres for nothing :)
• Umbrella: Just in case. You don't want to be stuck without one if you need it.
• Water bottle: Did we mention it will be hot? Orientation is so not the time to get dehydrated.
• Backpack: Just something lightweight to carry your stuff around in.
• Laptop: You will definitely want this when it comes time to do your registration research (and actually register). Plus attending virtual events!
• Extra blanket: They keep Jester super cold. So cold. Bring a blanket!
• Calculator: For the placement test
• Pencils and pens Notebook: To take notes in for registration and from advising
• Snacks: You get money for meals, but just keep a little extra in your room
• Toiletries: Duh. Hygiene is important, y'all!

The Dorm:

• You'll be staying in Jester! You can get assigned any type of room - renovated or not, private or community bath. It's a great glimpse into dorm life if you're living on campus in the fall!
• You'll be paired a random roommate - there's a tiny chance you could stay with a friend if you both are in line together and have a similar last name...but don't bank on it. They will likely pair you with someone of the same major, but it's not guaranteed!
• You have mandatory wing meetings with your hallway and Orientation Adviser. Go to them! They have very helpful information about what's going on. 

The Mandatory Activities:

• Each day there are plenty of planned activities for you to go to. Make sure you get the Longhorn welcome app so you don't forget anything!
• Depending on your major you will have to take the Math placement exam! Make sure you're prepared.
• You will have mandatory peer advising and academic advising. They will help you put together your schedule!
• You may have a mandatory College or Major-specific info session - these are super helpful!
• Each evening there are presentations and performances that are mandatory. The topics can be kind of serious, but they are there to set a tone for an accepting and diverse campus. 
• Registration! The most important mandatory activity is of course, registration. Sign  early and come prepared! 

The Optional Activities:

• All day and through the night there are tons of activities to go to! This year all optional events are virtual.
• During the day, there are info sessions and Q&As. These can be super helpful! There are sessions on study abroad, campus safety, double majoring, and more.
• Once each session there is a huge student org fair! This year it is also virtual but still make sure to check it out. You are sure to find a club or two or ten that you're interested in - and it's a great place to sign up for email lists so you are reminded of info sessions or recruitment when fall comes!

Registration:

• Registration isn't as bad as everyone says it is! It can be stressful, and classes (especially UGS) go fast, but come prepared and you'll be just fine!
• Be early! Log in, have your unique numbers ready, and count down until the hour hits!
• Remember, even if you don't get a class, it's not the end of the world. Have back-ups prepared, and get on any waitlists you can. 
• Check out UT's tips on registration here.

General Tips And Advice:

• Come early to orientation! The check-in line can get super long, so plan to arrive as soon as it opens for the day.
• Familiarize yourself with the campus. It can be super easy to get lost your first few days on campus. Buildings you'll need to know include Jester, FAC, Hogg Auditorium, and your individual college.
• Use rate my professor, but take it with a grain of salt. It can be a great resource to gain a better idea of what you're signing up for, but remember, most people only post when they're really upset.
• Make friends! You may not keep in touch after orientation, but talk to new people and try new things: that's what college is all about.

Welcome Freshmen And Hook 'Em!