Orientation

The Longhorn Orientation website will assist students with orientation information including registering, orientation schedules, fees, housing, and testing. Spring orientation takes place in January. Summer orientation sessions take place in June and July. Students who cannot attend a June/July session can attend August orientation before classes begin.

To register, click on "Freshman Orientation" or “Transfer Orientation” and the "Registration" link.

Any specific questions about the College of Liberal Arts Orientation may be emailed to colaorientation@austin.utexas.edu.

All general questions regarding orientation should be directed to Longhorn Orientation at 512-471-3304, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or to orientation@austin.utexas.edu.

Students who need to change sessions must do so at least 10 calendar days before the session they're registered for by visiting the online registration page. Students may only switch to a session that has space remaining.

Liberal Arts advisors cannot meet with incoming students except during their orientation time. Students will receive individual assistance choosing the appropriate classes and will be registering for classes during orientation. If students are unable to attend orientation, they may schedule an advising appointment to have their advising bar lifted after all orientation sessions have passed.

Yes, when applicable. Academic departments use tests for placement in pre-calculus, calculus, chemistry, and foreign languages. Students will be provided more information about how to sign up for placement tests leading up to orientation or during their advising appointment.

Students will have the following COLA meetings: 

• College Meeting to learn about COLA 
• Program meeting where you will learn about first year or transfer year interest groups (FIGs or TrIGs) or an additional program.
• Individual professional academic advising appointment 
• Individual meeting with a peer orientation advisor 

 If a student has college credits or transfer work from another university, they should bring a copy of an unofficial transcript to aid in the advising process.

No. Students will receive assistance choosing appropriate classes and register for classes during orientation. They will not have access to online registration until the final day of orientation. If a student does not attend orientation, they will not be able to register.

Yes. If students follow the proper schedule throughout orientation, meet with their Academic Advisors, and register for classes on the final day or orientation, they should have a complete schedule by the end of orientation.

Yes. Students can make changes to their schedules during the official add/drop period toward the beginning of the semester. Students can check their Registration Information Sheet to see when they can add and drop classes.

No. The academic calendar lists tuition payment deadlines.

Disability and Access (D&A) can be reached at 512-471-6259 or TTY at 512-471-4641. Students who need to make special arrangements for testing during orientation should contact this office at least two weeks prior to orientation.