International Student Orientation

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.

• Pre-Arrival Modules: 30 to 45 minutes
• In-Person Orientation Session: half-day session (about 5 hours)

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

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.

Summer semester new students cannot change the International Student Orientation session since only one session will be offered.

Fall semester new students 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).

If the preferred date to attend International Student Orientation is not showing in Orion, then that date is already at full capacity for attendance. Students can choose an alternative date to attend. Additionally, students can consult Orion later to check if the preferred date becomes available as other students may change their orientation. See the International Student Orientation Registration Instructions (pdf).

If the student does not complete Pre-Arrival Modules and International Student Orientation, a hold will be assigned to the student’s UTD account, effective by Census Day, restricting registration of classes in the following academic term.

The TB test is mandatory for all students born outside the United States. The TB test must be performed after arriving to 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, which will be activated by the Student Health Center by the beginning of July 1.

Fall undergraduate international students should schedule their TB test using the Health Center Patient Portal by 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 Summer 2025 semester, meningitis vaccine must be taken between June 2, 2020 and May 23, 2025.
• For Fall 2025 semester, meningitis vaccine must be taken between August 25, 2020 and August 15, 2025.

For questions regarding this requirement, please contact the Office of the Registrar at records@utdallas.edu.

Health insurance is required for all F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 international students. Students 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.

Holds on student’s account prevent the registration of classes. To view all holds on account, students should use their Net-ID and Password to log in to Galaxy. In “Orion Student Center,” students can click on “Holds” and view all existing holds on their accounts. If students click on each individual hold, students will be able to see more information about which department has put the hold and why. The department that puts the hold on is the only department that can take the hold off. Thus, students should directly contact the corresponding department to discuss how to release the hold.

Students will receive a tuition and fee bill after registering for classes. For more information regarding tuition and fees, visit the Bursar Office webpage. For information about payment deadlines, students can consult the corresponding Academic Calendar for Summer or Fall.

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.

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, including department contact information.

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

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