Starting your journey at The University of Texas at Austin is about more than attending classes. It’s also about finding your community, making meaningful connections, and creating memories that will last long after graduation.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) offers programs to get involved throughout the year that help students build friendships, explore new interests, celebrate cultures, and feel at home both on campus and in Austin. Whether you’re hoping to meet new people, practice a language, or simply take a break from studying, there’s an ISSS event for you.
Meet New People
One of the easiest ways to feel at home in a new country is by building connections with others.
The ISSS Friendship Program pairs international students with members of the Austin community who are excited to share local culture and welcome students to their new home. Participants may enjoy meals together, explore Austin, celebrate holidays, or simply spend time getting to know one another throughout the semester.
Many students say the Friendship Program has become one of the most rewarding parts of their experience at UT, creating friendships that continue long after their time at the University.
If you’re looking to expand your community beyond campus, the Friendship Program is a great place to start.
Connect Through Shared Interests
Some of the best friendships begin with a shared interest.
Language Circles
Interested in learning a new language or maintaining your skills in one you already know? Language Circles bring students together to practice languages and learn about the cultures connected to them.
Each semester, ISSS identifies several languages based on student interest. During the past year, students gathered to practice Mandarin, Korean, and Spanish in an informal, welcoming environment.
Whether you’re a native speaker, a heritage speaker, or just beginning your language-learning journey, Language Circles provide an opportunity to build confidence, meet other students, and connect through a shared interest in language and culture.
Sports Watch Parties
Sports have a way of bringing people together, no matter where you’re from.
Throughout the year, ISSS hosts watch parties for major sporting events, creating opportunities for students to experience U.S. and global sports traditions while celebrating international competitions with fellow Longhorns.
Whether you’re introducing friends to your favorite sport or learning about a new one for the first time, these events are all about building community through a shared experience.
Take a Break and Have Fun
College life can be busy, and taking time to recharge is an important part of staying healthy and successful.
ISSS hosts Social Hours each semester where students can relax, enjoy refreshments, play games, and meet new people in a casual setting. Whether you attend with friends or stop by on your own, you’ll find a welcoming environment where conversations happen naturally.
During midterms and finals, ISSS also offers study breaks designed to help students step away from their coursework for a little while. Grab a snack, participate in a fun activity, connect with friends, and return to your studies feeling refreshed.
Sometimes the best way to succeed academically is to take a well-deserved break.
Celebrate Together
One of the most exciting parts of joining the ISSS community is celebrating traditions from around the world while experiencing new ones.
Throughout the year, ISSS hosts a variety of seasonal and cultural events that bring students together in fun and meaningful ways. Depending on the semester, you might celebrate Halloween by decorating pumpkins, exchangeValentine’s Day cards with friends, attend holiday celebrations, or participate in other themed events that create opportunities to learn, laugh, and connect.
These programs are designed to help students experience life in the United States while sharing their own traditions with others. Every event is an opportunity to meet someone new and celebrate the diversity that makes the UT community so special.
Your Community Starts Here
Getting involved with ISSS is one of the best ways to make your campus feel smaller, build lasting friendships, and create memories beyond the classroom.
Whether you attend one event or become a regular at our programs, you’ll find opportunities throughout the year to connect with fellow students, explore Austin, and make the most of your experience at The University of Texas at Austin.
Be sure to check the monthly What’s Going On email, follow ISSS on social media, and visit the Texas Global website to stay up to date on upcoming events and opportunities.
We look forward to welcoming you to the ISSS community!
This blog post was contributed by Sarah Chiu, program coordinator on the Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team at ISSS.
