Whether you’re beginning your first semester at The University of Texas at Austin or returning for another year, welcome (back) to the Forty Acres! A new semester brings exciting opportunities to learn, meet new people, and explore campus. It also comes with questions, and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is here to help every step of the way.
From immigration advising to social events and cultural programs, ISSS offers resources designed to help you succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Here are a few ways to stay connected and make the most of the semester.
Get the Support You Need
Questions are a normal part of studying in a new country. Whether you need help understanding immigration regulations, requesting travel signatures, updating your immigration documents, or navigating other F-1 or J-1 requirements, ISSS offers several ways to connect with an immigration advisor throughout the semester.
Drop-in services
Need a quick answer? ISSS offers drop-in services for students with brief immigration questions or travel signature requests. If you only need a few minutes with an advisor, drop-in services are often the fastest option. You can find the hours for drop-in services on our website.
Advising appointments
For more in-depth questions, schedule a virtual or in-person advising appointment with an ISSS advisor. Appointments are available for a variety of student populations, including degree-seeking students, exchange students, and sponsored students, so be sure to select the appointment type that best matches your situation.
myIO request services
Many immigration requests can be completed online through myIO, making it easy to submit forms, request documents, and manage many ISSS services without visiting the office.
Additional resources
ISSS also provides information about scholarships and financial resources, health insurance, services for sponsored students, exchange student support, and referrals to campus resources that support your academic success and well-being. Whatever questions come up during your time at UT Austin, we’re here to help connect you with the right resources.
Stay Connected Through ISSS Events
One of the best ways to make UT Austin feel like home is by getting involved outside the classroom. Throughout the year, ISSS hosts programs that help students build friendships, experience new cultures, explore Austin, and take a break from studying.
Be sure to visit the ISSS Events page regularly to see what’s coming up. You’ll find social events, cultural celebrations, workshops, wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, and more throughout the semester. Whether you’re looking to meet new people or learn something new, there’s something for everyone.
Stay Connected Online
Following ISSS on social media and reading the ISSS blog are two great ways to stay connected throughout the semester.
Our Instagram, @texasglobalisss, highlights upcoming events, important reminders, campus resources, student stories, and opportunities to get involved. The ISSS blog offers helpful articles on topics like adjusting to life in Austin, making the most of your time at UT, understanding immigration processes, and hearing from fellow international students about their experiences.
Following along online is an easy way to stay informed, discover new opportunities, and learn more about the international student community at UT Austin.
Check Your Inbox Each Month
Looking for an easy way to stay up to date? On the first business day of each month, ISSS sends a “What’s Going on at ISSS” email to international students.
This monthly newsletter highlights upcoming events, important reminders, immigration updates, and opportunities to get involved. Taking a few minutes to read it each month is one of the easiest ways to stay informed and make sure you don’t miss what’s happening at ISSS.
We’re Here for You
Your time at UT Austin is about more than earning a degree. It’s about building a community, exploring new opportunities, and creating memories that will last long after graduation.
Whether you need immigration guidance, want to attend an event, or simply hope to connect with other students, ISSS is here to support you throughout your journey.
Welcome (back), and we look forward to seeing you this semester!
This blog post was contributed by Sarah Chiu, program coordinator on the Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team at ISSS.
