International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) welcomed new international students to The University of Texas at Austin during Fall 2026 International Student Orientation, held August 14-20. Throughout the week, students learned about life at UT Austin, connected with campus and community resources, explored Austin, and began building community with fellow Longhorns.
A Warm Welcome to the Forty Acres
Fall Orientation began August 14 with the New International Student Welcome at the Texas Union. New international students gathered to meet one another and ISSS staff, learn about important resources and services, and begin their transition to life at UT Austin.
Dr. Sonia Feigenbaum, senior vice provost for global engagement and chief international officer, and Margaret Y. Luévano, ISSS director, welcomed students to the University and shared remarks about starting their Longhorn journey. Presentations were followed by breakout sessions designed to help students prepare for life at UT Austin, with topics including employment authorization for international students, academic culture and on-campus support services, and “How to Be an Austinite.”
The sessions gave students an opportunity to learn from staff and campus partners about working in the United States, academic and career support, mental health resources, and adjusting to life in Austin. Students could also ask questions and connect with the people and resources available to support them throughout their time at UT Austin.
Learning About Resources and Support
Throughout the week, students visited Resources and Refreshments at Texas Global. Hosted by ISSS, the resource fair brought together campus partners who answered questions and introduced services supporting student success at UT Austin.
Students received guidance on banking and wire transfers, health insurance, immunization requirements, and immigration regulations. Students who plan to work on campus could also participate in the SSN Signature Drive and take an important step toward applying for a Social Security number.
Exploring Campus Together
International Orientation Volunteers (IOVs) helped new students become familiar with the Forty Acres through campus photo tours and other activities throughout the week. These student-led experiences gave new Longhorns an opportunity to explore campus while connecting with students who had already navigated the transition to life at UT Austin.
IOVs also led self-guided interest and grocery tours during the week, helping students discover places and resources they could use as they settled into their new home.
Exploring Campus and Austin
International Orientation Volunteers (IOVs) helped new students become familiar with the Forty Acres through student-led campus tours and activities. Along the way, volunteers shared practical insights from their own experiences adjusting to life at UT Austin.
Beyond campus, Austin City Bus Tours on Aug. 15 introduced students to local landmarks and neighborhoods while helping them become more comfortable navigating the city. Additional student-led outings highlighted grocery stores, restaurants and other useful destinations as students settled into their new home.
Students also had the opportunity to experience Texas culture through a Texas two-step dancing class on Aug. 18. The event gave students a chance to try something new, learn a Texas tradition, and connect with fellow international students in a relaxed setting.
Building Community
Orientation included dedicated gatherings for undergraduate, graduate, exchange, and sponsored students. These events gave new Longhorns opportunities to meet peers with similar experiences and questions while beginning to build supportive networks at UT Austin.
Whether meeting fellow students at orientation events, learning the Texas two-step or exploring Austin with an International Orientation Volunteer, students found many ways to make connections and begin finding their place at the university.
Starting the Semester together
By the first day of classes, new international Longhorns began building the knowledge, confidence and connections needed for their transition to UT Austin. Throughout the week, orientation paired practical guidance with shared experiences that helped students feel more prepared, supported and connected as they started their journey on the Forty Acres.
Thank you to our International Orientation Volunteers, campus and community partners, and ISSS staff for helping welcome our newest international Longhorns to the Forty Acres. We look forward to supporting our international students throughout their time at UT Austin.
This blog post was contributed by Sarah Chiu, program coordinator on the Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team at ISSS.
