International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) was pleased to welcome new international students to campus during the Spring 2026 New International Student Orientation, held January 6-9. Throughout the week, students learned about life at UT Austin, connected with campus and community resources, and began building community while exploring Austin.
A Warm Welcome to the Forty Acres
Spring Orientation began on January 6 with the New Student Welcome. Students were introduced to important expectations for the semester, learned about support services available to them, and shared lunch while meeting fellow Longhorns. A highlight of the day was a visit from Hook ’Em, The University of Texas at Austin’s costumed mascot, who helped officially welcome students to the Forty Acres.
Learning About Resources and Support
On January 6 and 7, students attended Resources and Refreshments, where they learned about services offered by ISSS. Students also connected with other Texas Global units, as well as campus and community partners, including University Federal Credit Union (UFCU). These sessions helped students better understand where to find guidance, support, and opportunities for involvement.
Experiencing Texas Culture
On January 7, students experienced a Texas tradition at our Texas Two-Step event. Participants sampled Texas sweet tea and learned the basics of two-step dancing, led by UT Austin faculty member Nick Enge. The event provided an interactive way for students to engage with local culture while connecting with peers.
Getting Creative as Longhorns
Creativity took center stage on January 8 during the Longhorns Get Creative event. Students decorated small clay pots using paint markers and selected a succulent to plant inside. The activity offered a relaxed setting for students to express themselves and take home a creative reminder of their first week on campus.
Exploring Campus Together
Students participated in campus scavenger hunts led by International Orientation Volunteers (IOVs). New students were divided into small groups led by IOVs and explored different areas of campus, completing challenges and taking photos along the way. These activities helped students become familiar with campus while forming early connections with peers and orientation volunteers.
Discovering Austin
Spring Orientation concluded on January 9 with the Austin City Bus Tours. Students traveled around the city while ISSS staff members and IOVs served as guides, highlighting notable landmarks and local points of interest. The day included a stop at Mount Bonnell, where students hiked to the top and enjoyed scenic views of Austin.
Thank you to our staff, campus partners, and International Orientation Volunteers for helping make Spring Orientation welcoming, informative, and engaging. We look forward to supporting our new international students as they continue their journeys at UT Austin.
This blog post was contributed by Sarah Chiu, Program Coordinator on the Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team at ISSS.
