International Student Orientation - Intercultural Programs - The University of Texas at Dallas

International Student Orientation

Congratulations on your admission to UTD! International Student Orientation provides valuable information to ease your transition to university life.

International Student Orientation is highly recommended for all international students. By completing International Student Orientation, you can discover campus resources, learn more about studying at a U.S. university, how to register for classes and important information as a new UT Dallas student. Additionally, you will be able to engage in events both virtually and on campus to help you transition to UTD.

Please note: For questions regarding enrollment options in the event of travel restrictions, please contact your graduate or undergraduate program advisor.

International Student Orientation for students entering in spring 2021 will be offered online and includes two main sections:

  • Orientation Modules are available on Oct. 12, 2020, and will remain available throughout the spring 2021 semester. For students who entered in fall 2020, orientation modules and other resources will be available throughout the fall 2020 semester.
  • Live and recorded sessions: Please see below for a list of available options.

To Access Orientation Modules:

  1. Navigate to eLearning. Note: It is recommended you use Google Chrome or Firefox as your internet browser.
  2. Login to eLearning with your Net-ID and password.
  3. If you have yet not created your UT Dallas Net ID and password, do so at the Net ID website.
  4. Under My Organizations, find and click on Online International Student Orientation
  5. Click on International Student Orientation to begin your orientation.

To access live and recorded sessions:

Students can participate in live information sessions to learn about a variety of important topics that will be useful during their first semester at UTD. All sessions are recorded and posted on YouTube after each event. Students who entered in fall 2020 can view the fall 2020 live sessions.

All live sessions will be conducted in Microsoft Teams.

Downloading Microsoft Teams to your desktop or laptop computer will provide the fastest access to the sessions but is not required, as the events can be watched in your internet browser. The Microsoft Teams app is needed if you are joining from a mobile device.

All audience members will be muted when entering the meeting and will have the opportunity to pose questions in writing via the "Q&A" function on the right side of the screen. Live closed captioning is available to all attendees. Please look for the CC button when you join the meeting.

If you have questions related to technical issues you encounter during the event, please call the UT Dallas Help Desk at 972-883-2911.

All times listed below are in Central Standard Time (CST). You can use a World Clock Converter to find the exact time in your location.

Please contact [email protected] for questions regarding International Student Orientation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to register to get access to the International Student Orientation?

You do not need to register for the International Student Orientation resources. Follow the instructions listed above to access the modules and the live sessions when they are available.

I am a student enrolling for the second 8-week session. Is orientation also available for me?

Online International Student Orientation and Pre-Arrival modules are already available for all fall 2020 students. Please follow the instructions listed above. Additionally, you will be able to participate in the live sessions that will be available during the fall semester.

How long will I have access to International Student Orientation?

The International Student Orientation modules will be available throughout the entire spring 2021 semester.

How long will it take to complete International Student Orientation?

Orientation modules: 45 to 60 minutes
Live sessions: 60 minutes per session

How much does International Student Orientation cost?

The International Student Orientation fee for fall 2020 and spring 2021 has been be waived.

Is the Tuberculosis Test (TB test) and Meningitis Vaccination required?

The TB test is mandatory. However, students studying online and not in the U.S. will take their TB test when they arrive in the U.S. Contact the Student Health Center for any questions regarding the TB test requirement and scheduling an appointment. To learn more about the TB requirement, view the Student Health Center immunizations webpage.

All students that are under the age of 22 are required to receive the meningitis vaccination. Students studying online and not in the U.S. may complete and sign Bacterial Meningitis Online Enrollment Only Exemption Request. For questions regarding this requirement, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

Do I need health insurance?

Health insurance is required for all F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 international students. You can find more information on the Student Health Insurance webpage. Students studying online and not in the U.S. can apply for a waiver of the Student Health Insurance by emailing [email protected].

What is a hold and how can I remove it?

Holds on your student account prevent you from registering for classes. To view all holds on your account, use your NetID and password to login to Galaxy. In the Orion Student Center, click on Holds and view all existing holds on your account. If you click on each individual hold, you can get more information about which department has put the hold on your account and why. The department that places your hold is the only department that can remove the hold.

I am starting my studies at UTD in fall 2020/spring 2021 and I still have an International Student Orientation hold.

The International Student Orientation hold has been removed from student accounts. If you still have the International Student Orientation hold, please email [email protected] for assistance.

When do I have to pay for tuition?

You will receive a tuition and fee bill after registering for classes. For more information regarding tuition and fees please visit the Bursar Office webpage. For information about payment deadlines view the Academic Calendar.