Experiential Orientation: Frequently Asked Questions

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Registration and Cost

How do I register for an experiential orientation program?

Reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can register for an experiential orientation program after completing registration for Freshman Orientation or Transfer Orientation.

I am a transfer student. Can I participate in TEXPO?

TEXPO is open to both freshman and transfer students admitted for the fall term. 

What is included in the charge?

The program charge covers all lodging, transportation, activity and meal costs during the program. Please refer to the program webpage for more detailed information.

What if I can no longer attend?

If you need to cancel your reservation, please refer to the cancellation and refund policy for New Student Orientation. The cancellation deadline for a TEXPO date corresponds with the freshman orientation session that follows. If you have any issues completing your cancellation, please email orientation at nss@austin.utexas.edu

Do I need to register for a TEXPO program in the same week as my scheduled New Student Orientation?

No. You may register for whichever TEXPO program fits best in your schedule. However, we encourage you to select the same week as your orientation to maximize your experience!

Do you accept walk-ins for an experiential orientation program?

As a result of the activities planned and capacity of our programs, we are unable to accommodate walk-ins.

Traveling and Housing

Am I required to stay overnight?

All students are required to stay on campus for orientation. Therefore, it is expected that you will stay the night in the residence halls the night of your TEXPO session. If you are registered for the TEXPO date that corresponds with your freshman orientation, when you check-in for TEXPO you will be given access to the room you will stay in for all of orientation.

Do I need to sign up for Early Housing Accommodations  for orientation separately?

When you register for TEXPO, we automatically carry over your registration to Early Housing Accommodations  for orientation. There is no need to sign up again, as Early Housing Accommodations slots are limited. If you do sign up for Early Housing Accommodations separately or prior to TEXPO, please email our office at nss@austin.utexas.edu so we can resolve the duplication and allow space for additional students. 

Where will I be staying?

Participants will be housed in the same residence hall on campus that they will stay in throughout their orientation session. This will be coordinated through New Student Orientation and is included in the cost of your chosen experiential orientation program.

Are meals provided?

All meals and snacks will be included during TEXPO. Accommodations for dietary restrictions can be made as needed. Breakfast the following morning is not included in the TEXPO cost – it can either be covered by your orientation meal card if you are attending the same session, or paid out of pocket at the dining hall.

General

What is the difference between each experiential orientation program?

Each program features activities to fit a variety of students' interests. Longhorn Adventure is a more active program that has featured paddle boarding  in past years.Longhorn Local includes a front-row seat on a boat tour to see the Congress Avenue bats on their nightly flight path, which is one of the experiences that makes Austin unique. Longhorn Creative allows students to explore the art and museum scene in Downtown and is perfect for students with a creative interest. All programs aim to provide opportunities for students to build relationships with their peers.

May I participate in more than one program?

Unfortunately, incoming students are not able to participate in more than one program. The programs are run at the same time. It is also not possible to attend multiple TEXPO dates to attend multiple programs. We encourage students to pick the topic and activity that seems most interesting to them when registering. Additionally, orientation provides students with the chance to connect with campus organizations for future involvement.

Is my family allowed to attend the program with me? 

TEXPO programs are for incoming students only. We encourage family members to attend a Family Orientation session. You can find out more information about Family Orientation on our website.

Experiential Orientation