Travel and Housing

Once you’ve received confirmation of your orientation registration, you can begin to make travel plans. Please do not make plans until you've received your registration confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email after registering and paying for your session, contact New Student Services.

Orientation activities for most students begin with check-in early in the morning on the first day of their session. Incoming freshman students should plan to be attending orientation between 8:30 a.m. on Day 1 and 2:30 p.m. on the final day. 

 

Parking

Parking for students and families attending on-campus orientation is serviced by UT Austin’s Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) department. You will receive more information via email closer to your orientation session.

 

Transportation

If applicable, arrange for transportation between the airport/bus terminal and campus. The Capital Metro Route 20 is a bus route that shuttles between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and several stops in campus. New Student Services does not arrange for transportation to campus for orientation.

In addition to parking in one of the UT Austin parking garages, the UT Austin Visitor Center offers resource information about the different ways you can travel to and around campus.

 

Housing

If you are attending Freshman Orientation (May/June/July sessions only), you are required to stay in the residence hall for the duration of your session. We do not accept roommate requests.

The charge for May/June/July orientation sessions covers the cost of housing.

On-campus housing is not provided for students attending Spring, Summer Term or August Orientation.

Early Housing Accommodations

Students attending Freshman Orientation have the option to arrive early and stay in the residence hall the day prior to the start of their orientation session for an additional fee. This option is intended to support students who need to arrive to Austin early due to travel requirements for their orientation session. There is limited availability and registration is on a first-come, first served basis. To register and learn more, students may visit this page.

Parents and Families

On-campus housing is not provided for parents and family members during orientation sessions. They will need to make their own arrangements.

Your family should make hotel arrangements immediately after you register for your orientation session so they are able to find one with vacancies. Here is a list of hotels that offer discounts for families traveling to Austin for orientation. 

 

Students with Disabilities

If you need accommodations during orientation due to a disability, including medical and/or mental health conditions, you will indicate that when you register for your session. Learn more about how to arrange accommodations.