Experiential Orientation (TEXPO)
Welcome to Texas Experiential Orientation (TEXPO)
Longhorn Orientation designed TEXPO to provide students with a unique opportunity designed to expand on the orientation experience, help participants build a community on campus and assist with their transition to The University of Texas at Austin. TEXPO participants will have the opportunity to meet with a small group of other incoming students and current campus leaders. Students will choose one of our half-day extended orientation programs to participate in a fun and engaging activity to introduce them to the city of Austin.
Experiential Orientation is optional and is an extension to the required freshman and transfer orientation programs for fall admits. Registration for each TEXPO session closes in conjunction with the associated Longhorn Orientation session. Freshman students are encouraged to participate the same week as their scheduled orientation session. It is a great option for students who may need to arrive a night early to their orientation session for travel reasons to make the most of the extra time in Austin!
More information for TEXPO 2026 will be released in Spring 2026.
2025 TEXPO Programming
Longhorn Local* | Watch bats take flight
Longhorn Local is an experiential orientation program for incoming students where participants are introduced to life in Austin and experience life beyond campus by enjoying local foods and exploring city landmarks, such as the Congress Avenue Bats. While learning about life in Austin, students will form strong bonds with their peers, easing the transition to their new “home”.
2025 Schedule At-a-Glance:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 3-4 p.m. | Check-in for TEXPO |
| 4 p.m. | Welcome Meeting |
| 5 p.m. | Dinner at a local restaurant |
| 7 p.m. | Bat Boat Tour on Lady Bird Lake under South Congress Bridge |
| 9 p.m. | Jester Game Night |
*Schedule subject to change.
Longhorn Adventure* | Paddle board on Lady Bird Lake
Longhorn Adventure is an experiential orientation program for incoming students hosted in partnership with Longhorn Orientation and Recreational Sports. Participants will have the opportunity to experience Austin outdoors through an afternoon of paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake, a picturesque reservoir on the Colorado River located in the heart of downtown Austin. All students are welcome, regardless of previous outdoor experience. While exploring the great outdoors, students will have a chance to build a sense of community amongst their peers and learn about similar involvement opportunities available to them when they return to campus.
2025 Schedule At-a-Glance:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 3-4 p.m. | Check-in for TEXPO |
| 4 p.m. | Welcome Meeting |
| 5 p.m. | Paddleboarding at Lady Bird Lake |
| 7 p.m. | Dinner at a local restaurant |
| 9 p.m. | Jester Game Night |
*Schedule subject to change.
Longhorn Creative* | Visit local Austin art museum
Longhorn Creative is a new program for 2025, perfect for students interested in learning more about the art scene in Austin! Through this program, students will be able to explore the art and museum offerings in Downtown, enjoy delicious local food, and connect with other incoming students that share your interest in art and creativity.
2025 Schedule At-a-Glance:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 3-4 p.m. | Check-in for TEXPO |
| 4 p.m. | Welcome Meeting |
| 5 p.m. | Visit The Contemporary Austin and other iconic downtown locations |
| 7 p.m. | Dinner at a local restaurant |
| 9 p.m. | Jester Game Night |
*Schedule subject to change.
*2026 program details are subject to change.
TEXPO FAQ
Do I need to register for a TEXPO program in the same week as my scheduled Longhorn 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!
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 if I can no longer attend?
If you need to cancel your reservation, please refer to the cancellation and refund policy for your Longhorn 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 orientation@austin.utexas.edu.