| Pre-Arrival Checklist |
Make travel plans to attend the Welcome and Orientation ProgramPlease plan to arrive early and attend the Orientation program. You will need time to make housing arrangements, attend an IBC session, complete immunization and tuberculosis testing requirements, and tend to other matters before registration. Arriving right before classes begin will delay your registration and can limit availability of classes. See the orientation schedule for more details. Make financial arrangementsBring enough money with you to cover your first semester tuition, fees, books, and three months of living expenses. Tuition amounts depend upon your degree level, program of study, and the rate (Texas resident vs. nonresident) that applies to you. Please note that you must pay your first semester tuition after registration. If you plan to pay by check or bank transfer, you must use a U.S. bank account. For more information about living expenses, tuition amounts, tuition deadlines, and payment methods, please see the Financial Requirements page. For information about declaring money when you enter the U.S., see the Customs & Border Protection website. Obtain your visaIf you live outside the U.S., you will have to obtain a visa from your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. In order to make an appointment, you will need your SEVIS ID number. When preparing for your appointment, you will need a valid passport, Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, evidence of adequate financial resources and your SEVIS fee payment receipt. You may also need to provide proof of ties to your home country, such as job offers, evidence of ownership of a residence or property in your home country, or copies of bank statements from a bank in your home country. For more information about immigration matters, see the immigration for new students page. Find resources about living in the United StatesThere are numerous international student organizations at UT Austin that are eager to be in contact with new students and answer questions about life at UT Austin. To access a list of these student organizations, visit the Dean of Students website and search by keywords such as “International." Education USAA very helpful website developed by the U.S. Department of State which includes information about undergraduate and graduate study and pre-departure information and resources. For Students from ChinaVisit the Pre-Departure Orientation for Chinese Students website developed by NAFSA: Association of International Educators. This is an excellent resource that answers many questions about: Academics, Improving English, Cultural Matters, Social Life in the U.S., Health & Safety, and Rights & Responsibilities. Consider your short-term and long-term housing needsSee the Housing in Austin page for short and long-term options as well as suggested ways to seek off-campus housing. We are unable to reserve off-campus housing on your behalf. Bring an extra copy of your evidence of financial support with you to Austin; it is required for certain housing options. Submit Proof of ImmunizationsPlease do not mail immunization forms to University Health Services (UHS). Bring Immunization forms to UHS on arrival in Austin. You will not be able to register for classes until UHS has documentation that you have met medical clearance requirements including TB Test. Your physician or health care provider must complete the sections on your immunization history, including documentation of required immunizations. Only Tuberculin PPD (Mantoux) skin tests and chest x-rays performed in the U.S. within one year of your enrollment at UT will be accepted. See Immunization & TB Requirements for more information. Plan Your ArrivalIf you arrive on a Saturday or Sunday, you will find that the University, and most businesses, are closed. If you arrive on a weekday, we invite you to visit the International Office between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The local airport, Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA), is located approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers) from the campus. Unfortunately, we are unable to make arrangements to meet you at the airport. However, there are several transportation options:
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