Welcome! We are thrilled you have chosen UT Austin for your graduate studies and look forward to you joining our community of dedicated scholars and researchers.
This page provides general information to prepare you to begin your studies at UT Austin. Please contact the Graduate Coordinators at ilsgrad@austin.utexas.edu with any questions.
Welcome to UT Austin
After Acceptance
Once you have confirmed your acceptance to UT Austin, visit the Graduate School website for additional information about the required next steps and pre-arrival checklist.
UT EID
The UT EID is your online account at The University of Texas at Austin. You received your EID number when you created and submitted your application for admission to the graduate program. Should you need it, UT Information Technology Services provides additional EID assistance and options to upgrade your EID.
UT ID
Any student who has been officially admitted to the University may obtain an UT ID card. ID cards are required to access many buildings and facilities on campus. Please visit the ID Center for information on obtaining your ID card.
UT Direct
UT Direct provides a personalized web portal to conveniently access UT-wide information. A UT EID is required to access UT Direct. This portal is where you'll go to complete many of the processes associated with your degree. Below is a list of some of the services available through UT Direct:
- Address and contact information
- Biographical information page
- Student grade history
- Academic calendars
- Assigned registration dates, times, bar information
- Course schedule and class availability
- Student exam schedule (unique and dynamic for each student)
- Student schedule of classes
- Degree audits, including "what if" options
- Advising resources
- Financial summary page with online credit-card payment options
- MyTuitionBill
- Library services, including online catalog, overdue notices, and online assistance
- Financial aid, including application and processing status, awards, and funds
- Scholarship applications
Note: You will not be able to access many of these areas until you have obtained and activated your UT ID Card.
International Students
International students should visit Texas Global for more information about post-acceptance requirements. The Texas Global staff will provide instructions to complete immigration documents and requirements.
Explore Campus
Campus Map
Use UT's interactive campus map to explore the many facilities available on campus. Take a look at the wealth of resources availalbe on campus with the Campus Visitor's Guide.
Transportation and Parking
There are a variety of ways to commute to and from campus, as well as to get around the city. Learn more about parking and transportation options here.
With your UT ID Card, you can ride UT shuttles and city buses (Capital Metro) for free. Many apartments throughout Austin are conveniently located on City and/or University bus routes.
Orientation Sessions
New Graduate Student Orientations
At the start of the academic year, you'll join other new students in the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Microbiology graduate programs for an orientation session with program staff, faculty, and current students. This will be an opportunity to review your program requirements, meet the Graduate Advisors, and connect with your peers.
- 2024 ILSGP Graduate Student Orientation & Lab Showcase: August 8 & 9
International Students must also attend the Texas Global International Student Orientation.
- 2024 International Student Orientation: Expected to occur the week of August 14-18. (We will update once we have firm dates)
UT Graduate School Orientation
Each fall, the Graduate School presents an orientation event designed specifically for new graduate students. This informative event is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Graduate School, UT Austin campus resources, student services, finanical information and life in Austin.
- 2024 Graduate School Orientation Date: Expected to occur the week of August 14-18. (We will update once we have firm dates)
College of Natural Sciences Orientation Videos
Explore the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) for information about faculty, research, student life, and more. You are also invited to watch the CNS New Graduate Student Orientation Videos at the start of the academic year. These include presentations on professional development and career resources and are available here.
Welcome to Austin
Housing Information
If you're relocating to Austin to attend UT, finding housing is likely at the top of your to-do list. Please visit our Life in Austin page for resources designed to help you find a place to live.
Short-term Housing
If you're concerned about finding housing or signing a lease before arriving in Austin, you may be interested to explore short-term housing options for your initial move. This type of housing can offer additional flexibilty to find permanent housing after arriving in Austin. Information about short-term housing options is available via Off-Campus Living and Texas Global.
Explore Austin
Find local activities and attractions via the following links:
- Austin Visitors & Convention Bureau
- Austin Chamber
- Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Austin Visitor's Guide from The Austin Chronicle
- Austin 360
- KUT Austin
- Austin Chronicle
- Austin American Statesman
Public Health Information
Conditions around the world have changed rapidly in response to the novel coronavirus. If you are moving to Austin from another city or state, you can learn about the City of Austin’s current public health guidance here. If you have concerns about traveling while moving to Austin from another location, please review the CDC website for general travel guidance.
Please also continue to monitor coronavirus.utexas.edu for the latest COVID-19 related information from UT Austin. Updates and information about university-wide operations can be found at protect.utexas.edu.