So, you're officially a Cougar! You’ve worked hard to get here, and your academic career at the University of Houston is about to start.
The mission of New Student Orientation at the University of Houston is to facilitate the successful transition of new students, transfers and supporters by fostering opportunities for academic, social and cultural engagement through intentional, inclusive programming.
The orientation experience will inspire your Cougar Pride and set you up for success at the University of Houston. Go Coogs!
Spring 2025 orientation registration will open in November.
To-Do List
Immunization Records
Have you completed the activity guide to upload your documentation into your myUH account? You can learn more online.
TSI
Are you TSI compliant? Check the “Holds” section (under Student Service Center) in your myUH account to see if this requirement has or has not been met. Learn more online, and email tsi@uh.edu with questions.
Send Final Transcripts
Did you take any dual-enrollment courses in high school or any other college level coursework? Don't forget to make sure that updated official transcripts are submitted to the Registrar's office once grades are finalized.
Math Placement Test
Students who are enrolled in the following Academic Colleges may need to complete the math placement test: Natural Sciences & Mathematics and Engineering. If you don't have an account, create one by registering at the CASA Registration Page. Then log in to your account and choose "Math Placement" from the "Course Listing" section. Within the "Math Placement" section, you will have access to practice exams, as well as topic-by-topic videos and quizzes to help you prepare for the placement exams. When you’re ready to take the test, select "Online Placement Exams" and follow the instructions provided.
Upload Cougar Card Photo
Prior to arriving at orientation, upload a photo through the Cougar Card Connect icon in your AccessUH portal. Learn more on the Cougar Card webpage.
Set up AccessUH & DUO Mobile App
Make sure you have access set up for all of your important UH accounts, like your AccessUH portal and your CougarNet email. Be sure to install and set up the DUO Mobile authenticator app to ensure secure login on your devices. For more information and set up assistance please contact the UH IT Help Desk at 713-743-1411.
Download UH Go App
For quick access to orientation-related information, including the daily schedule, campus maps, shuttle times, and additional helpful information on campus, download UH Go on your mobile device.
Policies
Exemptions from Completing Orientation
All incoming students to UH must attend an orientation session. Only students meeting one of the criteria below are eligible to request an exemption:
- Student has paid for and attended a New Student Orientation within the last 12 months.
- Student will be non-degree seeking AND is not planning to transition to a degree-seeking student.
- Student has been admitted as a post-baccalaureate student in the College of Education or in Undergraduate Student Success (Exploratory Studies and BSIS majors).
Students who meet any of the above criteria can complete an exemption form. Staff will verify the exemption and, if the criteria is met, remove both holds within 24 – 48 business hours. If exemption criteria is not met, the student will be notified within 24 – 48 business hours.
Accommodation to attend Virtual Orientation
All incoming students to UH must attend an in-person orientation session. However, if you meet one of the criteria below, you can receive an accommodation to attend a synchronous Virtual Orientation:
- Student will be completing the Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) - UH Extend online-only degree program.
- Student has spanning the entirety of the offered orientation dates, which prevents them from attending any in-person orientation dates.
- Student’s permanent address is more than 300+ miles from the UH main campus.
- Student will be traveling during the entirety of the offered orientation dates, which prevents them from attending any in-person orientation date. Examples may include a mission trip or studying abroad.
- Acceptable forms of documentation include: a confirmed airline ticket, train ticket, road trip documentation information, etc. spanning the dates of all orientation sessions.
- Student is or will be serving military orders during the entirety of the offered orientation dates, which prevents them from attending any in-person orientation date
Students who meet any of the above criteria can complete a Virtual Orientation Accommodation form to attend orientation on May 28, June 28 or August 5. UH reserves the right to deny a student’s request for Virtual Orientation without sufficient documentation of need.
Fee Deferment
UH does not offer fee waivers for orientation, however, you may be eligible for a fee deferment. A fee deferment will add the $150 (freshman) or $75 (transfer) orientation fee to your tuition and fee bill instead of requiring you to pay before registering for orientation. This allows you to pay for orientation once you receive your financial aid package by the tuition and fee bill deadline.
If you are eligible for a fee deferment, the orientation registration system will automatically defer payment to your first semester of enrollment.
Students who do not have a FAFSA on file cannot qualify for a fee deferment.
Payment is due by the tuition and fee bill deadline. Any student who attends orientation will be required to pay the orientation fee, whether the fee was deferred or the student attended a previous orientation from another term. Financial aid can only be used to pay certain charges and may not cover the orientation fee. Additionally, the orientation fee payment is still required if the student does not enroll in the University after attending orientation. If payment is not made, a financial delinquency hold will be placed on the student’s account.
Orientation Fees and Refunds
The orientation fee is due at the time of registration before you can view and select an orientation date through your myUH portal. Use these step-by-step instructions to register for orientation
All orientation fees for both students and family and supporters are non-refundable.
Accessibility
All videos are closed-captioned for students with accessibility needs. If you need further assistance or have questions about the orientation experience, don’t hesitate to contact us at orientation@uh.edu.
If you have any questions or concerns related to orientation that weren't answered above, please contact us at orientation@uh.edu. We look forward to seeing you!
Meet the O-Team
The Orientation Team (O-Team for short) are your new best friends. Think of them as a family made up of a diverse and unique group of current UH students who serve as leaders across campus. They'll work with you and your family to introduce you to the University of Houston, and all the academic, social and cultural aspects of becoming a Cougar.
