1. What to Expect Your First Month At UTD
The University of Texas at Dallas
utdallas.edu

2. Moderators Katie Knable Intercultural Programs Anshuman Sharma
Indian Student Association
Sarvesh Marathe

3. About the Webinar
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Agenda
Presentation (25 mins)
Question & Answer (30 mins)
Chat feature will be enabled for this portion
Closing (5 mins)
Chat feature will be enabled for this portion (please leave us your comments)

4. Securing Housing Living on campus Living off campus
3 available options
University Commons, University Village, and Canyon Creek Heights
Fills up fast!
utdallas.edu/housing
Living off campus
Research the area
Find websites, online reviews, ask current UTD students
utdallas.edu/icp/housing
utdallas.edu/ic/webinars
Past webinar “How to Search for and Make Housing Arrangements”

5. Additional Housing Expenses
Setting up utilities
Wi-Fi, electricity, gas, water, TV service etc.
May need to pay a set-up fee
Household items
Furniture
Find local stores nearby
utdbighowdy.com
Linens
Sheets, towels, bedding etc.
Electronics and appliances
Kitchen and bathroom items
Dishes, utensils, rugs, curtains etc.

6. Transportation Navigating Dallas How will you get to and from campus?
Transportation from the airport
Dart
utdbighowdy.com
Students receive a free DART pass
Eligible after you register for classes
How will you get to and from campus?
Car
Cost of car
Other expenses
Gas, insurance, maintenance
Driver’s license
utdallas.edu/isso/driving
dps.texas.gov
Bus
Comet Cruiser
DART
Dart.org

7. Class Registration Clear your holds Meet with your Academic Advisor
View holds in Galaxy
In your “Orion Student Center” you can click on “Holds” and view all existing holds on your account
Meet with your Academic Advisor
utdallas.edu/advisors
Some students have an Academic Orientation
Select your classes
You have a choice of classes to select from
utdallas.edu/academics
coursebook.utdallas.edu

8. Academic Expectations
Keep track of deadlines
utdallas.edu/academiccalendar
Write important dates in your calendar
Holidays, class registration deadlines, payment deadlines etc.
Late fees are expensive!
Review and keep syllabi for classes
Typically provided on 1st day of class
Can often be found online
coursebook.utdallas.edu
Take note of due dates, exams, off-days for classes etc.
Textbooks
Required textbooks are often posted online
Can be purchased at the UTD Bookstore, Off-Campus Bookstore, or online
Can be expensive, check the McDermott library
elearning.utdallas.edu
Become familiar with eLearning
Many professors host discussions, post assignments, post exams

9. Living in the U.S. Food Health Eating on campus Grocery shopping
Cafeteria, Fast food, Restaurant, Coffee Shops
new.dineoncampus.com/utdallasdining
Grocery shopping
Stores along Comet Cruiser route
Food from your home country
Cooking
utdallas.edu/studentwellness/fitness
Health
TB test
Required for all students born outside the U.S.
Student Health Center
utdallas.edu/healthcenter
Student Health Insurance
utdallas.edu/insurance/international

10. Living in the U.S. Making friends Introduce yourself Entertainment
Student Organizations
utdallas.edu/soc
Over 300 student organizations
Cultural Organizations
Connect with other students from your home country or region
Social media
Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook are popular
Introduce yourself
Americans are friendly!
Talk to your classmates
Entertainment
Campus events
utdallas.edu/calendar
Local events
visitdallas.com
artsinrichardson.com

11. Tips from Current Students
Have a good laptop
utdtechstore.com/utdtechstore
Attend events in the beginning of the semester
There are a lot of events that welcome students to campus, attend so you can make new friends and get to know the campus!
Explore the area via the bus and DART
Stay healthy
Visit the Student Health Center on campus
Bring any prescriptions needed
Learn to cook
Meals from your home country for when you are homesick
Experiment with American cooking

12. Question Time! Chat function will now be enabled
Ask your questions using the chat feature

13. Intercultural Programs International Student Services Office
Additional Questions?
Intercultural Programs
International Student Services Office

14. Thank You for Joining Us!
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elearning.utdallas.edu
Choose “Pre-Arrival Modules for International Students 2017/18”
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