I would like your help with an issue I am wrestling with, which is perhaps not uncommon. I am an overseas student accepted into UT. The orientation dates are in June and early July. There is one session (Aug 23-24) just before classes start on Aug 30. I know you are able to register for classes after orientation, which is important. Because of the big gap between orientation dates and start of classes, I am looking at either making two trips to the US or opting for the orientation session just before classes start. I fear this date may be leaving things too late. Assuming I attend an orientation in June, staying in the US till start of classes is not a real option. Please advise what you would do in my situation. If I have to make the two trips, I will. But I want to be sure I am not misreading the situation.
In your shoes, my preference would be to attend the earliest session you can, making two trips, thereby ensuring you get the classes you want. Assuming your budget will allow. This will also give you a chance to think about any other necessary preparations before school starts.
You can just go to the August orientation. UT reserves seats for each orientation session so that classes aren’t filled up completely by the earlier dates. There is a small advantage to an earlier date in that you can keep checking for seats that open up because of drops.
@CorpusChristi and @JAMCAFE : Thank you for your responses and perspective. I can see that this comes down perhaps to a personal decision and comfort level with going one way versus the other. Good to know that I am thinking about the right things!