2024 Signature Events (2025 Signature Events will be announced in summer 2025)
Mooov-In
Aug. 23-24 | 7 a.m.-6 p.m. | UFCU Disch-Falk Field
New and returning Longhorns are welcomed to the Forty Acres during this two-day event. Students pick up their room key and parking pass information at centralized check-in and settle into 14 on-campus residence halls and Dobie Twenty21.
Beat the Heat
Aug. 24 | 2-6 p.m. | Texas Union
Step out of the Austin heat and into the best AC on the Forty Acres and join us at the Texas Union on Saturday, August 24 from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. for games, food, and fun! We’ll have a variety of activities taking place all throughout the afternoon from karaoke in the Cactus Café, to a retro arcade, trivia in the Showroom, a Valorant tournament on the big screen, and free bowling and Esports games in the Underground! We’ll also be providing free food samples and refreshments from campus vendors. All of this inside the comfort of inside the Texas Union. See you here!
Bevo's Quest
Aug. 25 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | East Mall
Compete with friends in this team-based scavenger hunt that can help you learn more about campus resources and key spots at The University of Texas at Austin. Prizes will be handed out to winning teams. Learn more on Hornslink!
UT Soccer vs. Iowa
Aug. 25 | 1 p.m. | Mike A. Myers Stadium
The first 500 UT students will get FREE Raising Cane’s before the Longhorns take on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Food will be distributed beginning at 12:15 p.m. so arrive early and bring the Texas Fight to cheer on your Horns as they begin their first season in the Southeastern Conference! Please note that Myers Stadium has a clear bag policy in place, so please leave your backpacks at home.
Gone to Texas
Aug. 25 | 8:30 p.m. | Main Mall
Join President Hartzell for Gone to Texas, the formal kickoff to your journey at The University of Texas at Austin. New freshman, transfer and graduate students: get ready to join our Texas-sized welcome party!
Orange and White Welcome
Aug. 26 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Etter-Harbin Alumni Center
Celebrate your first class day with the Texas Exes! Enjoy free food, prizes and carnival games, sign the #UT28 official class banner and more! Student Members can also pick up their member packets. Free t-shirt for the first 100 students!
Presidential Pop-Up Party
Aug. 26 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Main Mall
Beat the heat and celebrate the first day of class. Cold treats, photo ops, and a few surprises await you! Wear burnt orange and show your Longhorn pride.
Longhorn LIVE
Aug. 27 | 7-10 p.m. | Gregory Gym Plaza
We’re doing it LIVE! Join us for a night of excitement and spirit with live student performances, and activities with student organizations. Stop by for an airbrush tattoo, photo opportunities, free snacks and giveaways!
Back2School Bash
Aug. 28 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center
Campus Events+Entertainment (E+E) will kick off the new school year at the WCP Student Center Patio! We’ll welcome students to campus with free food, fun activities and games for an exciting start to the new academic year.
Class Photo
Aug. 28 | 5:30 p.m. | Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium
Be part of the Tradition! You are invited to take part in the official photo for the Class of ’28! Join your fellow classmates for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on Campbell-Williams Field at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium to commemorate the start of your Longhorn journey. Enter Gate 14 on the north end of DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium located on DeLoss Dodds Way.
Forty Acres Showdown
Aug. 29 | 5-7 p.m. | Texas Union Ballroom
Free food, fun competitions between residential areas (off-campus and apartments included), decorating of western themed items, music by DJ Sheepy, and an all-around good time! The winning residential area wins bragging rights and the Hook ‘em House Cup!
Longhorn Friday
Aug. 30 | 10:30 a.m. - Noon | Gregory Gym Plaza
August 30 is National College Colors Day! Join us as we rep burnt orange on the first Longhorn Friday of the semester. Enjoy free cold brew, burnt orange giveaways and more.
Vaquero Night
Aug. 30 | 7-9 p.m. | Jester Corner (21st and Speedway)
Join us for a lively celebration of the rich Vaquero tradition. Enjoy an evening filled with refreshments, music and more as you step into the vibrant history of Texas and its cowboy roots.
Longhorn Welcome Sensory Guide
This guide is designed to help our students navigate Longhorn Welcome by letting them know what to expect at each Signature Event.