New Student and Transfer Orientation
New Student Orientation is your first step toward discovering everything UH has to offer: world-class academics, vibrant campus life, and opportunities that will shape your future.
New Student Orientation (NSO) is a required program designed to help you transition smoothly into the University of Houston community. When you register for NSO, you also secure your academic advising appointment.
Register for New Student Orientation
Orientations are filled on a first-available basis, and orientation dates do not have waitlists. When you log in to register for a date, any and all dates which are available to you will appear on the screen. Sign-up today for greater flexibility when selecting classes and building your class schedule!
Ready, Set, Go: Prepare for your NSO
You may notice a few indicators or holds on your account related to orientation. These holds will prevent you from enrolling in classes.
Review the information below to understand what each hold means and the steps you need to take to remove them.
Summer and Fall 2026 Orientation Registration
Summer and Fall 2026 orientation registration opens on March 16, for students admitted to summer and/or fall semesters.
To register:
- Access the Orientation Portal
Use the link provided in your email, or click the “Register today!” button at the top of this page. - Log into the Orientation Portal
When the portal opens, enter your CougarNet username and password to sign in. - Confirm your orientation selection
At the top of the screen, select the orientation option displayed.
Pre-Orientation Modules open on May 4, 2026.
To enroll in classes, you must complete your Pre-Orientation Modules before your orientation
date.
Completing them will automatically remove the Pre-Orientation Hold from your account.
How to access the Pre-Orientation Modules once they become available:
- Log in to your AccessUH portal and click the myUH Self Service icon.
- Click on the “Admissions” tab.
- Click the “Pre-Orientation Modules” tab.
- Click “Go to Pre-Orientation Modules.”
Plan Your Spring Schedule Early
You don't have to wait to build your spring schedule! Follow the instructions in the Pre-Orientation Modules and use Schedule Builder to create and save one or multiple schedule options. Include backup sections in case of full classes.
Once your have attended your NSO and met with your advisor, you'll be able to enroll directly from the Schedule Builder.
Adding courses to your cart or planner does not complete enrollment.
Attend Your Scheduled Orientation
Orientation is your official Academic welcome to the university. It's where you'll be introduced to what it means to be a scholar at UH and receive advising to help you prepare for your first semester.
If you're attending Online Orientation, your official academic welcome to the university
is delivered virtually for your convenience. You’ll enjoy the same great content and
support, with the added flexibility to complete it from anywhere.
View Sample Schedules at the bottom of this page.
Attending orientation removes the Orientation Hold.
Academic Advising at Orientation
New students will meet with their academic advisors during New Student Orientation. There are no advising appointments available beforehand.
To help you prepare, your Pre-Orientation Modules include important guidance from your college. Be sure to complete them before your orientation date, they’ll give you a solid foundation and help you make the most of your advising session.
The Orientation Advising Hold will be removed later in the day when you meet with your academic college advising team to enroll in classes.
Online Orientation Academic Advising
Online students will meet virtually with their academic advisors as part of Online Orientation. There are no advising appointments available beforehand, so be sure to complete your Pre-Orientation Modules first, they include important guidance from your college and will help you make the most of your advising session.
Once you complete your Online Orientation and your advising meeting online, your Orientation Advising Hold will be removed, and you’ll be ready to enroll in classes.
Let’s make sure you’re ready to enroll!
Review the Pre-Orientation Checklist to:
- Get your technology set up for UH.
- Check for any additional holds that may prevent enrollment.
- Follow a week-by-week schedule of tasks to complete before your orientation.
Review our FAQs section for important details about Orientation requirements, including information on accommodations and possible exemptions.
We Can't Wait to Welcome You!
As you begin your journey as a Cougar, we want you to meet the incredible students who will be guiding you through Orientation. The O-Team are student leaders, here to help you feel at home, answer your questions, and share what it’s really like to be part of the UH community.
Sample Schedules
Day One
|
Time |
Event |
| Check-In | Check-in times are assigned. Your specific check-in time will be shared via email one week prior to your NSO date. |
| 10 a.m. | Welcome |
| 11 a.m. | Student-led activities in small groups |
| 12 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1 p.m. | College Meetings |
| 2:30 p.m. | Informational Sessions |
| 4 p.m. | Resource Fair & Breakout Sessions |
| 5 p.m. | Student-led activities in small groups |
| 5:45 p.m. | Dinner |
| 7:30 p.m. | Evening programming begins |
Day Two
| Time | Event |
| 7:30 a.m. | Breakfast Opens |
| 8:45 a.m. | Enrollment Ready Session |
| 10 a.m. | Advising & Enrollment |
| Time | Event |
| 8–9:15 a.m. | Check-In & Resource Fair |
| 9:30 a.m. | Informational Sessions |
| 11 a.m. | Panel Discussions: Career Paths |
| 12 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1 p.m. | Enrollment Ready Session |
| 1:30 p.m. | Advising & Enrollment |