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.
Spring 2026 orientation registration will open for Freshmen on Wednesday, Nov. 5 and Transfers on Thursday, Nov. 6.
During Spring NSOs, you’ll meet other new Coogs, connect with current student leaders,
faculty, and staff, and learn about the services and resources that will help you
succeed. Before the day is over, you’ll meet with your academic college advising team
and enroll in your first classes!
| Spring Orientation Sample Schedule | |
|---|---|
| Time | Event |
| 8 - 9:15 a.m. | Check-in & Resource Fair |
| 9:30 a.m. | Welcome |
| 10 a.m. | Be Well, Do Well & Business of Being a Student |
| 11 a.m. | Lunch/Breakout Sessions |
| 1 p.m. | Be Enrollment Ready |
| 1:30 - 5 p.m. | Advising and Enrollment |
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.
Spring 2026 orientation registration will open for Freshmen on Wednesday, Nov. 5 and Transfers on Thursday, Nov. 6.
We’ll send you easy-to-follow instructions before that date so you’ll know exactly what to do. Keep an eye on your inbox!
Your Pre-Orientation opens on Nov. 17.
Pre-Orientation Modules must be completed before your orientation date to enroll in classes, and doing so will automatically remove the Pre-Orientation Hold from your account.
- Log in to AccessUH and click the myUH Self Service icon.
- Click on the “Admissions” tab.
- Click the “Pre-Orientation Modules” tab.
- Click “Go to Pre-Orientation Modules.”
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 date. Academic advising is included in your orientation experience.
Attending orientation removes the Orientation Hold.
The Orientation Advising Hold will be removed later in the day when you meet with your academic college advising team 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 of Student Orientation Leaders who are here to help you feel at home, answer your questions, and share what it’s really like to be part of the UH community.