WELCOME TO TEXAS STATE!

Congratulations! You've been admitted to Texas State University. We have reserved a place for you at New Student Orientation (NSO) and this webpage will let you know what you can expect to do and learn there. Let us know if you have any questions.
student making hand signs

What to Expect

While you're at NSO, we'll connect you to some of the great people, places, and resources on campus. NSO is the first of several special programs at Texas State to help you familiarize yourself with the university and become a Bobcat, ensuring you'll have the support you need to be successful both in and out of the classroom.

We're prepared to make your time at Texas State the best of your life! 

Contents

  • Prepare for NSO
  • Orientation FAQs
  • Family and Guest
  • Accomodations
  • Testing Information
  • Helpful Contacts

PREPARE FOR NSO

Students are required to stay overnight on campus for 2-day NSO sessions. You can prepare by bringing and doing the following:

Things to Bring

  • State or federally issued photo ID
  • Final high school and/or community college transcripts
  • Light jacket or sweater
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Phone charger
  • A set of sheets (Twin XL)
  • Blanket
  • Pillow
  • Bath Towel
  • Shower shoes or flip-flops
  • Towel and toiletries (including hand soap)
nso students

                               IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE A BOBCAT!

Orientation FAQs

Do I have to complete NSO?

Everyone who is admitted to Texas State, or readmitted after a time away from Texas State, is required to complete New Student Orientation (NSO).

WHY IS NSO REQUIRED?

Research indicates students who complete orientation have higher rates of success in college than those who do not. NSO provides vital information you need to start off right at Texas State. You'll learn about campus resources and traditions, meet new and current students, and have fun, too!

WILL I BE ADVISED DURING NSO?

Students will not participate in a traditional advising and registration experience at NSO. Students will complete their New Bobcat Enrollment Profile in advance of NSO to provide information about their academic background, earned credits, placement information, and academic goals. Academic Advisors will use this information to build a personalized course recommendation plan and enroll students in first-semester courses before they attend NSO. Seven days before their NSO session, students will receive information about their course plan, schedule, and next steps. During NSO, students will learn more about academic expectations, academic advising resources, and how to make appropriate schedule adjustments if needed.

ARE FAMILY AND GUESTS REQUIRED TO ATTEND?

NSO is not a requirement for family and guests. However, we highly encourage them to attend. We have programming that is specific to family and guests.

WHERE DO I PARK?

Parking is available on campus for all students and their guests while attending NSO, but all vehicles on campus must be registered with Parking Services for a parking permit. Instructions for registering your vehicle for a temporary parking permit are included in a confirmation email sent to you at the email address provided on your application for admission shortly before your session.  Students are instructed to park at Academy Street Garage when arriving for orientation.

WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

We're happy to answer them! Visit our Help Page to find the best ways to contact us. Our office hours are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central).

family at nso

Family and Guests

We offer optional programming for families and guests as a part of NSO. Additional family and guest members may attend NSO by signing up on site that morning and paying the Family and Guest Orientation fee with a credit/debit card

ACCOMMODATIONS

Overnight accommodations are provided for students attending one of the 2-day NSO sessions. Families and guests must arrange for separate accommodations, but optional on-campus accommodations are available.

Family Accommodations

Your family is welcome to sample campus life by staying overnight in a designated Texas State residence hall. Accommodations are limited to the night of your NSO session.

Overnight accommodations are not included in the NSO guest fee, but can be reserved through the Department of Housing and Residential Life for an additional charge per guest.

San Marcos Hall
703 Academy Street
San Marcos, Texas 78666

Limited family accommodations will be available in San Marcos Hall, a suite-style residence hall. If you have questions, please contact the Department of Housing and Residential Life.

Family Check-In

Check-in for families and guests staying on campus overnight can check in between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Day 1 of your NSO session in San Marcos Hall. 

WHAT FAMILIES NEED TO BRING TO STAY ON CAMPUS

Each family member staying overnight on campus should bring: 

  • A set of sheets (Twin XL)
  • Blanket
  • Pillow
  • Shower shoes or flip-flops
  • Bath towel
  • Toiletries

FAMILY AND GUEST CHECK-OUT

Checkout will be from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Day 2 of your NSO session.

STUDENTS AND GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES

If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please complete the “Request Accommodations” form at least 72 hours in advance of your NSO date.

TESTING INFORMATION

TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE (TSI) PROGRAM

The Texas Success Initiative Program, mandated by the state, aims to assess student readiness for college-level courses in math, reading, and writing. The program provides guidance for developmental coursework to those needing to improve basic academic skills.

Some students may be exempt from assessment testing based on SAT, ACT, or STAAR scores. Students who are not exempt will need to complete one or more sections of the TSI Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2). The TSIA2 is offered at testing centers located on community college and university campuses across the state. Registration will be limited for students that have not submitted the necessary TSI scores or exemptions. Refer to our website for more information about course exemptions, taking the TSIA exam, and guidance on submitting test scores.

Students whose TSIA2 scores do not meet the minimum requirements for exemption may retake the TSIA2 and attempt to reach the minimum required score(s). If a student does not pass the TSIA2 exam, they will be registered for the appropriate developmental courses. Developmental courses prepare students academically for college-level coursework and do not count toward a degree plan. It is recommended that students prepare for this exam by utilizing free study modules: Math and ELAR Study Modules

HELPFUL CONTACTS