First-Year Students

You must be an admitted incoming first-year student to register for NSO. Depending on which academic semester you are admitted for, we offer a specific NSO Session for you to attend. You will receive an email to your UHCL application email when orientation registration is open for your admitted semester. 

Remember, all new undergraduate first-year students must sign up for and complete the NSO program to fulfill the university orientation requirement.

When orientation registration opens for your admit semester, register via the “Orientation” tile in E-Services, accessible via Go.UHCL.edu. 

If you encounter technical difficulties, need to look up your username, reset your password, or require assistance with Two-Factor Authentication via Duo, please contact the Office of Information Technology at 281.283.2828 or SupportCenter@uhcl.edu. 

Attending a New Student Orientation (NSO) session is the final step for a successful transition to your first semester at the University of Houston-Clear Lake! These sessions are offered with a variety of dates, so you will be able to select a day that works best for your schedule.

What is New Student Orientation?

NSO is your gateway to an exciting journey at the University of Houston – Clear Lake! A non-refundable orientation fee of $60 will be charged to all incoming students, due upon registration or reflected in your tuition and fee statement. This essential program is designed to help you transition smoothly into campus life. During NSO, you will:

• Discover Campus Resources
• Connect with Fellow Hawks
• Engage with The Campus Community
• Prepare for Success At UHCL

Sample NSO Schedule Coming Soon

All Orientation Programs will be held in-person on UHCL's Main Campus. Times are CST.

Admitted Semester: Spring 2025

• Tuesday, January 7, 2025; 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• Friday, January 10, 2025; 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Please connect with your Academic Advisor or Academic College individually to register for your courses. Course registration is separate from the NSO program.

Registration now open via the “Orientation” tile in E-Services, accessible via Go.UHCL.edu. 

Admitted Semester: Summer 2025 & Fall 2025

Registration opens March 2025

• Summer 2025 dates to be announced

Note: You will not be able to sign up for orientation until the orientation for your admitted semester is open. Once registration is open, you will receive an email to your UHCL student email with instructions on how to register.

Congratulations to the parents, friends, and family members of our incoming UHCL Hawks! You can play an active and supportive role for your student as they transition to their academic and social life at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Our office offers various programs and resources to help better inform and prepare you to support your student.

Family and Guests At New Student Orientation

Although we do not offer a separate Family and Guest Orientation Program during our New Student Orientation program, family members and guests are welcome to join their students during orientation. The cost for this program is $40 for each family member or guest (guests under 12 are not charged). The charge can be paid before orientation or at check-in on the day of the session.

Learn more and register your family or guest to attend NSO!

It is important to note, that students will not enroll in courses during New Student Orientation. The advising and registration process varies based on your student type and academic college. Please check your student email for detailed instructions on beginning your course registration. Your advisor will help you plan your first semester courses, review your academic degree plan, and adjust the advising hold to allow you to register for classes. You can also visit the Academic Advising Website for more information.

If you are an incoming first-year student and are also a student veteran or adult learner, the NSO program might not meet your personal and academic needs. If you have any questions or concerns about your participation in the NSO program, please contact Orientation and New Student Programs at 281.283.2420 or orientation@uhcl.edu to talk about other options available to you.

Any individual requiring an accommodation in order to participate in this event should contact Orientation and New Student Programs at 281-283-2420 or orientation@uhcl.edu at least one week prior to the event.