Q: How do we register for Explore UT?
A: There’s no registration – no sign-up, no fee - to participate in the learning activities at Explore UT. You are invited to come and take part in the activities of your choice. If you bring students in a bus, however, we would like for you to register your bus online so that we can plan parking. We will continue accepting bus registrations through March 30.
Q: Does the University provide transportation to and from Explore UT?
A: Schools and other visitors are responsible for their own transportation. You may come in personal vehicles or bring students in buses or large vans. Some schools arrange for transportation through their district, and others contract for charter buses from a commercial company. Bus parking registration can be found here.
Q: If we come in a car, do we register? Where do we park?
A: There is no registration for cars. If you accompany a school bus in your own car, you will not be allowed to park with the bus. Cars park in campus garages or open lots.
Q: What options do our students have for lunch?
A: Students may bring sack lunches from home. You may also bring money to buy food from campus vendors and cafes (to be announced soon). Accommodations are also available for school groups to eat together in one of UT's residence hall dining facilities at a low cost per person. Reservations for this option are required and will be available in February. Visit the Dining Options page for more information and updates.
Q: What’s the day’s schedule and where do we start?
A: Explore UT offers hundreds of learning activities, including hands-on experiments, demonstrations, lectures, films, exhibits, performances, and crafts. Activities officially start at 11 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. A handful of activities will be available starting at 9:30 a.m. for those who arrive on campus early. The full schedule will be available in February.
Q: Will there be a program available the day of Explore UT?
A: The Explore UT app will be available to download in March. This will be a hub of all things Explore UT, including the schedule, maps, and more.
Q: Do you have promotional resources for our parents and teachers?
A: We have prepared an English/Spanish flyer for your use.
Q: Where do the activities take place? Can we reserve space for our group?
A: Activities take place both indoors and outdoors on campus. Indoor activities are often in classrooms, lobbies, and hallways. Outdoor activities take place on courtyards, sidewalks, and lawns. You cannot reserve space for your group. We encourage you to arrive early to the activity to get a seat. For some of the most popular activities, registration or tickets may be required and will be noted in the event description. If you cannot get into one activity, you can easily find another nearby. Large groups are encouraged to divide into small groups of 5-10 individuals so that you don’t overwhelm a classroom or activity table.
Q: Are activities offered for different ages?
A: Explore UT offers activities for children and adults. The schedule indicates activities appropriate for early learners (ages 4-7), students (ages 8 to 11), and teens (12 to 18 years old). Some activities are specifically for teachers or prospective students. Please keep in mind that an activity aimed at a specific age group may be appealing to many ages.
Q: What time shall we expect to leave?
A: Learning activities end at 4:40 p.m. We encourage you to gather at the Tower for our closing activity at 5 p.m. Weather permitting, the Longhorn Band will entertain participants and our photographer will snap the "class photo," which you can download from the Explore UT website shortly after the event. This activity ends at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Q: What happens if we have inclement weather?
A: Explore UT will take place rain or shine. Outdoor events will move inside in the event of inclement weather. Alternate rain plan locations are notated in the Explore UT schedule. Sign up for Nixle text alerts to receive weather-related updates and cancellations, and download the Explore UT app for additional notifications.