Gone to Texas

Gone to Texas is the university-wide welcome celebration for new Longhorns, and it's happening Sunday, August 23, from 8 PM to 10 PM at the UT Main Mall, right in front of the Tower at 110 Inner Campus Dr. It's billed as the largest welcome party on campus, and for a good reason: it's the formal kickoff for the incoming class.

President Jim Davis hosts a short program with special guests on the Mall, and from there, first-year students are sent on their journey across the Forty Acres. It's a UT tradition built to help new students transition into the university community and get actively engaged in campus life from the start. If you're coming from a specific college or school, you might have already seen a 'Gone to [School]' welcome event—those are the smaller, school-specific celebrations that lead up to this one, which brings everyone together.

There are a few practical things to keep in mind before you head over. You'll need to show your 'Ticket' email to get in, so have that ready on your phone. There's also a list of prohibited items that'll keep you from getting through the gate: backpacks, artificial noisemakers, banners and flags with poles, selfie sticks, umbrellas, and pets other than service dogs. Tobacco and vaping products are also banned. If you're planning to bring a bag, you might want to leave it at home or keep it light, since backpacks aren't allowed. The program runs from 8 PM to 10 PM on Sunday, August 23, at the Main Mall in front of the Tower.