Texas Tech University

Red Raider Orientation

For First-Year Students

Red Raider Orientation

Selecting your Red Raider Orientation (RRO) session is an important step as you finalize your plans to become a Red Raider! All new undergraduate students are required to complete a session. At RRO, you'll meet other new students, get advice from current students, learn Texas Tech traditions, and have fun. Most importantly, you'll meet with your academic advisor and register for courses!

Be sure to review all items below before entering the registration system, and please know that once admitted, it may take 24-48 hours for you to access the registration system.

If you're not a first-year student beginning in the summer or fall term, visit the Transfer & Spring student page.
 

Registration Information

Review this information carefully before entering the registration system.


Your eRaider username and password is your electronic identification while a student at Texas Tech University. It is required to access many resources including the orientation registration system.

Account Activation: Your eRaider username and an activation code was provided in your admission email. To get started, visit eraider.ttu.edu and select Set-Up Account. If needed, your admission email can be resent to you by contacting Undergraduate Admissions.

admissions@ttu.edu
806.742.1480


View and verify your declared major in the RRO registration system.

Major Change: You are encouraged to register for RRO first, then change your major if needed. You'll be able to view/verify your major after registration. If needed, you can change your RRO date after your major is changed. Please note that it may take up to 48 hours for any major change requests to appear in the registration system. 

For more information about majors and how to request a major change, click here.


RRO session availability is based on a first-reserve basis. Once a session has filled, it will no longer appear as an option, and there is not a waitlist. Session availability is specific to students based on classification, entry term, transfer hours on record, and major/college. Log in to the registration system to see the dates that you are eligible to attend.


While it is not mandatory that parents or family attend RRO, we encourage students to have at least one guest attend with them. To learn more about parent and family participation, click here.

Adding Guests: To add guests to your RRO reservation, log in to the registration system, locate the Guest tab, and click the green plus sign to enter guest(s) information in the pop-up window. You can update or add guests up to two business days prior to your session.

Guest Fees: RRO fees cover materials, dinner on day 1 (summer/fall sessions), and parking. Overnight accommodations are not provided for guests.

Summer/Fall Sessions
8+ years old: $50 per Guest
7 years old and under: Free

Spring Session
13+ years old: $10 per Guest
12 years old and under: Free

Please note that RRO Guest fees are non-refundable.


The Student RRO Fee, which is billed to the TTU billing account with the first semester's tuition, covers materials, meals, parking, and overnight accommodations. The fee is assessed to students that attend RRO even if you do not attend classes at Texas Tech. It is non-refundable and cannot be paid in advance or during RRO.

RRO Student Fee:
Fall/Summer Session - $175


We understand that your plans might change. You can update your RRO reservation up to two business days before your scheduled session. Guests may be added at RRO check-in.

Change Session Date: Log in to the registration system to make changes to your information even after you have registered for orientation. Remember, there is no waitlist for closed or full sessions. At any time, you can check session availability and make updates.

Change Admit Term: If you need to change your entry term, contact Undergraduate Admissions. (ie: Admitted for Fall term but would like to change to Summer.)

admissions@ttu.edu
806.742.1480

Once your term has been changed, please allow 24-48 hours for the change to be updated in the RRO registration system. You will then be able to see the new orientation dates for your term.




To cancel/withdraw your application and/or decline admission, please complete the online Withdrawal Form with Undergraduate Admissions.

Only withdraw admission if you no longer plan to attend Texas Tech. If you need to defer admission to another term, please contact Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@ttu.edu.

Once your acceptance is withdrawn, your RRO session will be canceled. Please allow 7 to 10 business days to fully process this request.

 

Get Ready for RRO

Now that you are registered for RRO, review the items below to prepare for your orientation session and enrollment.


It is important to remember that official communication from Texas Tech University will be sent to your Texas Tech email address. This includes confirmation and reminders related to RRO. Check this email regularly to make sure you do not miss important information.

To enable your TechMail, go to the eRaider website, login with your eRaider credentials, click on Email Services, and review or modify your information.

Check your email at outlook.office.com using your eRaider credentials.


The Admitted Student Tasklist is your personalized list of next steps to enrolling at Texas Tech University! You should take care of all of your tasklist items before your scheduled RRO Session.

To access your tasklist, you must be:
  • Fully Admitted for at least 24 hours
  • An undergraduate student
  • A degree-seeking student
  • Attending the Lubbock campus
Completing Items: Each tasklist item has step-by-step instructions for completion. Carefully read and follow instructions for completing each item. Within your personalized tasklist, you'll see four ways completed items are tracked:

Automated GearAutomated Item: This step will automatically be marked as complete within 24 to 48 hours after you complete an automated task (such as reserving your orientation date).

checkboxManual Item: After you have completed this step, you can mark the item as complete by clicking on the checkbox.

pending iconPending Item: This step will become available at a later date or after you have completed all required prerequisite steps. Read the instructions for details.

completed iconCompleted Item: Once an item is marked complete, you'll see this icon. You can return to completed items at anytime to review the information.




Completing your online modules is the first part of your Red Raider Orientation experience. This step should be completed prior to your scheduled RRO session.

Academic Orientation Hold: This hold is placed on all new students' record. This hold will be removed upon completion of RRO modules, and after you've attended your in-person RRO session.

What can I expect in the modules?
These modules contain important information about life as a Red Raider in your first semester and beyond — campus safety, student involvement, preparing for academic advising, registering for classes, and more!

  • There are 18 individual units composed of videos and text.
  • In total, the modules may take 60-90 minutes to complete.
  • Your progress is automatically saved. Return at any time to continue.

Once you're registered for RRO, click below to log in to the online modules using your eRaider credentials.



Online Modules for spring students are available in November. Online Modules for summer/fall students will become available in April.


What are placement exams?
The purpose of placement exams is to help you be successful in your courses here at Texas Tech University. These exams are used to assess your present level of general Chemistry knowledge and Mathematical skills.

Tips for Taking Placement Exams:

  • Take placement exams seriously. Test results determine which classes you are eligible to enroll in. Do your best the first time as retesting is limited.
  • Study and review the subjects you are testing. This will help improve test results, particularly for subjects which you may not have recently practiced.
  • Familiarize yourself with the type of questions that are found on the exams. Sample test questions are available on the Math and Chemistry exam pages. Knowing the format of the test questions can help you relax and concentrate during the test.
  • Take the exam prior to RRO. In addition to having more time to relax and concentrate in a comfortable environment, failure to take the exam prior to orientation may cause delays in course registration.

Placement exams are for any student needing Math and Chemistry, and is different than the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). If you're unsure if you need to take these exams, check your Admitted Student Tasklist.


You may have course Registration Hold(s) on your account. A hold is placed when a requirement has not been completed by the student. Holds must be cleared in order to register for classes, and should be completed before your RRO session. View holds in the RRO registration system or the Admitted Student Tasklist.


Students admitted to Texas Tech must satisfy Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements. To check your TSI compliance, visit www.ttu.edu/registrar/tsi.


Visual Schedule Builder (VSB): VSB is an online self-serve tool that assists you in planning your academic schedule. You can graphically view schedule options, choose desired courses, and eventually create a timetable based on the courses and times that work best for you. Watch this video to learn more about VSB.

The VSB does not register you in courses. Rather, it helps you create an optimal course schedule from which you can then enroll in courses through Raiderlink.

The VSB is not meant to replace academic advising or degree audit. It does not check your course prerequisites or registration holds.

You will meet with your academic advisor and register for classes during your scheduled RRO session. This tool is provided to help you prepare for advising and registration.


Packing List:
    • Linens: Twin XL bed sheets or sleeping bag
    • Blanket
    • Pillow
    • Shower towel & washcloth
    • Toiletries
    • Pool towel
    • Comfortable Clothing and Shoes
      • Two t-shirts are provided by RRO
      • Monitor weather prior to arrival and be prepared
      • Swimsuit or athletic clothing for the Rec Center
      • Consider bringing a light jacket if you're cold natured. Some buildings can be cool.
    • Money for additional meals and snacks (two meals are provided by RRO)
    • Computer: It may be helpful to bring a laptop computer to assist with advising and class search. Wifi is available for students and guests.
    • Government Issued Photo ID Card: Driver's license, passport, or military ID card are acceptable. You cannot use a high school ID as proof of identity. If you don't have a government issued ID, please contact your local DPS office to obtain an ID.
eRaider Username & Password: Verify that you know your eRaider username and password, and you are able to login prior to arrival. This will prevent any delays during advising and course registration. Go to eRaider to login. If you've forgotten your username or password, utilize the Forgot Username or Forgot Password option.

For assistance contact:
IT Help Central
806.742.HELP(4357)
ithelpcentral@ttu.edu

Documents You May Need
  • Unofficial Transcripts: Bringing unofficial transcripts from all colleges/universities attended will be helpful for your advising and registration. If you took a foreign language in high school, bring your unofficial high school transcript.
  • Immunization Records: We highly recommend you submit your immunization records to Student Health Services through Med+Proctor at least two weeks prior to your RRO session in order to allow time for the registration hold to be removed. However, you can bring your immunization records to RRO if not previously submitted.
  • Any documents you may need for Financial Aid
RRO Will Provide:
  • Overnight stay on-campus (linens are not provided)
  • Two meals: Dinner on Day 1, Breakfast on Day 2
  • Drawstring backpack
  • Name tag & TTU lanyard
  • Your first two official Texas Tech t-shirts



The Crew will lead your RRO experience. They act as guides, small group leaders, mentors and a resource for you. Crew members are current undergraduate students selected and trained to assist all attendees through the many activities and sessions that take place during orientation.

Meet the crew!
 

Event & Travel Information

As you prepare for your RRO session, review the information below to coordinate your travel and arrival to campus.


Schedule is subject to change.


To give you an idea of what you can expect at RRO, see last year's schedule-at-a-glance below.

Day 1:

  • 10:00 am - RRO Check-In / College Check-In / Hold Removal
  • 10:30 am - Campus Tours
  • 11:00 am - Lunch on your Own
  • 12:30 am - Official RRO Welcome
  • 1:00 pm - College Welcome
  • 2:30 pm - Raider-to-Raider (students) & Red Raider Families: Supporting Your Student's Transition (guests)
  • 3:30 pm - Campus Resource Fair, Information Session, Fraternity & Sorority Meet-&-Greet, and much more!
  • 5:45 pm - Fajita Dinner (students & registered guests)
  • 6:30 pm - Raider Life (students) & Parent & Family Social (guests)
  • 8:00 pm - Night at the Rec

Day 2:

  • 7:45 am - Breakfast & ID Pickup
  • 8:30 am - Learn more about student success at Texas Tech
  • 9:00 am - Academic Advising & Course Registration
  • 10:00 am - Last Call for Questions, Residence Hall Tour, and Meet one-on-one with Student Financial Aid & Scholarships, Student Business Services, and Military & Veteran Programs

*Please do not make plans to travel before 2:00 pm to ensure adequate time to register for classes and ask last minute questions.


Arrival to Campus: Check-in begins at 10 am at the Student Union Building (SUB). To ensure you do not miss out on important activities, plan accordingly to arrive during the scheduled check-in time.
Parking will be available in Lot Z-2 located at 17th and University Ave.

Parking on Campus:
Students and guests are able to park on-campus for free during orientation by registering their vehicle. A vehicle registration link will be sent to each attendee one week before your session with instructions. Please register your vehicle before arriving on campus. Vehicles not registered may receive a parking citation and could be towed.

Rental Cars: If you are renting a car and do not know your license plate number, you can register for parking upon arrival.

ADA Parking: Handicap parking spots on campus are available to registered vehicles with a current permit that is displayed on the vehicle.

Airport Information: The Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (Code: LBB) is less than 20 minutes from Texas Tech and is serviced by American, Southwest, and United Airlines.

Other Transportation Information: For travel information in Lubbock, including rental cars, taxi services, rideshare services, and bus transportation, go to VisitLubbock.org.


Student Housing Accommodations: All students will stay on-campus for one night. This cost is included in your registration fee and is automatically reserved for you. Please remember that linens are not provided. See the What to Bring section to learn more.

One of the many things you'll gain from RRO is meeting new people and forming some of your first friendships at Texas Tech! Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate requests for preferred roommates during RRO sessions.

Even if family members or guests plan on staying elsewhere, overnight stays on-campus will allow you to experience life in the residence halls. We believe doing so enables you to better participate in all scheduled sessions and activities.

Accommodations for Guests: The RRO Guest Fee does not include overnight accommodations and should be arranged on your own. Visit our Parents & Families page for more information. 

Meals During Orientation:
All students and registered guests will be provided a Fajita Dinner for the evening of Day 1. Students will also receive a buffet breakfast on the morning of Day 2. Some on-campus dining facilities will be open for additional meals and snacks. All dining facilities on-campus are cashless.

Plan Ahead: Lubbock serves as host to many programs, camps, and festivals throughout the summer. We encourage you to make any additional reservations once you have registered for your RRO session, especially if you are arriving early or departing later than your session.

 

Support with RRO Registration

We're here to assist you through the process of registering for RRO and answer any questions you may have. Review the information below and our FAQs.


If you are having issues logging into the RRO registration system, make sure your eRaider is set up. If you've forgotten your username or password, utilize the Forgot Username or Forgot Password option to retrieve this information.

For assistance with eRaider issues contact:
IT Help Central
806.742.HELP(4357)
ithelpcentral@ttu.edu

Note: Your eRaider login is different than the RaiderConnect credentials which you used during the admissions process.


Your eRaider username and activation code was provided to you in your admission email. If you need this resent to you, please contact Undergraduate Admissions:

admissions@ttu.edu
806.742.1480


If you get an Unmatched Registration Attempt error, your admissions application may not match the following conditions to register for RRO:
  • Fully Admitted for at least 24 hours
  • Undergraduate student
  • Degree-seeking
  • Attending the Lubbock campus
Please contact Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@ttu.edu or call (806) 742-1480 to verify or change any application information if needed.

To ensure a smooth registration process, please review all items above before entering the registration system.