International Student Life Events and Programs

Events take place in both August and January, before the semester starts

The International Student Life unit helps international students get off to a great start with an interactive and informative orientation for both Undergraduates and Graduates. These events are MANDATORY for all new and transfer international J1 and F1 students attending TTU.

• All new and transfer international students will receive an email from our ISL department before the start of the semester to register. Please watch your email and check your spam.
• Please note that our programming is separate from RRO (undergrads) and New Graduate Student Orientation. Please ensure you are also registered for these events. 

Immediately following the International Student Orientation, new and returning international students are invited to a welcome event to kick off the new semester. In addition to lots of great food, students have a chance to learn about on- and off-campus resources, and make new friends. 


Fall 2025 Welcome Event

Join the ISL community at sporting events throughout the year to learn the games and cheer on the Red Raiders. These sporting events are a quintessential part of the American college experience, so don't miss out! Don't worry if you aren't familiar with the rules; we will teach you! Watch for your International Student Newsletter and our Instagram account for more information. 


International students learn kickball at our tailgate

Twice a year, the International Student Life unit organizes a reception to celebrate the academic achievements of graduating international students. You have worked hard, and we want to celebrate all of your achievements! 

• The Cultural Exchange program connects international students and community families to enhance cultural understanding. This program allows students to experience family life in the United States. Many Students join their families for holidays, trips, family dinners, and so on. This is also a great way to share your culture with an American family!  Information on when to sign up for this program will be sent to students in their International Student Life Newsletters or via the Cultural Exchange webpage.
• Families or individuals who would like to host an international student can sign up here.

The TTU homecoming game is a big event! Homecoming is a tradition associated with football in the United States. It is when former students are welcomed back to celebrate their former school and enjoy the game! At TTU, there is a homecoming parade, where students can additionally participate in the annual Homecoming Flag Parade, representing the diverse international student population at Texas Tech University. Visit our Get Involved Page to Register!

Culture Fest is an opportunity for the international student body on campus to share their culture with the rest of the TTU and Lubbock community. International Student organizations are welcome to participate in Culture Fest to share their world with us! It's a great time to get a taste of the food, dance, music, art, and culture represented on our campus! This event is open to the general public and the non-international campus community. 

Join us to celebrate one of the most popular holidays in the US, Halloween! 

Experience trick-or-treating throughout our office, arts and crafts, and a costume contest!

The quintessential American tradition of Thanksgiving Dinner is an opportunity for our community partners to share U.S. culture and tradition with international students.

Thanksgiving today is seen as a time of gathering with friends and family to share a meal. Join us to try traditional Thanksgiving foods such as turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and more. Vegan and vegetarian options will be available. 

The TTU Tax Office will help you file and prepare your taxes for the fiscal year. This is a free service offered to you by Texas Tech University. This service is free and is offered to international students every Spring! The session will be held in the SUB, Matador Room, at 5:30

Join us and represent your country/region/continent/whatever in our first annual Mini World Cup co-hosted by the URec!

• Play will be 5-on-5, and done in an open style (meaning the teams can comprise both guys and girls)! You can sign up as an individual, or you can sign up an entire team of individuals!
• For those who sign up as individuals, we will divide you all into teams based on country/region/province once sign-up is closed, and we will limit team size to 12 members!
• Pre-registration is REQUIRED! If you arrive without registering your team or yourself, you will not be able to participate. 

      2026 Champions: Team Gabon                   2025 Champions: Team Nepal              

        

2024 Champions: Team Venezuela

Experience the biggest formal of the year for high school students across the states! We have designed our own international prom for those who want to dance the night away while looking fabulous!