First-Year Experience

UT PGE freshman students

The Hildebrand Department prioritizes creating a smooth transition for first-year and transfer students into the petroleum and geosystems engineering majors by offering supportive programs that will introduce you to your classmates and professors. The following initiatives will help you to build lasting friendships, introduce you to the oil and gas industry and give you the tools for academic success.

First-Year Fall Retreat

The First-Year Fall Retreat is a required event hosted for newly admitted UT PGE undergraduate students. All incoming fall-semester students, including freshmen and transfer students, are invited to take part in this exciting event, which introduces students to Longhorn spirit and pride.

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Study Abroad Program

UT PGE hosts an annual study abroad experience to Zagreb and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Led by Professor Maša Prodanovic in June and early July, the program takes place along Croatia’s beautiful coastline, unique rock formations, Roman ruins and quaint historical cities.

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First-Year Interest Group (FIG)

UT PGE First-Year Interest Groups give students a great opportunity to bond with each other in a small community of students sharing the same interests. Students are put in three of their major courses together and then meet together once a week in their cohort. Department FIGs are lead by UT PGE student mentors who engage the group in academic and social activities.