COVID-19 Self-Test Kit Distribution

Self-test kits are now available for any current UT student, faculty or staff member for free at various distribution sites throughout campus. Simply show your UTID to the staff member onsite at any of the locations listed below to receive your kit.

Distribution Sites

Texas Union, William C. Powers, Jr. (WCP) Student Activity Center, and Student Services Building desks
Proactive Community Testing (PCT) clinics
The front desks of all residence halls, Dobie Twenty21, 2400 Nueces, and University Apartments
University Health Services (made available to students who have an appointment for any reason)
Additional distribution sites are being identified

Self-test kits will also be made available to those who work off-campus at the ARL Main Building and PRC Commons Conference Center, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, McDonald Observatory, and Marine Sciences Institute

When To Use A Self-Test Kit

If you are feeling completely healthy and want to check your COVID-19 infection status
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and want to test
If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, test 3-5 days after exposure
If you have participated in large group activities, test 3-5 days after the event
If you have recently tested positive, wait to test again until your symptoms have improved but no earlier than the evening of day 5 or morning of day 6 of your infection. Day 1 is marked by the day you tested positive.
Before or after travel (to meet airline or other requirements)

Note: The use of a self-test kit will not provide Activity Pass clearance. For the Activity Pass, please continue to use PCT.

What To Do If You Test Positive

If your results are positive, report them to UT Austin and follow the guidance listed in the Exposure Action Chart. Call the Behavior Concerns and COVID-19 Advice Line (BCCAL) at 512-232-5050, option 2 if you need assistance with isolation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to get a self-test kit?

No, self-test kits are being provided to all current UT students, staff and faculty for free.

What documentation do I need to provide to receive a self-test kit?

Students, faculty, and staff should show their UTID to the staff member onsite at any self-test kit distribution sites on campus.

How many self-test kits can I receive?

Students, faculty and staff will be given two test kits. To ensure the current supply is widely available to all members of the Longhorn community, please only request/accept the two self-kits at this time. As additional tests become available or you utilize both test kits you receive, we invite you to pick up more supplies.

Are self-test kits replacing PCT?

No, PCT will still be available. The self-test kit distribution is meant to augment our existing testing efforts by offering a convenient, accessible option.

What kind of tests are being distributed?

The self-test kits being distributed are rapid antigen tests. They have high sensitivity and specificity and are similar to the types of tests used in the PCT clinics.

Where did these self-test kits come from?

The self-test kits are provided from the state to the university for distribution to the Longhorn community.

Can I receive kits for my family, friends, or others?

Self-test kits distributed through the university are intended for current UT students, staff and faculty only.

How long will this program last?

The longevity of self-test kit distribution depends on supply and demand; however, we have sufficient resources to continue distribution of self-test kits for the foreseeable future.

Are there other ways to obtain free self-test kits if I won’t be on campus?

Through COVIDtests.gov, every home in the U.S. (residential address including U.S. Territories and overseas military and diplomatic addresses) is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. Read frequently asked questions on how college students can order their kits. Individuals who have health insurance can also obtain self-test kits that are covered by their plan.