Welcome to Iowa State!

As an incoming cyclone, it is strongly recommended that you attend Graduate Student Orientation. The purpose of this orientation program is to help new graduate students get acclimated to the campus as well as introduce you to the graduate community at Iowa State. For Fall 2024, orientation events will take place on Friday, August 23rd.

Graduate Orientation

We are happy to announce that ISSO's International Graduate Orientation and the Graduate College's Graduate Orientation programs have merged. The result is one event that will serve all of our incoming graduate students. Graduate orientation will take place on Friday, August 23rd from 9am to 1:30pm on the West Marston Lawn.

View the schedule and RSVP to attend!

Important Dates

Arrival Date: Thursday, August 22nd

Graduate Orientation: Friday, August 23rd

Start of Classes: Monday, August 26th

Pre-Arrival Planning

View Our Graduate Pre-Arrival Guide

Travel Arrangements

ISSO is able to provide a one time free shuttle to International Graduate students from August 3rd to August 22nd through University Transportation Services. For more information and how to book, please reference the travel arrangements page of the Pre-Arrival Guide.

For those arriving prior to August 3rd, or who are unable to take the ISSO shuttle for other reasons, please reference the Pre-Arrival Guide for additional transportation options that can be arranged separately.

Temporary Housing

Arriving before your permanent housing is available?

On Campus Interim Housing will be available through the Department of Residence. More information will be available toward the end of the Spring term.

Alternate arrangements can be made through the Gateway Hotel.

To Make a Reservation

  • Call the Gateway Hotel at 515-292-8600
  • Use the code "International Students and Scholars Office" to get the reduced rate

Currently the ISSO rate for the Gateway is $99 per night.

Reservations are dependent on upon hotel availability. The “International Students and Scholars Office” reduced rate does not apply during ISU home football games and graduation.

Alternative and independent arrangements can be made through Airbnb or hotels in Ames.

Prepare Your Initial Expenses

We recommend bringing sufficient funds to cover your initial expenses for the first three months through traveler’s checks, ATM, or debit/credit cards until you establish a bank account in the U.S. Never carry large amounts of cash with you or in luggage checked in with the airlines.

QUESTIONS?

Please email isorient@iastate.edu and our Orientation and Pre-Arrival Team will be happy to assist you!