Welcome to Iowa State!

As an incoming international cyclone, you are required to attend ISSO's International Student Orientation. The purpose of this orientation program is to help new international students get acclimated to the campus as well as introduce you to the international community at Iowa State. For Fall 2024, orientation will take place from August 14 to August 21.

View the Fall 24 International Orientation Schedule

Important Dates

Arrival Date: Tuesday, August 13 

International Orientation: Wednesday, August 14 to Wednesday, August 21

Start of Classes: Monday, August 26

Current Tasks:

Course Registration:

In order to register for your first semester courses, you will need to complete the followings steps:

  • Complete your Onboarding steps in Workday.
  • Complete the Introduction to Iowa State Course.
    • This course will launch to all accepted Fall entry students via email on May 29.
    • If you do not receive a link on May 29, please email isorient@iastate.edu for assistance.
  • Additional information can be found in the Pre-Arrival Guide.

View Our International Student Pre-Arrival Guide

Pre Arrival Planning

Transportation to Ames

ISSO collaborates with University Transportation Services to provide all incoming international undergraduate students a FREE Iowa State Shuttle from the Des Moines International Airport to Ames, Iowa.

This free ride from University Transportation Services is only available to new ISU international students, not their family members or returning ISU students.

Booking instructions can be found on page 5 of your Pre-Arrival Guide.

Additional transportation services such as Uber and Lyft are available at your own personal expense.

Interim Housing

Arriving before your permanent housing is available?

International students who will arrive early to participate in International Student Orientation can request Interim Housing through the Department of Residence. Students utilizing Interim Housing will be charged per night from the date they check in to Interim Housing until their official move in date.

  • Cost: $25 per night
  • Location: Maple Hall, 204 Beach Road, Ames, IA 50013-0025
    • All rooms are single gender, double occupancy, with two single beds in each room, both of which will be lofted with furniture under each bed. Only the provided furniture is allowed in the rooms.
    • The Maple-Willow-Larch (MWL) Hall Desk is located in the commons building between the three towers and will be open for check-in and check-out.
  • Dates: August 3 to August 14
    • Students will move from interim housing to their permanent assignments on August 14

Additional Temporary Housing Options

If you are arriving prior to August 3, ISSO recommends that students in need of temporary housing up their arrival to Ames make reservations at 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

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.

Temporary Meal Plans

Fall 2024 meal plans begin on Tuesday, August 20th. Students arriving on campus before this may want to consider a temporary meal plan from ISU Dining. 

With a temporary meal plan, you will be allowed three meal swipes per day for a cost of $12.50 per swipe. When using the temporary meal plan, you will only be charged for the number of times you swipe the card. You do not have to purchase a temporary ISU Dining meal plan, but please make sure to have arrangements for meals when you arrive in the United States. 

The temporary meal plan will become available on or after Saturday, August 3rd and last through Monday, August 19th. 

Register here by noon on Friday, August 2nd to ensure you receive access to the temporary meal plan. 

Dining Dollars can be purchased through your ISU Dining account and are accepted at all ISU Dining locations. You can begin using any Dining Dollars on your account once you’ve collected your University ID Card.

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 Orientation and Pre-Arrival team will be happy to assist you!