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. The date for Spring 2025 orientation is still being determined.

Save the Date

Arrival Date: Thursday, January 16th 

Graduate Welcome Session: Friday, January 17th, 2-4pm

Start of Classes: Tuesday, January 21st

 

Next Steps for Spring 2025

Current Tasks

Pre Arrival Planning

Temporary Housing

Arriving before your permanent housing is available?

ISSO recommends that students in need of temporary housing upon 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"

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 Dining

For International students arriving to Iowa State University prior to Spring 2025 meal plans loading, ISU Dining has options available to access food.  

Students can request blocks of 3, 6, or 9 meals.  These meals have a $12.50 value which can be used at open Retail locations or provide swipe access to our all-you-care-to-dine dining centers.  

To request a block of meals to be loaded, complete this survey link by Friday January 10th, 3:00pm.

Requested meals will be loaded directly to your ISU Card, which should be presented to the greeter at the Dining Center when you enter to eat or to the cashier after placing an order.  If you have not gotten your ISU Card, you can download the GET app to use as a mobile ID.

The link will remain open after the submittal deadline and additional requests will be managed during business hours the week of January 13th.

Spring meal plans will then load on Thursday, January 16th.

Transportation to Ames

ISSO, in collaboration with University Transportation Services, offers a one time free shuttle to new international graduate students. For Spring 2025 Entry, this shuttle will be available from January 6th to January 16th. Booking information can be found in the Arrival to Ames form under the Orientation Checklist in Cystart.

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!