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 Spring 2024, orientation will take place from January 8th to January 12th.
Save the Date
Reporting Date: Sunday, January 7th
International Orientation: Monday, January 8th - Friday, January 12th
Start of Classes: Tuesday, January 16th
Next Steps for Spring 2024
- Review your Pre-Arrival Guide.
- Accept your offer of admission. More information can be found on the Office of Admission's website.
- Register for your NET-ID.
- Take the online Introduction to Iowa State Course.
- Review your Orientation Schedule.
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" to get the reduced rate
Currently the ISSO reduced 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.
Transportation to Ames:
ISSO collaborates with Executive Express, a local car service company, to provide all incoming international students a FREE shuttle service from the Des Moines International Airport to Ames, Iowa.
Each student can have two pieces of luggage and one lap item when traveling with Executive Express. Any additional luggage will be $15 per bag over allowed amount. Students will be charged $15 per bag for each additional piece of luggage. This free ride from Executive Express is only available to new ISU international students, not their family members or returning ISU students.
Shuttle Booking Now Available through Executive Express. Please refer to page 5 of your Pre-Arrival Guide for instructions.
Additional transportation services such as Uber and Lyft are available at your own personal expense
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!