Graduate Orientation

Mandatory Arrival Date:

You are required to arrive in the U.S. by no later than the program start date listed on your I-20. For Summer 2025, the program start date is Monday, May 18th, 2026

Mandatory Arrival Date:

You are required to arrive in the U.S. by no later than the program start date listed on your I-20. For Fall 2026, the program start date is Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Upcoming Pre-Arrival Webinars:

ISSO hosts a series of pre-arrival orientation webinars for incoming international graduate students.

• Immigration, Health Insurance, and Work Authorization - July 20, 2026

Fall Graduate Orientation:

Our on campus Fall Graduate Orientation is hosted by the Graduate College. More information on this program will be available closer to the start of the 26-27 academic year.

Mandatory Arrival Date:

You are required to arrive in the U.S. by no later than the program start date listed on your I-20. For Spring 2026, the program start date is Wednesday, January 13, 2027.

Upcoming Pre-Arrival Webinars:

ISSO hosts a series of pre-arrival orientation webinars for incoming international graduate students.

Spring Orientation:

ISSO's Spring Welcome Program has not yet been scheduled. More information coming soon.

Interim Housing - Only Available for Fall Entry Students

International students who arrive early to participate in International Student Orientation can request early move in through the Department of Residence.

To request early move in, please log into your Housing Portal and complete an Early Arrival Request. Early Move-In Requests become available in Mid-June.

For Fall 2026, you can request early move in for August 14, 15, and 16. Please be aware that early move in is not available on August 13.

Additional information and dates can be found on the Department of Residence's Early Arrival Webpage.

If you are a students arriving for a Spring or Summer entry term, please view the Off Campus Early Arrival Housing options.

Hotel Options

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 or email isorient@iastate.edu to request the direct booking link.
• Use the code “International Students and Scholars Office” to get the reduced rate

Currently, the ISSO reduced rate is $109 per night.

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

If you are unable to book at the Gateway Hotel, ISSO recommends booking at the Best Western or Radisson Hotels located nearby, as these hotels are near to campus and located on an easily accessible bus route.

Students Living Off Campus

If you are contracted for an off campus apartment or other living situation, you will need to contact your leasing office directly to learn about early move in options or contract begin dates.

Meal plans officially begin on Tuesday, Aug. 19. Until then, an Early Arrival Meal Program is available for students who are moving into their fall housing assignment before the scheduled move-in date of their residence hall or apartment. These meals can be used starting Saturday, Aug 16, in all open dining locations