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 Spring 2026, the program start date is Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Upcoming Pre-Arrival Webinars:

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

Our Spring 2026 webinar programs have not yet been scheduled. Please check back soon.

Spring Orientation:

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

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.

Summer Orientation:

ISSO's Summer Welcome Program will be held in May. Official date coming soon.

Graduate students are not required to attend orientation, but it is strongly encouraged.

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 18th, 2026.

Upcoming Pre-Arrival Webinars:

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

Our Fall 2026 webinar programs have not yet been scheduled. Please check back soon.

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.

Interim Housing - Only Available for Fall Entry Students

International students who will arrive early to participate in International Student Orientation can access 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.

To access interim housing, please log into your Housing Portal and complete an Early Arrival Request. Early Arrival Requests become available in Mid-June.

Semester specific 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.

Information on Meal Plan options for the Spring 2026 entry term coming soon.