Traveling to the U.S. for the first time can be one of the most exciting and most stressful parts about becoming an international student. Knowing what to expect during the arrival process can make your trip a whole lot smoother. Below you'll find a quick guide to help you through.
As an international student at Iowa State, you will more than likely arrive at your Port of Entry first, prior to boarding a connecting flight to Des Moines. Common connection hubs for students coming to Iowa State include Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, but can be any major Port of Entry depending on where you are flying from and what airline you take.
Be sure to carry all necessary documents in your carry on bag.
Sometimes, students are asked to go through a secondary inspection for more questions. Don’t stress—this is pretty routine. Just be honest and answer their questions.
If you are boarding a connecting domestic flight at your Port of Entry, you will likely need to re-check your luggage with your airline and go back through security prior to boarding.
If CBP has any questions about your immigration record, I-20/DS-2019, or plans to study at Iowa State, they may contact ISSO. They already have our contact information, so you shouldn't need to provided it to them.
If you do need to contact us, you can contact us during business hours at 515-294-1120 or after hours by calling the ISU Police Department at 515-294-4428 to be connected to our emergency line.
ISSO recommends that international students coming to study at Iowa State plan to arrive at the Des Moines International Airport, located in Des Moines, Iowa.
Ames, Iowa, where the Iowa State University campus is located, is about 45 minutes north of Des Moines.
By the time you arrive in Des Moines, you should have already gone through immigration and cleared customs, so no further inspections are needed. Just follow signs for security, exit down the escalators, and head right toward baggage claim and transportation pick up.
The ISSO Airport Shuttle is available from January 5th to January 16th for Spring 2026.
ISSO offers a complimentary shuttle to new international students through University Transportation Services, subject to the availability above. University Transportation Services cannot accommodate passengers under 18 years old due to liability concerns. Students traveling with dependent children will need to make other arrangements.
Submitting this request does not guarantee a shuttle. You will receive a confirmation if your request is approved.
Please make sure to submit this form at least 3 business days prior to your arrival, so we have adequate time to arrange your shuttle.
If for any reason you are unable to submit this form, please email isorient@iastate.edu and we will assist you.
You can book through UTS on your own. They offer both individual shuttles and group shuttles.
Information on booking and rates can be found on the UTS website.
Private car options from the Des Moines International Airport are also available.
Please contact shuttleservices@iastate.edu for assistance with finding additional transportation options.
For graduate students arriving for Fall 2026, ISSO recommends that you arrive no earlier than August 10, but we strongly recommend not arriving until August 14, 15, or 16, to avoid accruing additional early arrival costs. On campus housing does not become available until January 11th at the earliest.
You must arrive by your program start date, which is August 19.
If you are unable to arrive by August 19, please reach out to the Office of Admissions at admissions@iastate.edu to request late arrival approval.
