So you've arrived in the U.S. and it isn't quite time for orientation to start. What can you do now?
Here's information about a few common tasks International Students are eager to get out of the way before orientation starts.
After arriving in the U.S., you will likely need to open a U.S. bank account. ISSO and Iowa State have no specific requirements on where you open your account. We suggest looking around at options and decide which bank suits your needs best.
To open an account, you will likely need to make an in-person appointment with the bank of your choosing, as many online forms for opening bank accounts require a Social Security Number.
Please Note: A Social Security Number is not required to open a bank account in the U.S. despite many online forms requiring it.
Iowa State University does have a standing relationship with U.S. Bank that may come with additional features other banks will not have, as well as a convenient branch location within easy walking distance from campus. To learn more about the partnership with U.S. Bank and what it entails, please visit the ISU Card Website.
After arriving in the U.S., you can set up U.S. cell service with a provider of your choosing. ISSO does not specifically required you to be on any one provider and you do not need to wait until you arrive on campus to set up mobile service.
If you have arrived in Ames, and are unsure where to start, you can drop by the ISSO front desk to collect a starter packet from campusSIMS in partnership with Mint Mobile to you get you started. Once you have an American phone number, please update your phone number information within Workday.
Iowa State students, faculty and staff are eligible to receive alerts via a phone call (cell or landline), text message and email. The contact information you provide is not shared or used for anything other than the ISU Alert notification system. The ISU Alert system quickly notifies Iowa State University students, faculty and staff of potentially dangerous situations.
To sign up with ISU Alerts or update your existing contact information, please visit the About ISU Alerts webpage for Workday instructions.
While at Iowa State, ISSO recommends getting a State ID or Driver’s License card to serve as a form a photo ID, aside from your passport. ISSO generally does not recommend carrying your passport on you at all times, as if this document is lost, replacing it can be difficult or cause other immigration issues.
Note: Getting a Driver’s License may involve additional testing to prove traffic law knowledge and driving ability.
Documents needed to bring to your Iowa DOT appointment:
As an undergraduate student you can begin looking for on campus employment after arriving but you cannot begin working until after International Orientation has concluded.
For more information about on campus employment regulations for F-1 students, please visit our expanded information page.
To view available on campus work opportunities, please visit CyHire.
A Note: Not every position on CyHire meets the requirements for on campus employment. If you aren't certain or have questions, reach out to your International Advisor prior to applying.
International students are often interested in applying for a Social Security Number (SSN) after arriving in the U.S.
Below is more information on commonly asked questions, requirements, and processes for applying.
No. Unless you are working on campus, you do not need a Social Security Number.
No, you do not need an SSN to apply for a bank account. If the online form for opening a bank account requires an SSN, you will just need to make an in-person appointment to open your account.
No, international students can only apply for a social security number if they are working on campus.
No, you should not apply for an SSN on your own, as you need an authorization letter from the university for your application. Applying on your own without this letter can cause issues and/or significantly delay SSN application processes if they are needed.
If you are working on campus, you will receive information and required documents to apply for U.S. Social Security Number during the Form I-9 appointment.
