As an incoming international cyclone, you are required to attend ISSO's New 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.
Prior to your first semester at Iowa State, you will receive by email a link to access Online Orientation.
This online course serves as your first introduction to Iowa State University, student resources, your academic college, and much more.
Completing this course is a required step in your journey to Iowa State and, once complete, will get you started on registering for your first semester courses.
It is best to complete this course as soon as possible after receiving it, so be sure to keep an eye on your Iowa State email.
Online Orientation for Fall 2025 will be sent to international students who have accepted their admissions offer on May 19th.
All new students to Iowa State are required to take the ALEKS math placement test prior to registering for their first semester classes.
The ALEKS math placement test can be accessed from your Admissions MyAccount.
As an international student, you are required to check in with ISSO and register your immigration record after arriving.
For undergraduate students, this will happen during your orientation program so you don't need to come to our office in advance in order to check in.
Incoming international students who are not native speakers of English or who do not meet at least one of the exemption criteria for the English Requirement must take the English Placement Test (EPT).
The EPT provides an opportunity for students to satisfy the English requirement by testing both written and oral communication English language skills. These in-person tests happen prior to the start of your first semester at Iowa State as part of New International Student Orientation.
The results of the EPT are then shared with your Academic Advisor and help determine which English courses, if any, are necessary as part of your academic program at Iowa State.
You are only given one opportunity to take the EPT and it is best to take it prior to your first semester to ensure the best possible outcome for your academic progress.
More information on test registration, format, exemption criteria, and more can be found on the EPT website.
Incoming international students are required to attend a Student Health Orientation session as part of New International Student Orientation.
This session, held at Thielen Student Health Center (TSHC), will introduce you to our Student Health and Wellness unit and provide you with resources to support your well-being as you work to achieve your academic goals at Iowa State.
If you have any questions about immunization records, ISU health requirements, or your health orientation session, please email the Thielen Student Health Center (TSHC) at immrequirements@iastate.edu. A member of the nursing staff will reply to your questions. The expected response time will be 5–7 days.
Questions specific to health insurance can be directed to the Student and Scholars Health Insurance Program (SSHIP) at isusship@iastate.edu.
Iowa State University is comprised of seven different colleges. The College Connections session serves as your orientation to your specific college at Iowa State. Every college is unique and provides specific services to students of their specific college. This session is also where you will receive information about receiving or setting up an in person advising appointment if one is needed or wanted.
For Fall 2025, this session will take place on Tuesday, August 19th from 10:30am to Noon, so keep your schedules open!
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, your mandatory arrival date is January 11th, 2026.
ISSO's Spring Entry New International Student Orientation will run from Monday, January 12th to Thursday, January 15th, 2026.
Further instructions on how and when to complete these steps will be emailed to you towards the end of the year. Please watch your inbox carefully for any emails from Iowa State.
For steps that can be completed now, please visit the link hub at the bottom of this page.
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, your mandatory arrival date is August 16th, 2026
ISSO's Fall Entry New International Student Orientation will run from Monday, August 17th to Thursday, August 20th, 2026.
Further instructions on how and when to complete these steps will be emailed to you over the summer. Please watch your inbox carefully for any emails from Iowa State.
For steps that can be completed now, please visit the link hub at the bottom of this page.
As a student arriving early for international orientation, it is likely that you will need to access early arrival housing and dining options. Please view the options below for more information.
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.
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.
ISSO recommends that students in need of temporary housing upon their arrival to Ames make reservations at the Gateway Hotel.
To Make a Reservation:
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.
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.
