Prior to arrival, you will likely receive many communications from ISSO with information regarding your upcoming orientation program. If you have missed an email or would just like to review, you can find already sent communications below.
Orientation Program Updates
Hello International Cyclone,
On behalf of the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO), we are pleased to welcome you to the Iowa State community! We are so excited to have you start your journey at Iowa State and look forward to meeting you!
International Undergraduate Pre-Arrival Guide
The International Undergraduate Pre-Arrival Guide is a comprehensive manual that ISSO has compiled to help you get started on your journey to Iowa State. Inside you will find all the items you need to complete to finalize your enrollment at Iowa State and plan your arrival in the United States, including:
• What to do after receiving your I-20
• Getting started on your visa application process
• Making travel arrangements both to the U.S. and to campus
• Making permanent housing arrangements
• Housing and dining arrangements for orientation
• Steps for completing online orientation and student onboarding
• How to register for classes
• Information regarding placement exams
• Immunization records and health screenings
• Information about ISSO’s New International Student Orientation
Please review your Pre-Arrival Guide carefully, as missing a step could delay your enrollment at Iowa State. It is recommended that you complete all the following steps that are listed in the Pre-Arrival Guide by Friday, December 27 but it is in your best interest to work through the listed steps as soon as possible to ensure you have enough time to get registered for classes and have a successful first semester on campus.
To help you keep track of your progress, we have created an interactive checklist in Cystart. Log in with your NetID and password and use the International Student Orientation Checklist to track important items and register for orientation
Online Orientation – Available October 22
Online Orientation is required for all incoming international students. In online orientation you will learn about Iowa State’s campus, student resources, information specific to your college and major, and once complete, you will gain access to course registration. It is important to complete this course as soon as possible, as completion is required to meet with your academic adviser and register for classes.
This course will launch on October 22. You can access the course through your Admissions MyAccount or by the link we will email out on launch day.
Lastly, mark your calendars!
• You must arrive in Ames, Iowa, by Sunday, January 11. If you have an emergency and are unable to arrive in Ames by January 11, or you would like to defer your admission to a future semester, you must contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@iastate.edu.
• ISSO New International Student Orientation will take place from Monday, January 12 to Thursday, January 15. During orientation, you will complete your required immigration processing, connect with various campus resources, meet other international and U.S. students, participate in fun activities, and learn important information about transitioning into life at Iowa State University. You are required to attend orientation in January, so plan your travel accordingly.
If you have any questions, please email us at isorient@iastate.edu.
Thank you!