Starting your Iowa State experience? We'll help map it out

Orientation is designed to welcome you to campus and help you get familiar with Iowa State.

You will be able to register for your first semester classes, get to know Iowa State and important policies and procedures. It is also a great way to ease yourself into university life.  

Orientation for international students

Orientation your way

Orientation is required for all new students, but you decide which option works best for you. Lost your notes or want a preview? The orientation publications and presentations summarize the resources and frequently asked questions that will help you transition to Iowa State.

Starting classes in May, June, or August? (summer or fall entry)

This event allows you to experience campus in person and get to know Ames. During OnCyte Orientation, you will be able to:

  • Take tours and get to know your way around
  • Connect with other Cyclones in person
  • Attend helpful sessions on campus resources, housing and dining, and financial aid
  • Get your ISUCard
  • Learn about your academic college, major and how to succeed academically
  • Meet with an advisor face-to-face to plan your class schedule

First-year students will choose a 1.5 day orientation session held in the month of June. Transfer students will choose a 1-day orientation session held in April, May, or June.

Your academic major will determine options available to you. Guests are welcome to attend with you! Once you register for OnCyte Orientation, you will receive an email with helpful information and steps to complete before orientation.

Much of what is shared during OnCyte Orientation is available via the online orientation module. It will help you:

  • Learn about Iowa State’s campus, academics, and clubs
  • Discover essential resources to succeed
  • Learn about living and dining on campus
  • Prepare for academic advising and meeting virtually with an academic advisor

Online orientation opens early April for transfer students. The steps to schedule your advising appointment are included in online orientation. Plan to complete online orientation at least a week before you meet with your advisor for class registration. 

Online orientation opens late May for first-year students. You will select a virtual advising appointment date at the time you make your reservation for online orientation. Expect to receive an email from your academic college 5 days before your pre-selected advising appointment date with details on how to meet with your academic advisor. Plan to complete online orientation at least a week before you meet with your advisor for class registration.

You will receive an email with instructions for how to login and complete online orientation once online orientation opens.

  • Once you receive your orientation invitation, select which style of orientation is best for you. Register for either an OnCyte Orientation session or online orientation. If you are a first-year student choosing online orientation, you will also choose a date for your virtual academic advising appointment.
  • Take the ALEKS math placement assessment at least two weeks prior to your academic advising appointment.
  • Attend OnCyte Orientation or complete required online orientation.
  • Sign up for Destination Iowa State, a student-only kickoff experience held the Thursday through Sunday before classes begin.

Complete ALEKS placement assessment

Register for Destination Iowa State

Starting classes in January? (spring entry)

This event allows you to experience campus in person and get to know Ames. During OnCyte Orientation, you will be able to:

  • Take tours and get to know your way around
  • Connect with other Cyclones in person
  • Attend helpful sessions on campus resources, housing and dining, and financial aid
  • Get your ISUCard
  • Learn about your academic college, major and how to succeed academically
  • Meet with an advisor face-to-face to plan your class schedule

 You will choose a 1 day orientation session held in the month of November. Guests are welcome to attend with you! Once you register for OnCyte Orientation, you will receive an email with helpful information and steps to complete before orientation.

Much of what is shared during OnCyte Orientation is available via the online orientation module. It will help you:

  • Learn about Iowa State’s campus, academics, and clubs
  • Discover essential resources to succeed
  • Learn about living and dining on campus
  • Prepare for academic advising and meeting virtually with an academic advisor

Online orientation opens mid-October. The steps to schedule your virtual advising appointment are included in online orientation. Plan to complete online orientation at least a week before you meet with your advisor for class registration. You will receive an email with instructions for how to login and complete online orientation once online orientation opens. 

  • Once you receive your orientation invitation, select which style of orientation is best for you. Register for either an OnCyte Orientation session or online orientation.
  • Take the ALEKS math placement assessment at least two weeks prior to your academic advising appointment.
  • Attend OnCyte Orientation or complete required online orientation.
  • Sign up for Destination Iowa State, a student-only kickoff experience held the Friday before classes begin.

Complete ALEKS placement assessment

Register for Destination Iowa State

Orientation presentations will be available during the fall semester.

Before you arrive

Questions?

Contact New Student Programs