Starting classes in May, June, or August? (summer or fall entry)
First-year OnCyte Orientation lodging options
OnCyte Orientation for first-year students is a 1.5-day experience. Students and families participating in OnCyte Orientation are invited to stay in Maple Residence Hall. There are also many hotel options in Ames and the surrounding areas for you and your family to stay during your visit. Discuss as a family which option is best for you.
Maple Residence Hall
Overnight housing in Maple Hall represents a true college housing experience. Most commonly, students stay with other students on designated student-oriented floors, but they may choose to stay with their families. Family members will be assigned to family-oriented floors if they choose to stay in Maple Hall. Cashless payment is accepted.
Amenities
- Air-conditioned rooms with elevator access
- Choice of lofted beds on student-oriented floors or unlofted beds on family-oriented floors
- Individual bathrooms and showers conveniently located on each floor. If you have a request for a disability accommodation, please contact the Department of Residence Conference Services Office to make arrangements
- A pillow, bed linens, washcloth, and two towels – for the most enjoyable stay, bring your own blanket and toiletries
- Rooms do not include amenities similar to that of a hotel/motel – no televisions, reading lamps, alarm clocks, or private bathroom/showers
- Smoking and consumption of alcohol is prohibited
Package options (No additional taxes or fees)
- New student overnight accommodation in a double occupancy shared room is complimentary. Students can reserve their orientation housing through the "Orientation Housing" tab of the StarRez Housing Portal.
- Shared room packages are $35.75 per person. Another orientation guest may be assigned to stay with you if you arrive by yourself.
- Single room packages are $47.75 per person. Guests in single rooms will be assigned to their own room.
- Additional guests can purchase their orientation housing package by visiting the Maple-Willow-Larch Conference Desk between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Day One. Cashless payment is accepted at the time of check-in.
- Rooms will be ready for check-in during the morning. Guests check out by 11:00 a.m. on Day Two.
More lodging options
While many students choose to stay overnight with other students and participate in evening activities, limited guest housing is also available on designated floors. We recommend guests stay overnight at a local hotel. Discuss as a family which option is best for you.
Hotel/motel information is available from Discover Ames. Although Discover Ames is not able to make reservations or specific recommendations for properties, they will provide general lodging and visitor information. Visit Discover Ames to explore your options.
Dining
Union Drive Marketplace will be hosting all-you-care-to eat buffet dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your orientation. Your orientation rate is $11/person. New students and their guests will be provided one complimentary meal pass.
Guests with special dietary needs are encouraged to discuss options before orientation by contacting ISU Dining at diningrd@iastate.edu or by calling 515-294-3812.
Transfer OnCyte Orientation lodging options
There are many hotel options in Ames and the surrounding areas for you and your family to stay during your visit. Discuss as a family which option is best for you.
Hotel/motel information is available from Discover Ames. Although Discover Ames is not able to make reservations or specific recommendations for properties, they will provide general lodging and visitor information.
Dining
The Memorial Union Food Court is available for your dining needs during orientation. New students and their guests will be provided one complimentary meal pass. Guests with special dietary needs are encouraged to discuss options before orientation by contacting ISU Dining at diningrd@iastate.edu or by calling 515-294-3812.