Day One sessions

Day One is all about setting down your unique path. In the morning, you’ll have the opportunity to choose your own sessions. Some sessions are offered at multiple times so that you can choose what matters most to you.

In the afternoon, you’ll attend required programming, built for new Cyclones to get ready for the transition to Iowa State and your academic college. During this time, your family members and guests can participate in a special session designed for them. In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with fellow new Cyclones during optional student-only programming.

  Sessions marked with a Cyclone are required for students to attend

New Student Orientation and Course Registration
TimeSessionLocation
Various times
Parking

Orientation parking is available in Lot 63. When you arrive on campus, stop at the parking tent near the entrance of Lot 63, north of the Maple-Willow-Larch Residence Halls, to receive your orientation parking pass.

Lot 63
8:00–10:00 a.m.
  Orientation Check-in

Pick up your orientation materials at 0020 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center between 8:00–10:00 a.m. on Day One. You may customize your arrival time to fit the activities you will attend on Day One.

0020 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center
8:00–9:00 p.m.
Maple Hall Check-in

Staying overnight on campus? Check in for your stay. New student overnight accommodations are complimentary. Additional guests can stay at an affordable rate. 

Students can reserve their rooms at Maple Residence Hall through the “Orientation Housing” tab of the StarRez Housing Portal, iastate.starrezhousing.com/StarRezPortalX. Guests wishing to stay at Maple Residence Hall can make arrangements during Maple Hall Check-In. Checkout by 11:00 am on Day Two.

Maple-Willow-Larch Conference Desk
8:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
8:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m. (Sunday)
  ISUCard

Stop by the ISUCard Office to pick up your ISUCard. Please bring your non-expired state or federal-issued photo ID, such as a passport, driver's license, identification card, learner's permit, or military ID, along with your university identification number, to obtain your ISUCard.

0530 Beardshear Hall
8:30–9:00 a.m.
Mapping Your Orientation

Cyclone Aide Advisors will facilitate an overview of your orientation experience to help you navigate campus, plan your schedule, and make the most of your next two days.

0101 Carver Hall
8:30 a.m.–Noon
Student Accessibility Services Consultation

If you have a documented disability and plan to use accommodations at Iowa State, visit Student Accessibility Services (SAS) for a brief intake appointment. If you’re unable to meet during orientation, you may schedule a virtual appointment after. Please reach out with questions about the accommodations process.

Contact information: 515-294-7220 (phone) or accessibility@iastate.edu (email)

1060 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center
9:00–9:25 a.m.
University Billing and U

The university bill (U-Bill) is how we communicate about university charges to you electronically. Learn about payment options, how to pay your U-Bill, how to release information to third parties, and use financial aid toward U-Bill charges.

0127 Curtiss Hall
9:00–9:30 a.m.
Mapping Your Orientation

Cyclone Aide Advisors will facilitate an overview of your orientation experience to help you navigate campus, plan your schedule, and make the most of your next two days.

0101 Carver Hall
9:00–9:50 a.m.
Sororities and Fraternities

Leaders and staff from Iowa State’s sororities and fraternities will share the benefits of membership, including the impact on academics, civic engagement, leadership, friendship, and more. The session will cover why students join, how to join each of the four councils, and what the experience is like in college and beyond.

Cardinal Room, Memorial Union
9:00 a.m.–Noon
Residence Hall Open House

Stop by to see a representative room and learn more about what each area has to offer. You are welcome to visit multiple communities during your orientation. Locations will be provided at check-in.

Various campus locations
9:30–9:55 a.m.
Your ISU Technology

Information Technology Services will share what using your everyday technology at Iowa State looks like. Learn about available resources to choose the tools right for you, how to navigate key online apps, and simple solutions to common tech questions.

Great Hall, Memorial Union
9:30–9:55 a.m.
University Billing and U

The university bill (U-Bill) is how we communicate about university charges to you electronically. Learn about payment options, how to pay your U-Bill, how to release information to third parties, and use financial aid toward U-Bill charges.

0127 Curtiss Hall
9:30–10:00 a.m.
Mapping Your Orientation

Cyclone Aide Advisors will facilitate an overview of your orientation experience to help you navigate campus, plan your schedule, and make the most of your next two days.

0101 Carver Hall
10:00–10:25 a.m.
Your ISU Technology

Information Technology Services will share what using your everyday technology at Iowa State looks like. Learn about available resources to choose the tools right for you, how to navigate key online apps, and simple solutions to common tech questions.

Great Hall, Memorial Union
10:00–10:30 a.m.
Mapping Your Orientation

Cyclone Aide Advisors will facilitate an overview of your orientation experience to help you navigate campus, plan your schedule, and make the most of your next two days.

0101 Carver Hall
10:00–10:45 a.m.
First-Year Honors Program Orientation 

If you’ve been accepted into the First-Year Honors Program, you’re invited to learn about the program, its course offerings, and opportunities for personalizing your Iowa State career.

1151 Jischke Honors Building
10:00–10:50 a.m.
Financial Aid Overview

Financial Aid will provide information on financial aid programs and processes so you and your family are prepared to make informed decisions about your options. An overview of the FAFSA, types of financial aid, steps required to secure aid and planning resources will be discussed.

0127 Curtiss Hall
10:10–10:50 a.m.
Campus Walking Tour

Meet a Cyclone Aide at the Fountain of the Four Seasons outside the north entrance of the Memorial Union for a guided walking tour of campus.

Fountain of the Four Seasons, Memorial Union
11:00–11:50 a.m.
Financial Aid Overview

Financial Aid will provide information on financial aid programs and processes so you and your family are prepared to make informed decisions about your options. An overview of the FAFSA, types of financial aid, steps required to secure aid and planning resources will be discussed.

0127 Curtiss Hall
11:00–11:50 a.m.
Sororities and Fraternities

Leaders and staff from Iowa State’s sororities and fraternities will share the benefits of membership, including the impact on academics, civic engagement, leadership, friendship, and more. The session will cover why students join, how to join each of the four councils, and what the experience is like in college and beyond.

Cardinal Room, Memorial Union
11:00 a.m.–Noon
Cyclone Marching Band

Learn about the Cyclone Marching Band. Visit cyclonemarchingband.iastate.edu for more information.

140 Simon Estes Music Hall
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
First Scholars Lunch and Information Session

Stop by the First Scholars Office for a catered lunch and information about academic, financial, career, and personal support programs designed for first-generation and income-eligible (Pell Grant-eligible) students. Engage with staff, explore the space, ask questions, and discover how you can opt into programs designed to support your success. 

Informational presentations will be given at 11:20 a.m. and noon. See the First Scholars website firstscholars.dso.iastate.edu for pre-registration requirements.

3220 Memorial Union
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Lunch on Your Own

You can use your orientation meal ticket or purchase lunch at several locations, including the Memorial Union Food Court, the Hub, Clyde’s, and Union Drive Marketplace. Some spots are closed on Sundays; local restaurants will be open. 

We encourage guests with special dietary needs to discuss options before orientation by contacting ISU Dining at diningrd@iastate.edu (email) or 515-294-3812 (phone). Check dining.iastate.edu for hours, menus, and locations. Cashless payment accepted.

Memorial Union Food Court, The Hub, Clyde's, or Union Drive Marketplace
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Meet the ISU Choir Conductors

Drop by to learn about choir opportunities and get placed into an appropriate choir. Upon placement, you will register for choir courses during your academic advising appointment on Day Two.

111 Simon Estes Music Hall
11:10–11:50 a.m.
Campus Walking Tour

Meet a Cyclone Aide at the Fountain of the Four Seasons outside the north entrance of the Memorial Union for a guided walking tour of campus.

Fountain of the Four Seasons, Memorial Union
11:15 a.m.–Noon
Parks Library Tour

Discover how the University Library can help you succeed through a guided tour. Meet subject librarians, learn about services, explore study spaces, and enjoy historic art, including the famous Grant Wood murals.

198 Parks Library
12:45–2:45 p.m.
  Being New at ISU: Student Program

In this required session, join Cyclone Aides for an exciting session about life as a Cyclone. You will learn about campus life and involvement, safety and wellness, money management, next steps, and so much more. Compete with your team in the Ultimate Cyclone Challenge and put your knowledge to the test!

Sun Room, Memorial Union
12:45–2:45 p.m.
   Key Topics for Family Members

In this session for family members and guests, you will learn about health and wellness, living on campus, selecting a meal plan, transportation, and campus safety. Hear from Cyclone Aides about how they made the most of their first six weeks on campus and how you can support your Cyclone in making the most of theirs.

Great Hall, Memorial Union
3:00–5:00 p.m.
   College Connections

Experience a welcome to your academic college and learn about your academic program. Attendance is required to register for your classes on Day Two. This session includes important academic information about selecting your fall courses and registering for classes.

Locations:

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (0127 Curtiss Hall)
Ivy College of Business (1148 Gerdin Business Building)
College of Design (0101 Design)
College of Engineering (2055 Hoover Hall)
College of Health and Human Sciences (1210 LeBaron Hall)
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (1001 Troxel Hall)

Locations vary based on college
5:00–6:00 p.m.
Dinner

Cyclone Aides will join you to answer your questions while you experience Union Drive Marketplace for dinner. You can use your orientation meal ticket or purchase dinner at an orientation rate of $12 per person. Cashless payment accepted.

Union Drive Marketplace
6:15–7:30 p.m.
Evening Recreation

Students can enjoy volleyball, basketball, soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, or board games. Please wear closed-toe athletic shoes if you plan to participate.

Lied Recreation Athletic Center
7:30–8:30 p.m.
The Scoop

Wrap-up your day by getting the scoop and enjoying ice cream, board games, and casual conversation with other new students and the Cyclone Aides. Hang out and have fun!

Maple-Willow-Larch Third Floor Commons

Day Two sessions

On Day Two, we’ll make sure you’re ready to start the year off right. You’ll meet with an academic advisor to register for classes and answer your questions about course registration. Be sure to stop by the resource fair and attend any of the optional sessions you might’ve missed on Day One.

  Sessions marked with a Cyclone are required for students to attend

TimeSessionLocation
6:30–9:00 a.m.
Breakfast

You can use your orientation meal ticket or purchase breakfast at Union Drive Marketplace at an orientation rate of $12. Cashless payment accepted. Clyde’s, featuring We Proudly Serve Starbucks, located in the Union Drive Community Center, and the Charging Station within the Memorial Union Food Court, are also options for breakfast on the go.

Union Drive Marketplace, Clyde's, or the Charging Station, Memorial Union
8:00 a.m.–Noon
  Academic Advising Appointment and Course Registration

During this time, you will meet with an academic advisor and register for your fall classes. Your advising appointment information is provided during College Connections on Day One.

Various campus locations
8:15–9:00 a.m.
Families in Transition

Family members are invited to join Parent and Family Programs as they share helpful tips to make the college transition as smooth as possible. This session will cover changing communication expectations, helping your student move toward independence, and resources available to support you. Families are encouraged to connect at the end of the session to start building a network of mutual support.

Campanile Room, Memorial Union
8:30 a.m.–Noon
Student Accessibility Services Consultation

If you have a documented disability and plan to use accommodations at Iowa State, visit Student Accessibility Services (SAS) for a brief intake appointment. If you’re unable to meet during orientation, you may schedule a virtual appointment after. Please reach out with questions about the accommodations process.

Contact information: 515-294-7220 (phone) or accessibility@iastate.edu (email)

1060 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center
9:00–9:25 a.m.
University Billing and U

The university bill (U-Bill) is how we communicate about university charges to you electronically. Learn about payment options, how to pay your U-Bill, how to release information to third parties, and use financial aid toward U-Bill charges.

0127 Curtiss Hall
9:00–9:50 a.m.
Sororities and Fraternities

Leaders and staff from Iowa State’s sororities and fraternities will share the benefits of membership, including the impact on academics, civic engagement, leadership, friendship, and more. The session will cover why students join, how to join each of the four councils, and what the experience is like in college and beyond.

Cardinal Room, Memorial Union
9:00 a.m.–Noon
Residence Hall Open House

Stop by to see a representative room and learn more about what each area has to offer. You are welcome to visit multiple communities during your orientation. Locations will be provided at check-in.

Various campus locations
9:30–9:55 a.m.
University Billing and U

The university bill (U-Bill) is how we communicate about university charges to you electronically. Learn about payment options, how to pay your U-Bill, how to release information to third parties, and use financial aid toward U-Bill charges.

0127 Curtiss Hall
9:30 a.m.–Noon
  Resource Fair

Come and browse! Campus and community representatives provide materials about programs, activities, and services at Iowa State. Students can register for Destination Iowa State and complete additional action items. Check in and visit exhibitors on all floors to be entered to win door prizes.

Student Innovation Center
10:00–10:50 a.m.
Financial Aid Overview

Financial Aid will provide information on financial aid programs and processes so you and your family are prepared to make informed decisions about your options. An overview of the FAFSA, types of financial aid, steps required to secure aid and planning resources will be discussed.

0127 Curtiss Hall
10:00 a.m.–Noon
Multicultural Student Affairs Open House

Visit Multicultural Student Affairs to learn about the programs, opportunities, and resource centers that support ISU students.

3320, Memorial Union
10:10–10:50 a.m.
Campus Walking Tour

Meet a Cyclone Aide at the Fountain of the Four Seasons outside the north entrance of the Memorial Union for a guided walking tour of campus.

Fountain of the Four Seasons, Memorial Union
11:00–11:50 a.m.
Sororities and Fraternities

Leaders and staff from Iowa State’s sororities and fraternities will share the benefits of membership, including the impact on academics, civic engagement, leadership, friendship, and more. The session will cover why students join, how to join each of the four councils, and what the experience is like in college and beyond.

Cardinal Room, Memorial Union
11:10–11:50 a.m.
Campus Walking Tour

Meet a Cyclone Aide at the Fountain of the Four Seasons outside the north entrance of the Memorial Union for a guided walking tour of campus.

Fountain of the Four Seasons, Memorial Union
11:15 a.m.–Noon
Parks Library Tour

Discover how the University Library can help you succeed through a guided tour. Meet subject librarians, learn about services, explore study spaces, and enjoy historic art, including the famous Grant Wood murals.

198 Parks Library

Additional activities

TimeSessionLocation
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Iowa State Memory Maker

Download the Scavify app on your phone and search Iowa State Memory Maker to participate in this exciting self-paced photo scavenger hunt through campus as you experience orientation. Learn about Iowa State history and traditions, all while snapping some iconic photos. If you complete the hunt, come to the New Student Programs office in 5530 Memorial Union to claim your prize.

Various campus locations
8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Monday–Friday)
8:00 a.m.–Noon (Sunday)
Financial Aid Drop-in Service

Many of your financial aid questions will be answered during the Financial Aid Overview session. If you have specific questions about your aid, meet with a financial aid advisor at this time.

0210 Beardshear Hall
8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Information Station

Have questions? Need directions? Want more information? Stop by one of the information stations.

Ground Floor Lobby, Beardshear Hall or Floor Two, Memorial Union
8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Monday–Friday)
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Saturday)
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (Sunday)
Visit the ISU Book Store

Visit the ISU Book Store to prepare for your first day of class with textbooks and technology at the ISU Book Store. Learn how to access your textbooks with the Immediate Access ONE program. Find your required computer at TechCyte with the Major Success program, including your free Microsoft Office 365 software. New students get a free t-shirt!

Floor One, Memorial Union
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Recreation Services Self-Guided Tour

Tour the recreation facilities at State Gym. Stop by the front service desk to check in and explore at your own pace.

State Gym
10:00 a.m.–Noon
Admissions Drop-in

Do you have questions for admissions? Stop by to talk with an admissions counselor.

Enrollment Services Center, First Floor
5:00–8:00 p.m. (Day One only)
ALEKS Math Placement Assessment In-Person Proctoring 

Students wishing to retake their ALEKS math placement assessment using the in-person proctoring option can do so on campus during this time. Drop-in sessions are available during this time. In-person retakes must be completed by 8:00 PM. 

If you wish to use the virtual proctoring option, follow the steps through ALEKS and pay the Respondus Monitor fee. Learn more at math.iastate.edu/academics/aleks.

2242 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center

Important notes

  • OnCyte Orientation is a one-and-a-half-day experience. Academic advising will take place on Day Two. If you and your family would like to stay in Ames before or after your visit, make sure to discuss overnight accommodation options. New students’ overnight accommodations at Maple Residence Hall are complimentary. Additional guests can stay at an affordable rate. Cashless payment accepted. Students can reserve their rooms at Maple Residence Hall through the “Orientation Housing” tab of the StarRez Housing Portal, iastate.starrezhousing.com/StarRezPortalX. Guests wishing to stay at Maple Residence Hall can make arrangements during Maple Hall Check-In. We recommend that new students stay on campus while guests stay at local hotels. To explore area hotels, visit discoverames.com.
  • Review the orientation website and schedule ahead of time to choose which sessions are most important for you to attend the morning of Day One. Customize your arrival time to meet your needs.
  • Complimentary parking is available in Lot 63, near Maple-Willow-Larch Residence Halls. Once you arrive, pick up your parking pass to display in your car.
  • Each orientation attendee will receive one orientation meal ticket at check-in to use on campus for a meal of their choosing during orientation. Orientation students and guests are responsible for additional meals.
  • Programming at OnCyte Orientation is specific to your academic college. If you change your major, please contact New Student Programs to reschedule. Complete major changes by logging in to Admissions MyAccount and selecting Manage Applications: apps.admissions.iastate.edu/myaccount/new/manage_applications.php
  • All students should complete the ALEKS math placement assessment before orientation. math.iastate.edu/academics/undergraduate/aleks
  • All students should ensure they have sent any official (in-progress) high school and/or college transcripts to the Office of Admissions before orientation. This will ensure you can register for classes during orientation.
  • You may choose to bring a laptop to use in the evenings as you explore course registration options.

Students who would like to request accommodations for orientation should contact Student Accessibility Services. Family members and guests who would like to request accommodations for orientation should contact New Student Programs. Please submit your request at least two weeks in advance by completing this form go.iastate.edu/TJOTOJ, calling, or emailing the appropriate office.

Contact information: 

Student Accessibility Services: 515-294-7220 (phone) or accessibility@iastate.edu (email)

New Student Programs: 515-294- 0801(phone) or nsp@iastate.edu (email)

Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. For those who are able, walking is the primary way of exploring campus. The fare-free CyRide #23 Orange Route runs every 10 minutes and is available to take you to your orientation activities. Download the MyState or Transit apps for bus routes and times.

If you have not already set up your Iowa State email account/Net-ID or need assistance, visit it.iastate.edu/netid or contact the IT Solution Center at 192 Parks Library or 515-294-4000 (phone).

You will need to submit a photo for your ISUCard (isucard.iastate.edu), your permanent university identification card, before coming to orientation. If you are unable to complete this step, you can also stop into the ISUCard Office during orientation to have your photo taken and walk out with your ISUCard.

Visit the photo submission webpage photo.isucard.iastate.edu and follow the guidelines carefully to submit a photo for your ISUCard. Be sure to submit it at least two business days before coming to campus.

Bring your University ID number and a valid state or federally issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, to pick up your card at the ISUCard Office in 0530 Beardshear.