8:15–9:45 a.m.

Check–in
Welcome to Iowa State University! Choose an arrival time to meet your needs.

Plan to arrive by 8:45 a.m. if you’d like to attend the Financial Aid Overview session. 

Oak Room, Memorial Union

8:30 a.m.–2:00 pm. 

ISUCard
Bring a valid government issued photo ID to get your ISUCard. We recommend obtaining your ISUCard before 2:00 p.m., but the office is open until 4:00 p.m. Allow 30 minutes to receive your ISUCard.

To save time and have your card ready for pick up when you arrive, follow the guidelines closely and submit your photo for your ISUCard at least two business days prior to your OnCyte orientation.

 0530 Beardshear Hall

9:00–9:45 a.m.

Financial Aid Overview
Learn the basics about financial aid at Iowa State. Topics include how to apply, types of financial aid available, steps required to obtain aid as well as policies that may impact you.

Room 3560, Memorial Union

9:00–10:15 a.m.

Resource Fair
Connect with various departments to explore campus resources and services.

South Ballroom, Memorial Union
10:15–11:15 a.m. Welcome and Information Session
During this required session, you learn about numerous campus resources and explore activities that will prepare you for success as a Cyclone.		 South Ballroom, Memorial Union

11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

College Meetings
At this required session, experience a welcome to your academic college, learn about resources, and engage with your college community. You’ll also receive details about your academic advising appointment.

  • Agriculture and Life Sciences (Sun Room, Memorial Union)
  • Ivy College of Business (Campanile Room, Memorial Union)
  • Design (Cardinal Room, Memorial Union)
  • Engineering (Room 3580, Memorial Union)
  • Human Sciences (Room 3560, Memorial Union)
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences (Great Hall, Memorial Union)
 Various locations
12:15–1:00 p.m.

Munch & Mingle
We invite you to get lunch with your orientation meal ticket in the Memorial Union Food Court and join Cyclone Aides to relax, have questions answered, and get to know other future Cyclones.

 Various locations
12:15–1:00 p.m.

Military-Affiliated Student Welcome Lunch
The Military-Affiliated Student Center (MASC) welcomes military-affiliated students and their guests to attend a lunch and presentation covering MASC support and  resources.

Reservations encouraged

 Room 3512, Memorial Union

1:00–5:00 p.m.

Academic Advising Appointment and Course Registration
Meet with an advisor, plan your schedule, and register for classes. Students must attend required college meeting to receive advising appointment details.

Various locations

Additional opportunities

8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Financial Aid Drop-In Advising
Many of your financial aid questions will be answered during the Financial Aid Overview session. For questions specific to your aid, meet with a financial aid advisor at this time.		 0210 Beardshear Hall

8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Iowa State Memory Maker
Download the Scavify app to participate in this exciting self-paced photo scavenger hunt through campus as you experience orientation! Learn about Iowa State history and traditions 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 locations
1:00–4:00 p.m. Center for LGBTQIA+ Student Success Drop-In
Come stop by The Center! The Center is here to help you make connections in the ISU community and explore leadership opportunities that can help you achieve your personal and academic goals. Everyone is welcome to stop by and say hello!		 4600, Memorial Union

1:00–4:00 p.m. 

Military-Affiliated Student Center Drop-In
Have questions about VA Education Benefits or tuition assistance? Visit the MASC to ask questions and learn more about their services.

 Room 5600, Memorial Union
1:00–4:00 p.m. 

Recreation Services Self-Guided Tour
Tour the recreation facilities at Iowa State. Locations provided at check-in.

Various locations
1:00–4:00 p.m. 

Visit the Transfer Center
Make connections and learn about transfer student resources. Current students and Transfer Center staff are excited to welcome you and support your transfer experience. Snacks provided.

Transfer Center, Room 12, Enrollment Services Center
1:00–4:00 p.m. 

Visit the University Book Store
Prepare for your first day of class with textbooks and technology at the ISU Book Store in the Memorial Union. Explore your required textbook list and discover the ease of the Immediate Access program to ensure a successful first day of class. Find your required computer at TechCyte with the Major Success program, including your free Microsoft Office 365. And, snag some new Cyclone gear with the coupon provided in your orientation materials.

Book Store hours

 Level 1, Memorial Union
1:10–2:00 or 2:10–3:00 p.m. Campus Tour
Meet in the Campanile Room to join a Cyclone Aide for a 50-minute guided walking tour of Iowa State beginning at 1:10 p.m. or 2:10 p.m.		 Campanile Room, Memorial Union

Orientation parking

We encourage you to park in the Memorial Union Parking Ramp attached to the east side of the Memorial Union. You will be provided one free parking voucher during check-in. If you are bringing more than one vehicle or the parking ramp is unavailable, free parking is available at the commuter lot located at the Iowa State Center.

The fare-free CyRide Orange 23 Route picks up from the commuter lot and stops at the north entrance of the Memorial Union (estimated 12-15 minutes travel time).

Additional parking information