Orientation | Office of Admissions

Orientation

Your Orientation 2022 Adventure

Welcome to our newest Cyclones!

If you are a new student who will begin classes in January, you will have the opportunity to choose between OnCyte Orientation or online orientation. Once you have accepted your offer of admission, information will be sent to you beginning in October.

Students, don’t forget to plan to attend Destination Iowa State, held the Friday before classes start. This event is a great way to kick-start your adventure as a Cyclone.

If you are a new student who will begin classes in Summer or Fall 2022, we are looking forward to sharing orientation registration details with you in February.

Go Cyclones!

Frequently Asked Questions

Starting your adventure? We will map it out.

For those who have accepted your offer of admission and plan on starting your adventure in an upcoming term, 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.

Your orientation, your choice

Orientation is your hub of information to succeed as a Cyclone, and it is required of all new students. But you decide which orientation works best for you!

OnCyte Orientation

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
Meet with an advisor to plan your class schedule

OnCyte Orientation sessions are hosted in November.

Online Orientation

Much of what is shared during OnCyte Orientation is available via the online orientation website. 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 meet virtually an academic advisor

Online orientation opens on October 13 and needs to be completed by December 1 in order to meet with your advisor for class registration prior to winter break.

Steps to complete your orientation adventure

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 and schedule your virtual academic advising appointment.
Sign up for Destination Iowa State, a student-only kickoff experience held the Friday before classes begin!