Day One

Day One is all about setting down your unique path. In the morning, you’ll have the opportunity to choose your own adventure. 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 programming.

Arrival 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 am 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 a.m.–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.		 Maple-Willow-Larch Conference Desk
8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
8:00–10:30 a.m. (Sunday)		 ISUCard
Bring your non-expired state or federal issued photo ID, such as a passport, drivers license, identification card, learner's permit, or military ID, in addition to your university identification number, to get 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
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
Iowa State sorority and fraternity leaders and staff will talk about the benefits of sorority and fraternity membership by sharing stories of academic and civic engagement, friendship, leadership, and social justice. The session will cover why students choose to join, how to join each of our four councils, and what the experience will be like after joining.		 Cardinal Room, Memorial Union
9:00 a.m.–Noon

Student Accessibility Services Consultation
Students with a documented disability or those with questions about their disability status should visit with SAS during orientation to discuss reasonable accommodations. Students are advised to bring as much relevant documentation as possible and are encouraged to reach out to us ahead of time should they have questions about our guidelines. Appointments are encouraged. Drop-ins are welcome.

Schedule appointment: 515-294-7220 or accessibility@iastate.edu

 1060 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center
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 Technology Checklist
Information Technology Services will share the top 5 things new students need to know and do for technology setup, including an introduction to your student tasks app, Workday.		 Campanile Room, 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
10:00–10:50 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 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 locations
10:10–10:50 a.m. Campus Walking Tour
Meet a Cyclone Aide on the West Terrace outside the Memorial Union for a guided walking tour of campus.		 Memorial Union West Terrace
10:15–11:00 a.m. First-Year Honors Program Orientation
Students accepted into the First-Year Honors Program are invited to learn about the Honors program, Honors course offerings, and opportunities for personalizing their Iowa State careers.		 1151 Jischke Honors Building
10:30–10:55 a.m. Your Technology Checklist
Information Technology Services will share the top 5 things new students need to know and do for technology setup, including an introduction to your student tasks app, Workday.		 Campanile Room, 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
Iowa State sorority and fraternity leaders and staff will talk about the benefits of sorority and fraternity membership by sharing stories of academic and civic engagement, friendship, leadership, and social justice. The session will cover why students choose to join, how to join each of our four councils, and what the experience will be like after joining.		 Cardinal Room, Memorial Union
11:00 a.m.–Noon Cyclone Marching Band
Learn about the Cyclone Marching Band.		 111 Simon Estes Music Hall
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Meet the ISU Choir Conductors
Drop by to learn about choir opportunities and receive information on choir registration.		 111 Simon Estes Music Hall
11:10–11:50 a.m. Campus Walking Tour
Meet a Cyclone Aide on the West Terrace outside the Memorial Union for a guided walking tour of campus.		 Memorial Union West Terrace
11:15 a.m.–Noon Parks Library Tour
Learn about the library’s spaces, collections and services. Enjoy a tour of the library, including the famous Grant Wood murals.		 198 Parks Library
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, 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 or 515-294-3812. Cashless payment accepted.

ISU Dining hours, menus, and locations.

 The Memorial Union Food Court, The Hub, Union Drive Marketplace
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 in order to register for your classes on Day Two. This session includes important academic information about selecting your fall courses and registering for classes
  • Agriculture and Life Sciences (0127 Curtiss Hall)
  • Ivy College of Business (1148 Gerdin Business Building)
  • Design (0101 Design)
  • Engineering (2055 Hoover Hall)
  • Human Sciences (1210 LeBaron Hall)
  • 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 $11 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 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

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 have missed on Day One.

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 $11. Cashless payment accepted.

Clyde’s, featuring We Proudly Brew Starbucks, located in the Union Drive Community Center is also an option for breakfast on the go.

 Union Drive Marketplace Clyde's
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 locations
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
Iowa State sorority and fraternity leaders and staff will talk about the benefits of sorority and fraternity membership by sharing stories of academic and civic engagement, friendship, leadership, and social justice. The session will cover why students choose to join, how to join each of our four councils, and what the experience will be like after joining.		 Cardinal Room, Memorial Union
9:00 a.m.–Noon

Student Accessibility Services Consultation
Students with a documented disability or those with questions about their disability status should visit with SAS during orientation to discuss reasonable accommodations. Students are advised to bring as much relevant documentation as possible and are encouraged to reach out to us ahead of time should they have questions about our guidelines. Appointments are encouraged. Drop-ins are welcome.

Schedule appointment: 515-294-7220 or accessibility@iastate.edu

 1060 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center
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
9:30–9:55 a.m. or
10:30–10:55 a.m.		 First Scholars Program
First-generation and Pell-eligible college students and their families are welcome to join the Center for Student Educational Success to learn more about the resources and support available to them through this new center.		 Student Innovation Center 0114
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 am.–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.

 Student Innovation Center
10:00 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 locations
10:00 a.m.–Noon Center for LGBTQIA+ Student Success
Come stop by The Center! We’re here to help you make connections in the ISU community and explore leadership opportunities that can help you achieve your personal and academic goals. We welcome everyone to stop by and say hello!		 Fourth Floor, Memorial Union
10:00 a.m.–Noon Multicultural Student Affairs Open House
Stop by the Multicultural Center in the Memorial Union to learn about the resources and opportunities offered by Multicultural Student Affairs and their affinity spaces.		 Multicultural Center, Memorial Union
10:10–10:50 a.m. Campus Walking Tour
Meet a Cyclone Aide on the West Terrace outside the Memorial Union for a guided walking tour of campus.		 Memorial Union West Terrace
11:00–11:50 a.m. Sororities and Fraternities
Iowa State sorority and fraternity leaders and staff will talk about the benefits of sorority and fraternity membership by sharing stories of academic and civic engagement, friendship, leadership, and social justice. The session will cover why students choose to join, how to join each of our four councils, and what the experience will be like after joining.		 Cardinal Room, Memorial Union
11:10–11:50 a.m. Campus Walking Tour
Meet a Cyclone Aide on the West Terrace outside the Memorial Union for a guided walking tour of campus.		 Memorial Union West Terrace
11:15–11:45 a.m. Campus Safety with ISUPD
Join the Iowa State University Police Department for info on the many safety services provided to the Iowa State community. From best practices in community policing to safety apps that bring tools to your fingertips, ISUPD will highlight a few of the many resources on campus to support Cyclones.		 Campanile Room, Memorial Union
11:15 a.m.–Noon Parks Library Tour
Learn about the library’s spaces, collections and services. Enjoy a tour of the library, including the famous Grant Wood murals.		 198 Parks Library

 

Additional Activities

8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Iowa State Memory Maker
Download the Scavify app to participate in this exCYting photo scavenger hunt through campus! 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
8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
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.–1:00 p.m. Information Station
Have questions? Need directions? Want more information? Stop by one of the information stations.		 Ground floor lobby, Beardshear Hall or Second Floor, Memorial Union
9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
(Monday–Friday)

Visit the University Book Store
Prepare for your first day of class with textbooks and technology at the University Book Store in the Memorial Union.

Learn how to access your textbooks with the Immediate Access 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!

ISU Book Store hours

 First Floor, 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.		 First Floor, Enrollment Services Center