We're looking forward to seeing you!
Orientation is a chance to get all the information you need to have a successful start at the University of Iowa.
Arrival and Orientation Dates
Be sure to see important arrival and orientation dates.
Questions about Orientation
Read our Frequently Asked Questions first. Questions about orientation should be addressed to International Student and Scholar Services at isss-orientation@uiowa.edu.
I am...
a graduate or professional student
Undergraduate Students
SOAR Page in MyUI
You will be contacted by email when the SOAR Page in MyUI is available and you should complete all of the action items to prepare for in-person orientation. Your online orientation experience is tailored to you individually. You will learn more about the college you are admitted to at Iowa, specific programs you may have been accepted into (Honors, Advantage Iowa, etc.), as well as the tools you will use to be a successful student at Iowa. Login to MyUI with your HawkID and password and navigate to the tile labeled SOAR (the tiles are in alphabetical order) on the Home page. Follow the steps in the tile and complete all of the items through Academic Advising. You will complete the last section, called New Student Check-list after you register for classes with your academic advisor.
English Placement Evaluation (EPE)
General information about the English Placement Evaluation (EPE) and what results mean are on the University of Iowa (UI) ESL Programs website. If you are required to take the English Placement Evaluation, you will be scheduled for the EPE during orientation. The $120 fee for the test will be added to your first University bill.
Orientation Advising and Course Registration
All new international students will meet with an academic advisor for their orientation advising appointment. The orientation advising appointment is part of orientation experience the week of August 19-22, 2024. At this appointment your academic advisor will help you plan and register for your fall semester schedule. You will receive more specific information about your orientation advising appointment by the start of orientation.
International Student Orientation
Goals
- Support transition to student life and academics at the University of Iowa
- Highlight cultural adjustment and immigration regulations to successfully maintain F-1/J-1 status
- Connect new students with each other
Orientation Fee
All new undergraduate international students are assessed a $120 orientation fee by International Student and Scholar Services.
How to Participate in Orientation
Orientation Schedule
A full schedule of orientation events will be available on the Pre-Arrival Checklist in iHawk before orientation. Complete all the items on the Pre-Arrival Checklist in iHawk to receive your schedule. Attendance is expected at all orientation sessions.
Small Groups
You will be assigned to Small Group where you will connect with other new students, participate in activities, and ask questions to support your transition to the University of Iowa. Your Small Group Leaders are experienced current students who will facilitate your Small Group Meetings.
Orientation ICON Site
Resources and video recordings of orientation sessions will be posted in the International Student Orientation ICON site. ISSS will send an invitation email to your University of Iowa email account and you must accept the invitation to access the ICON site.
On Iowa!
Get your start as a Hawkeye at On Iowa!—a welcome and University community immersion event where all members of the Class of 2028 and new transfer students will:
- Make friends with new and returning students,
- Discover Hawkeye traditions and what it means to be a University of Iowa student,
- Prepare to excel in your classes,
- Explore activities and student organizations, and
- Commit to The IOWA Challenge!
Graduate and Professional Students
English Placement Evaluation (EPE)
General information about the English Placement Evaluation (EPE) and what results mean are on the University of Iowa (UI) ESL Programs website. If you are required to take the English Placement Evaluation, you will be scheduled for the EPE during orientation. The $120 fee for the test will be added to your first University bill.
International Student Orientation
Goals
- Support transition to student life and academics at the University of Iowa
- Highlight cultural adjustment and immigration regulations to successfully maintain F-1/J-1 status
- Connect new students with each other
Orientation Fee
All graduate and professional international students are charged a matriculation fee of $325.
How to Participate in Orientation
Orientation Schedule
A full schedule of orientation events will be available on the Pre-Arrival Checklist in iHawk before orientation. Complete all the items on the Pre-Arrival Checklist in iHawk to receive your schedule. Attendance is expected at all orientation sessions.
Small Groups
You will be assigned to a Small Group where you will connect with other new students, participate in activities, and ask questions to support your transition to the University of Iowa. Your Small Group Leaders are experienced current students who will facilitate your Small Group Meetings.
Orientation ICON Site
Resources and video recordings of orientation sessions will be posted in the International Student Orientation ICON site. ISSS will send an invitation email to your University of Iowa email account and you must accept the invitation to access the ICON site.