Life in Iowa

Life in Iowa is a program designed to assist international students and scholars in adjusting to life and the academic system here at the University of Iowa. It includes cultural events and academic sessions, as well as career series.

*All times on schedule are U.S. Central Time. For more information about these events, email isss-peer@uiowa.edu.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Shuhui Lin in advance at 319-335-0335.

Demah AlGheithy jumping for joy on graduation day in front of UI flags

Upcoming Events

Optional Practical Training (OPT), work authorization session for international students

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 4:30pm to 6:00pm

Virtual

Join Life in Iowa and International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) for a comprehensive virtual Optional Practical Training (OPT) workshop to learn about eligibility, application steps, and key timelines. The event will kick off with an introduction to what OPT is and a live Q&A segment with ISSS Senior Advisor Kevin Roiseland.Whether you’re a first-year student or heading toward graduation soon, we invite all international students to join this event.This link to join will become active the...

Outdoor Meditation & Mindfulness

Saturday, September 20, 2025 4:30pm to 5:30pm

Hubbard Park

College life can be overwhelming, and sometimes we forget to slow down and breathe. Unwind with a relaxing hour of guided meditation and gentle movement in the fresh air! No experience is needed, and yoga mats will be provided.Led by Haley Melchert, behavioral health consultant and fitness specialist in UI Student Wellness, and hosted by Life in Iowa and International Student & Scholar Services, this meditation session is a chance for you to step away from the stress of school and life, connect...

Free Coffee Hour: Self-Care DIY

Friday, October 3, 2025 1:30pm to 2:30pm

University Capitol Centre

Take a break, treat yourself, and enjoy free coffee, tea, or hot chocolate on us! Join us for a relaxing session where you can create simple DIY self-care items and learn easy ways to recharge during a busy semester.There are other Coffee Hours hosted by Life in Iowa this semester. Check them out on the Life in Iowa website and add them to your calendar.This event is a part of Life in Iowa, a program hosted by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), that is designed to assist...

"Navigating Health Care & Insurance in Iowa City" Workshop

Thursday, October 23, 2025 4:30pm to 6:00pm

Virtual

Join Life in Iowa and International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) for a workshop designed to help international students better understand how health insurance works in the U.S., especially as it relates to everyday life. Learn about how to navigate medical care, make sense of insurance terms, and understand what your plan covers.Whether you’re a first-year student or heading toward graduation soon, we invite all international students to join this event.Access to this event will be...

Free Coffee Hour: International Student Orientation Reunion

Friday, November 7, 2025 1:30pm to 2:30pm

University Capitol Centre

Enjoy free coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, while reconnecting with the peers you met during orientation. Share how the semester is going and have a few laughs as you reflect and catch up!There are other Coffee Hours hosted by Life in Iowa this semester. Check them out on the Life in Iowa website and add them to your calendar.This event is a part of Life in Iowa, a program hosted by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), that is designed to assist international students in adjusting to...

Free Coffee Hour: White Elephant Gift Exchange

Friday, December 5, 2025 1:30pm to 2:30pm

University Capitol Centre

Enjoy free coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and wrap up the semester with a fun and light-hearted white elephant gift exchange (a white elephant gift exchange is a holiday game where participants swap wrapped presents—often humorous or impractical—and take turns either choosing a new gift or stealing one that’s already been opened)! Bring a small gift (under $20) and enjoy time together before break.There are other Coffee Hours hosted by Life in Iowa this semester. Check them out on the Life in...

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Resources

Employment Options

Find employment related resources for F-1 students here.

Mental Health Resources for International Students

Access information specific to your needs.

Video Resources

Optional Practical Training

How to create a LinkedIn profile

How to connect with alumni via LinkedIn

Recurring Events

These events are held yearly. Keep an eye on the event calendar to see when they are offered.

Applying for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)/Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Trip to Cedar Rapids
Football 101
Work Visa Options After Graduation
Culture Shock and Reverse Culture Shock