Important Arrival and Orientation Dates
Orientation attendance is required of all new and transfer students. Detailed orientation schedules are available in the Pre-Arrival Checklist via the iHawk system before orientation begins.
Spring 2026 Orientation
Undergraduate and Graduate/Professional Students Combined
December 12, 2025: Earliest date you may enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status
January 10, 2026: Residence halls open for new international students with residence hall contracts
January 11, 2026: Latest date by which you should arrive in Iowa City
January 12-16, 2026: International Student Orientation
January 20, 2026: Classes begin
Summer 2026 Orientation
Undergraduate and Graduate/Professional Students Combined
May 10, 2026: Earliest date you may enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status
June 9, 2026: Latest date by which you should arrive in Iowa City
June 10, 2026: International Student Orientation
June 15, 2026: Classes begin
Dental Students
TBD: Earliest date you may enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status
TBD: Latest date by which you should arrive in Iowa City
TBD: International Student Orientation
Fall 2026 Orientation
Graduate/Professional Students
July 10, 2026: Earliest date you may enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status
August 9, 2026: Latest date by which you should arrive in Iowa City
August 10-14, 2026: International Student Orientation
August 24, 2026: Classes begin
Undergraduate Students
July 17, 2026: Earliest date you may enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status
August 15, 2026: Residence halls open for new international students with residence hall contracts
August 16, 2026: Latest date by which you should arrive in Iowa City
August 17-20, 2026: International Student Orientation
August 16-22, 2026: On Iowa!
August 24, 2026: Classes begin
Spring 2027 Orientation
Undergraduate and Graduate/Professional Students Combined
December 11, 2026: Earliest date you may enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status
January 9, 2027: Residence halls open for new international students with residence hall contracts
January 10, 2027: Latest date by which you should arrive in Iowa City
January 11-15-2027: International Student Orientation
January 19, 2027: Classes begin