If you are an international student, please view the pre-arrival information for Fall, 2007 provided by the International Education Services (IES). This information will be invaluable to you !! For instance, the Office for International Students and Scholars (part of IES) will provide free shuttle transportation from the Des Moines Airport to Iowa State University in Ames for Fall 2007 arrivals. Click on the 2007 Fall Airport Transportation Request link on this webpage to request this help.

There is much more important information provided in the links on their site. You will not be sorry you took the time to read their pre-arrival information !!

On-campus housing - The University offers housing options to students which you can view here. Beginning Fall, 2007, you should be able to register for housing via your AccessPlus account. Contact the BCB Program for information on how to access this account. You can communicate with University housing officials by email at: housing@iastate.edu.

Off-campus housing - Available apartments or homes may be located through realtors, the Ames Tribune, the Ames Advertiser, the Iowa State Daily, and online at www.rentiowa.com.

All new students are required to show proof of immunization against Measles (rubeola).

International students must receive a TB test which is typically part of the ISS orientation.

Your immunization records can be obtained from your health care provider’s office. They may also be available from the colleges or universities you have attended. Public health department records or military records may also have this information. Immunization dates and tests must include the month, day, and year. A photocopy of your immunization record is acceptable and may be attached to the immunization form.

Every ISU student must also fill out a health history form and immunization form with the Thielen Student Health Center. The Center is located on the northeast corner of Union Drive and Sheldon Avenue, just west of Beyer Hall. These forms are available here: http://www.iastate.edu/~health/immunization.htm .

New students are eligible for vaccinations and other services beginning the week prior to classes. Rubeola titers (blood test) and Tuberculosis (TB) skin tests are also available. Please note that there are charges for health center services, although most are provided at a reduced rate. You may also visit your current health care provider for a measles vaccination and accompanying documentation.

U.S. students should deliver completed forms to the Student Health Center. International students should bring the forms to the ISS orientation and a representative from the Student Health Center will be there to collect it. If you have any questions about ISU's immunization requirement, call (515) 294-9535 or (515) 294-5801, option 6.

It is essential that all students turn in these completed forms to avoid any registration delays.

International students who do not yet have a Social Security number should wait at least two weeks after their arrival in the United States to apply for a Social Security number. Both IES and Payroll officials at ISU emphasize the importance of waiting this period of time. Applying too early will initiate paper processing of your Social Security number which can take up to five months. After two weeks of being in the United States, go to the Social Security Administration Office at 600 5th Street in Ames to apply for your number. You will need to take passport/visa, I-20, and documents showing that you will be receiving an assistantship or Fellowship (letter of intent).

Your SS number will be sent to the Tuition and Fees Office at ISU located in 0460 Beardshear Hall. They will email you when your card arrives and you can pick it up by showing them a picture ID like your ISU ID. Take the number to the Human Resources office in 3810 Beardshear Hall so your payroll processing can be completed. Also, give your number to the BCB office in 2014 Molecular Biology Building.

International students should fill out an I-9 form during the check-in with IES. This form verifies your eligibility for payroll. The I-9 needs to be filed on or before the 1st day of employment listed on your letter of intent. Also, you may be eligible for a Tax Treaty exemption which will lower the amount of U.S. taxes you must pay. Fill out Form 8233 and the attachment each year you are eligible. The forms to claim Tax Treaty exemption may be completed in Payroll, 1st Floor Administrative Services Building. Find out if you are eligible by checking this webpage: http://www.controller.iastate.edu/payroll/stdtreat.htm

U.S. students and permanent residents can download the payroll Sign-Up Packet, which includes the I-9. Fill it out and take it directly to the Records Management office, 3810 Beardshear Hall or pick up a packet in that office to fill out.

Information on the payroll forms can be found at www.hrs.iastate.edu/records/. Please bring a photo ID and your social security card, birth certificate, or passport to sign up for payroll.

The Graduate and Professional Student Senate Executive Board, under the auspices of the Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS, formerly the Graduate Student Senate) created this excellent Orientation Handbook. It provides general and specific details on graduate student life at ISU.

The Undergraduate Orientation Handbook contains some general information that may be helpful in explaining academic practices, etc., at ISU. It is located here:

http://www.admissions.iastate.edu/orientation/information/handbook.php