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The Orientation Process

Select one week for your Student Online Advising & Registration (SOAR) appointment. Complete your SOAR page in MyUI at least 1 week prior to your selected week. Then, schedule a time to meet virtually with your academic advisor to plan for a successful first semester at Iowa and register for classes. Don't forget to select a date for your Becoming a Hawkeye program day!

Learn more
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New Student Checklist

Being a new student can be overwhelming! We simplified your college transition into a checklist of to-do items. 

New Student Checklist

Get Started

Starting March 4, incoming students may register for their orientation experience at the University of Iowa. 

Transition Timeline for New Students

  • Reservation System Opens

    March 4

    All students who have accepted admission and paid the $325 acceptance fee can sign up for their two-part orientation experience.

  • SOAR Page Opens

    April 22

    Students can start completing their required pre-advising materials, including placement tests on the soar page. The page must be completed one week prior to their Student Online Advising & Registration (SOAR) appointment.

  • Deadline for Room Selection

    May 15

    In order to participate in housing room selection, you must be signed up for orientation program dates by May 15.

  • Student Online Advising & Registration Appointments

    May- July

    Students sign up for their online advising appointment and register for classes during their advising meeting. 

  • Becoming a Hawkeye Program Days

    June- July

    Students and their supporters are invited to the university to learn about campus resources, meet other peers, and prepare for their first day of classes.

  • Success at Iowa Course Opens

    August 12

    The Success at Iowa online course opens. All new students complete this transition course that wraps up halfway through the first semester.

  • On Iowa!

    August 18- 25

    On Iowa! welcome week for new transfer, first-year, and international students with over 150 events.

  • First Day of Classes

    August 26

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