The Orientation Process
The Orientation Process consists of two primary steps at the University of Iowa. Plan to select a time frame to meet virtually with your Academic Advisor for your Student Online Advising & Registration (SOAR) Appointment. Part two is attending a Becoming a Hawkeye Program On-campus in June or July.
New Student Checklist
Being a new student can be overwhelming! We simplified your college transition into a checklist of to-do items.
Get Started
Starting March 4, admitted students may register for their orientation experience at the University of Iowa.
New Student Transition Timeline for 2025 Admits
Reservation System Opens
March 4All students who have accepted admission and paid the $325 acceptance fee can sign up for their orientation experience.
SOAR Page Opens
April 22Students 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.
Student Online Advising & Registration Appointments
June & JulyStudents sign up for their online advising appointment and register for classes during their advising meeting.
Success at Iowa Course Opens
August 12The Success at Iowa online course opens. All new students complete this transition course that wraps up halfway through the semester.
On Iowa! Welcome Week
August 17-24On Iowa! welcome week for new transfer, first-year, and international students with over 150 events.
First Day of Fall Semester
August 25
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Best public university in the country (U.S. News & World Report)
Top 3 %
of universities worldwide (U.S. News & World Report)
95 %
job/graduate school placement rate
