International Student Orientation: Aug. 19-23

This is designed to help the international students transition into life at Iowa State University and ask any questions they may have. For more information and needed documents, check the ISSO website at www.isso.iastate.edu.

Destination Iowa State: Aug. 22-24

This program is similar to International Student Orientation in that it helps the new students at Iowa State transition into life here and become familiar with campus while making their first friends here.

Tailgating: Home football games

Tailgating is an American tradition that usually takes place near stadiums in the parking lots and surrounding areas. Most people bring grills to cook food and coolers full of alcoholic beverages, although alcohol consumption is not a requirement. Lawn games such as bags, Frisbee and ladder golf are often played. The lots open for tailgating six hours before the game starts and ends shortly after the game. Tailgaters are permitted to leave their cars in the lots after the game until the student can find a designated driver in order to avoid drinking and driving.

Labor Day: Sept. 2

Labor Day is observed on the first Monday of September. It honors the nation’s workers. It is a popular day to have friends and family over to grill food. Some places have parades in the morning. Labor Day is also considered the last day of summer, even though the weather here in Iowa may not show it.

Family Weekend: Oct. 25-27

Although parents can come visit their children at any time, Family Weekend is a good time for them to come participate in various activities with their children and meet some of the other parents. You also don’t have to have your parents here to participate in the activities.

Homecoming: Nov. 8-9

Homecoming is a time for alumni to come “home” to Iowa State and show their continued support for the Cyclones. The former students participate in tailgating, “Yell Like Hell” and attend the football game.

Thanksgiving break Nov. 23 through Dec. 1

Thanksgiving in America is observed the fourth Thursday of the November to give thanks for the blessings of the past year. Students are given a week to go spend time with family and get some rest before they start studying for final exams. The most common Thanksgiving traditions include eating things such as turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.

Winter Break Dec. 21 through Jan. 12 (classes begin Jan. 13)

Winter Break is the time between the fall and spring semesters when students can go home, spend some time with family and friends and observe their respective holidays. University offices are still open during this time, except for Dec. 24-25.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Jan. 20

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a major influence during America’s civil rights movement in the 1960s. King used nonviolent civil disobedience to convey his message to the citizens. There are no classes at Iowa State University on this day.

Spring Break: Mar. 15-23

Spring Break is a time for students to go on vacation before their schedules are crowded with studying for finals. Most students go to the beaches in Florida or Mexico, but some just take the time to relax in the area or go home.

Veishea Apr. 7-13

Veishea is one of the most celebrated traditions at Iowa State. The name is an acronym for the original colleges of the university – Veterinary Medicine, Industrial Science, Home Economics and Agriculture. There is always something happening on central campus during Veishea. There is also a parade on Saturday morning.