As freshmen fill the entrance to the Sun Room of the Memorial Union during their second day of orientation, they seem eager to get a look at what Iowa State has to offer.

Professionals mind the booths lining the walls and center of the room handing out pamphlets, freebies and information to students.

The new students, along with their parents, have the opportunity to speak with members and leaders of clubs and organizations on campus to learn about services offered.

The booths provide information on student counseling, leadership programs, student health and safety, musical opportunities, national student exchange programs, religious groups and many more.

Rachel Garlock, biology major, said she plans to join marching band or choir and be involved in the biology learning community at Iowa State.

Students can browse and ask questions to prepare for their first semester on campus.

Orientation focuses on giving new students all of the resources and information they will need to succeed during their time at Iowa State.

Spencer Dutch, psychology major, said of orientation, “I’m feeling a lot better about going to college.”  He said the ISU campus has been very welcoming.

On the first day of orientation, students have the chance to receive an ISU ID and a Net-ID/e-mail account and learn about UBill and financial aid opportunities.

Students also have the option of touring residence halls and meeting with greek student leaders. There are campus and library tours provided for the students and their families as well.

Freshmen will complete any tests, such as the English Placement Assessment, and sit through a university welcome speech before heading to major-specific academic program sessions.

At the end of their first day, students have the chance to “munch and mingle” with other new students and experience evening recreation, which consists of volleyball, basketball, ultimate frisbee or board games.

Ninfa Stubbs, biochemistry major, said she is excited to meet new people and gain new learning experiences. 

The second day of orientation begins with advising appointments for students. Then, while parents gain information about campus services, students attend a session on “How to Survive Being New.”

Joe Broberg, engineering major, said learning time management will be the most helpful skill for his first semester of classes.

More tours are available on the second day and the students have a chance to set up their ID card or Net-ID, if they were unable to complete these activities the previous day.

Next, the resource fair runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and gives students the opportunity to visit booths to learn about campus services and opportunities.

The dean of students also holds an open house allowing students to speak with campus leaders and learn about academic resources and leadership opportunities available to them.

The orientation schedule is set up in an easy-to-follow plan, giving students plenty of time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and time to relax and familiarize themselves with campus.

Liz Kurt, Director of New Student Programs, said that approximately 5,800 freshmen were expected to attend orientation in June.   

Transfer students attend a one-day orientation that consists of preparing for their first semester at Iowa State.  

International students have a separate orientation process the week before classes start and are given information on laws and U.S. immigration requirements, take any needed assessments, meet with academic advisers and register for classes.

The orientation process has been designed to give freshmen, transfer students and international students the resources and information they will need to be ready for their first semester of classes.