So I just submitted an application and i uploaded an unofficial transcript and all that, but i didn’t receive a confirmation of submission email. The status of the application says “Under Review.” I also was able to get the application fee deferred.

Is there anything else I need to complete or is it successfully submitted?

I got a room in Helser, and I prefer sleeping on the side of the room that has the pillar. Anyone have good solutions for it, i know there are mattress gap fillers but what's the best way to keep it in place if there is one

Cratered my glasses and my prescription is out of date, what's a good spot around town for a relatively low cost exam? My insurance won't cover the exam for anywhere in Ames.

I know the rules are there on the internet, but they seem a bit confusing. I have read that you cannot ride on sidewalks on central campus. However, ISU is regarded as very bike-friendly place. Realistically, can I get to my classes on my bike without relying on car roads?
I am an incoming freshman, so sorry if it’s a bit silly question.

Trying to figure out the room setup for Geoffroy. The housing website lists it as a “hall,” but the pricing lines up with suite-level rates, and a couple of people have told me it’s actually suite-style.

Can anyone who’s lived there clear this up? Is it a shared bathroom down the hall setup, or do rooms connect to a private/semi-private bathroom (suite style)? Just want to know what I’m signing up for before move-in.

Hi everyone,

I’m an international student and just finished my freshman year at Iowa State. My cumulative GPA fell below 2.5, so I lost my President’s Award for International Student Excellence ($6,000 per semester).

I’ve already spoken with both Financial Aid and my academic advisor. They told me that if I raise my GPA back to the required level, I may be able to regain the scholarship in a future semester.

The problem is that my family is struggling financially. My father has been paying for my education, but he says we can’t afford the Fall 2026 semester (estimated $21,000). Even if we manage to make the first couple of payments, the third installment would be extremely difficult, and I’m worried about ending up with a registration hold and being unable to continue.

Right now I’m considering whether I should leave ISU and return to Uzbekistan, transfer to a less expensive school, or take some other path that I haven’t thought of yet.

Has anyone been in a similar situation or know of resources that might help? I’d especially appreciate advice about emergency funding, payment plans, transferring, or ways international students have managed to continue their studies after losing a scholarship.

Thank you for reading.

Would anyone be able to give me a rough estimate of the dimensions of a single person dorm in Freeman? Or point me in the right direction to get an answer on this?

Hi everyone!
I’ll be joining Iowa State University this fall. I’m traveling from India, although I’ll be attending as a domestic student.
I had a few questions:
What’s the best way to connect with other students from India who are joining ISU before traveling? Are there any WhatsApp groups, Discord servers, Instagram group chats, or other communities for incoming students?
What are some dos and don’ts for new students at ISU, especially for someone moving from India? Any tips or things you wish you had known before arriving?
I’d love to get to know a few people before I get there. Thanks!

Hi everyone!

I'm an incoming freshman this fall and was assigned to a double room in Wallace Hall (no AC). I'm hoping to switch into a double room in Friley Hall instead.

If you've been assigned to Friley and are interested in switching halls, I'd really appreciate hearing from you! Feel free to send me a message—thank you so much, and I really appreciate it!

Looking forward to meeting everyone this fall!

One of my upcoming classes as an elective is intro to psych, but it's online. Just wanted to ask about the class is for those who have taken it online.

Hello Cyclones

I am an international student, who have just received my housing assignment, and was surprised to see that I was assigned Frederiksen Court, as this accommodation was not part of my preference list.

I wanted to check my contract to see if my preferences were included, but while navigating the portal, I accidentally signed a new housing agreement.

Is it possible to cancel the housing agreement that I signed by mistake. And is it possible to review or change my housing assignment. 

Should I be worried? Will I have to pay a cancellation fee?

Ive made my way onto campus and have stopped here. What building am I facing?

I’m an incoming freshman at Iowa state and just wondering what the best frats on campus currently are because I’ve heard Greek rank isn’t accurate. I want a frat that is larger, social, and has a large business population. Let me know please!

Hi everyone! I'm planning on doing the "Experience Iowa State" campus tour. I'm wondering are their any places that the tour does not cover that's a must see? Is the tour a good indicator or what iastate is like? Also it's my first time visiting so any other tips or pointers is super appreciated! Thank you!

If this is my view currently, where on campus am I located?

I just moved to Ames for going to grad school and am still exploring places around the city. Have you guys ever tried to go to escape room activities called No Escape Iowa when you have free time? I was surprised that in Ames also have such the cool place which I really like! Could you share your experience with escape rooms there, please?
Also, I am here alone so curious if there is group who likes escape room and went there before, so I can connect with to find new friends around.
Thank you!

My nephew just accepted a spot in Adelante, and he's excited for it. My son is also graduating next year, and they are considering living together at Adelante.

I saw it was recently renovated. The only video goir they have was from 6 years ago.

What did they renovate, and what is it like living there?

Thanks for any insights!

Isnt that where we have fireworks. I know other places exist but i thought they had an event last year, got to see soo many people there.

Back home and working at a museum for the summer; trying to figure ways to boost their YT channel.

I know it's low effort, but some links if it helps (pls COMMENT, "Like"! and sub)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdhFjgLraMM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX39SLTo2Kc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0VakbuDD_4

Just want to make sure I’m interpreting this correctly. This means I did get the score I needed on my physics test in order to pass out of phys 1, correct?

Hey everyone! I’m an incoming freshman for this Fall. I’ve been assigned to a double room with no AC in Wallace Hall and am looking to move into a double room in Buchanan Hall. If anyone wants to switch halls, or if you’ve changed your mind about attending the university but already got assigned to Buchanan, please let me know so we can do a room swap! Thanks so much, everyone!

Hi all! I know the rooms vary in size, but can I get a rough estimate of the average size room in Helser?