International Students & Scholars Office

Frequently Asked Questions by Exchange Visitors

Q. What formalities are necessary upon arrival at Iowa State?
A. Exchange visitors must check-in with ISSO on or before their first day of work. More information can be found here.

Q. How do I receive an Iowa State University ID card?
A. More information will be given to you during the mandatory check-in. The ISU Card office will only issue a ISU card once our office has verified that you are present and ready to begin your program at Iowa State.

How do I receive an Iowa State email address and computer log-in?
A. Once you receive your ISU Card you may contact the Solution Center in room 195 Durham Center to activate your email account. This will also establish your log-in for computer labs on campus.

Q. Will I have access to the library?
A. Yes. Iowa State has one of the largest  university libraries in the nation. Once you have your ISU card you will have access to library materials.

Q. May I use the recreation facilities on campus?
A. Recreation facilities on campus are available to non-students for a small fee. These facilities include weightlifting, cardio equipment, racquetball, squash and tennis courts as well as a pool and intramural sports. Please contact Lied Recreation Center for more information.

Q. May I ride on the local bus system for free?
A. No. Non-students must pay to use the bus system (CyRide). However, individuals affiliated with ISU may purchase bus passes at a reduced rate. Click here for more information.

Q. Where can I park on campus?
A. Parking on campus is limited. Most commuters choose to park in the Iowa State Center lot and take the free CyRide circulator to campus or to the Veterinary Medicine building. This is a free lot.  Parking for employees is available elsewhere on campus for a fee. Click here for more information.

Q. May I ride my bike to campus?
A. Certainly. Several students and scholars choose to bike to class or work. Ames has several bike paths adjacent to the Iowa State campus making the commute easy. Please be sure to follow the regulations found here regarding bicycles.

Q. What are the rules regarding a drivers license?
A. Exchange Visitors are eligible to receive a driver license in Iowa after 30 days of residing in Ames. Driver licenses issued by another state are valid in Iowa as long as you:
    1) are a student
    2) maintain a home in the state that issued your license.
Otherwise, you will be required to apply for an Iowa driver license after 30 days of living in Iowa. More information regarding Iowa driver licenses can be found here. Information regarding international driver licenses and their equivalents may be found here.

Q. How do I rent a car in Iowa?
A. Rules vary by car rental agency.  Some may honor international driver licenses while some may not. Please contact the company you wish to rent from for more information. Both Enterprise and Hertz service Ames.

Q. Do I need to apply for a US  social security number?
A. Generally, you do not need a U.S. social security number unless you are working in the United States. A social security number is not necessary to open a bank account or to apply for an Iowa driver license. More information about social security numbers can be found here.