New Students
Welcome to the Graduate Program in Economics at Iowa State University. You will find information here about getting started at Iowa State.
In total we expect to enroll 20 new students for the 2013-2014 school year. As we receive permission to post their information, we will continue to update the list of new students located on the right-hand side of this website.
The Graduate College provides information about Academics, Campus Services, Finance/Tuition, Community Programs/Assistance, and information for International students.
Pre-Arrival Information
International Students
The International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) provides information and support for international students both prior to your arrival and after arriving on campus. Please make sure to visit their New and Incoming Students page to learn about options for temporary housing and transportation from the airport.
Housing
On Campus Housing
Iowa State Department of Residence offers housing options for students. You may register for housing via your AccessPlus account.
Off Campus Housing Resources
- Ames Tribune
- Iowa State Daily
- University Towers (near campus, housing for graduate students and professionals)
- Rent Iowa
- Apartments.com
Expenses
An estimate of student expenses can be found here.
Things to do upon arrival
- Math Camp Orientation (Monday, August 5) - for students attending Math Camp.
- Orientation Week (Monday, August 19 - Friday August 23) - Required for all new students.
All Students
Most of the following will be done at the math camp orientation on August 5th and during orientation week August 19th - August 23rd.
- Obtain your Student ID card (red ISU card) at 0530 Beardshear.
- Obtain an ISU NetID (email address) online or in 195 Durham or 80 Heady Hall.
- Attend departmental orientations as scheduled during math camp and orientation week.
- Ph.D. students take the departmental placement examination as scheduled.
- Sign a release form to have your ID photograph used in the display case.
- Attend an individual advising session as scheduled with your advisor.
- Students on assistantship need to sign up for payroll at the Records Management Office, 3810 Beardshear Hall as soon as possible. You will need 2 forms of ID, bank deposit information, and your I-9.
- Health insurance is provided for students on assistantship. See the Graduate College Health Insurance page for details. You may enroll at the Students & Scholars Health Insurance Program (SSHIP) website.
International Students
- Check in with the International Students and Scholars Office for Fall 2013 orientation. If you are attending Math Camp, you may attend the early International Check-in during your first week on-campus. More details to follow. If you are not able to attend this session, check the ISSO website for the full schedule.
- Take the English Placement examination (not necessary if you have a U.S. degree). You must register online for the test before going to the testing place. Your ISU ID number is required for registration. Enter your ISU NetID to check your results online. Bring your test results to your meeting with your academic advisor.
- Sign up for and complete the Oral English Certification Test (OECT).
- Apply for your Social Security Number two weeks after entry to the US. The Social Security Office is located at 2615 University Blvd., Ames, IA. The office is open from 9:00am - 3:30pm Monday - Friday (except holidays).


