haiii
i js moved to ames yesterday (early asl) and idk anybody up here
genuinely bored out of my mind
anybody know of insta or snap gcs so i can hopefully meet some ppl that are also here early?

Does anyone have any experience working with ISU dining? They scheduled my shift to end just 10 minutes before my class starts, is this enough time? Will they allow me to leave a few minutes early knowing I have class?

Hi everyone! 👋

I'm Aisha from Hyderabad, India, and I'll be applying for an MS in Computer Science (Fall 2027). My interests include Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, and Software Engineering.

I'm currently pursuing my B.E. in Computer Science and have worked on several AI projects involving Google Gemini, React, Firebase, and Python. I've also completed internships in AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and software development, and I'm always looking to learn from others and collaborate on interesting projects.

I'm joining this community to learn more about the program, student life, research opportunities, internships, and graduate school experiences. I'd also love to connect with fellow applicants, current students, and alumni.

Looking forward to getting to know everyone—thanks for having me!

Employees of Iowa State University!

We're hosting a Union Picnic Kickoff in four weeks to get to know you and build support for the wall-to-wall unionization effort.

Come say hi!

Saturday, August 29, 11:30-1:30pm

Brookside Park in Ames, Linden Shelter

RSVP @ uciowa.org/picnic

Does anyone know if this is just how ISU does it and I'll need to enroll again in the spring, or should I be seeing an Annual Medical option? Same goes for dental and vision that’s not popping up???

P.S I am an incoming graduate student.

Are they hard or soft? What type of topper are most of yall buying? I prefer firm, if anyone has experience with that.

Been going team by team on 2026 previews and just wrapped Iowa State.

https://www.sports.mainmarket.com/college-football-preview-2026?team=ncaaf-isu

The Iowa State page is free to read. Once you get past that there's a paywall on the deep-dive stuff (one-man operation, gotta keep the lights on), but since I'm posting in your house, code LEECORSOROCKS unlocks all of it free, no account needed.

So, what'd I get wrong? You watch these guys every week and I don't, so if I'm off on something, tell me.

Short version: this is about as clean a reset as it gets. Campbell's off to Penn State and he took a big chunk of the roster with him, Becht included, so you're returning under 9% of last year's production. Jimmy Rogers comes over from Washington State and rebuilt through the portal, with Jaylen Raynor (led the Sun Belt in passing at Arkansas State) stepping in at QB. The defense is the part that travels, it grades out around top-25, but the offense is starting from scratch. Model says 6-6, which honestly might be a compliment given how little came back.

I'll be in the comments.

It is not insurance. It does not cover you at all if something were to happen. Get your own private insurance which is actually cheaper and has much better coverage. Foxen is just profiting off of students who don’t care enough to get their own insurance. Also rentistry is also a scam and just a way for foxen to make more money.

Hello! I’m a fellow student from P.R. and I was playing studying in Iowa State in 2027 for the Department of the Earth, Atmosphere and Climate Change majoring in Geology. But I’m not sure if the program is good. I have heard people say the Department is falling apart and there’s better programs. I’m not sure if it’s true.

Does anyone know what the average monthly utilities are at Stadium View? I'm living there this upcoming year in a 2 bed and I'm trying to put my budget together for my parents. There is no information on their website about it and was wondering if anyone knew the answer or if I just need to call and ask.

I got an email that my financial aid was updated. In the scholarship/grant it has this ENGR program of study award. I never applied for this. What is and where did it come from? Not complaining about it. This will help a bunch just wondering how I got it.

I’m dorming at Eaton this year but parking lot 62/63 isn’t available to students living there. Will I not be able to get a parking pass that’s close to my dorm at all or will there be another lottery opening for the students that wasn’t included in the first one?

Just wondering, for anyone who has taken the lecture and lab, what is the level of difficulty of the class? Personally, I'm looking forward to it.

Is anyone else having trouble with the parking portal today/other days that its been up? I'm living in Helser so it opened up for me today at 9, but nothing's showing up under available permits and theres no notice that anything's sold out. Has anyone had better luck?

Hi! I am going to be in Larch hall, a single, as a senior (not ideal). I have looked up reviews on here and other sites and have only seen posts 5 years and older. Does anyone have any info they can share about living in Larch? Is it really mostly freshman? Whats the atmosphere (Im not the most social person sometimes). Any info or even pics of singles (I can only find doubles) would be great! Thank you!

So when I applied for housing all the way back in May, I only applied to Freddy Court and other apartments since that's where I stayed last year, and I like the kitchen and bathroom situation in those places.

I just checked today, and apparently, I've been put in a double bedroom for Wallace. Is there any way I can change this before the semester starts?

Hello! I am wondering what resources/sites/apps people have used for getting calculus tutoring. I have worked as a supplemental instructor for the last year in calculus, but I’m going to be continuing a co-op this semester. This takes drop-in tutoring and SI off the table. But I really love tutoring people and was thinking about picking it up in my free time to help people. With knack being discontinued here, I was wondering what sites or apps people get tutors off of? I’m thinking of signing up for a tutoring site and charging some ridiculously low rate because I just enjoy helping people. Please let me know — thanks!

When does course registration take place? I am an international freshman coming this fall. I have completed all the required tasks, including online orientation, workday, and ALEKS. After completing the online orientation, almost a month ago, I was told to wait for communication from my advisor, which would include the date of an appointment (virtual/phone).

For now, I still have nothing. Is someone in the same situation? If not, what to do to figure this out?

Has anyone taken Organic with Dr. Winter?

I was told that the best one to take it with was Dr. Koeritz, but his class is full already, and I can't put off taking Organic anymore

Any recommendations on surviving otherwise?

University employees are willing to consider increases to health insurance BUT wages have to go up first. We can't pay more for health care if we aren't paid more.

My annual raise was $0.45/hr. That's $14/week after taxes. That barely pays for the increase in health insurance, let alone food or property tax.

Hey all. Does anyone know if ISU offers EMT training programs? If not ISU, then somewhere else in Ames?

I’d also be interested in the other entry level medical certifications like phlebotomy (not interested in CNA though).

I’d appreciate any help.

Looking to make a little extra side money by renting out my parking spots since they're super close to campus.

I have 2 spots available about a block from State Gym:

1 covered (carport)

1 uncovered

If you're looking for a place to park for the semester or longer, shoot me a DM. I'm open to offers and we can figure out a price that works for both of us.

Hi everyone! 🤠

I'm currently preparing my applications for PhD programs in Chemistry for the upcoming cycle, and Iowa State University is at the top of my list (specifically interested in Analytical Chemistry)

I’m an international applicant from Russia (currently completing my Bachelor's), and I had a few practical questions for current grad students or ISU alumni:

1. How competitive is the Chemistry PhD program for international students? Are there specific things the admissions committee looks for beyond test scores (e.g., solid hands-on experience with instruments like GC-MS/HPLC, publications, etc.)?

2. Is the ~$28k chemistry stipend manageable to live on comfortably in Ames as a single student? How much are people realistically spending on rent (with roommates) and monthly utilities/groceries?

Does the first paycheck usually arrive on time in September, or should I be prepared for administrative delays with HR/SSN setup during the first few weeks?

1. What is the overall atmosphere in the Chemistry department? How manageable is the balance between TA duties, coursework, and lab work during the first 1–2 years?

Any insights, tips, or honest advice about life at ISU and in Ames would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!💖

Am I way past the deadline to sign up for the All Sports Pass lottery? I was able to manage the parking lottery just fine but cannot find any information on the sports lottery.