Finding A Student At University Of Iowa: A Guide

The University of Iowa has a directory that contains information on all faculty, staff, retirees, affiliates, and students who have not opted out of sharing their information. This directory can be used to find a student at the University of Iowa.

Student clubs and societies

The University of Iowa supports over 600 registered student organizations (RSOs) on campus. Student organizations provide students with leadership opportunities, help them feel connected to the university, and grant them access to many campus resources. They also play a vital role in providing engagement opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community members.

There are many ways to get involved in a student organization at the University of Iowa. Before joining, it is recommended to figure out what type of organization you want to join, what role you want in that organization, and how much time you can commit to it. Once you have a better idea of what you want from your involvement, you can get more information about organizations on the university's Engage platform. On Engage, you can search for organizations, filter by category, contact organization leaders, and view upcoming events.

Each organization has a unique process for membership and leadership, so the best way to join is to reach out to current members for more information. Additionally, the University of Iowa hosts a Student Engagement Fair each semester, giving students a chance to explore some of the organizations on campus directly. This fair typically includes organizations showcasing their offerings in diverse interests such as academics, culture, sports, volunteering, and more.

• African Student Association
• American Sign Language Club
• Anime and Manga Club
• Association for Computing Machinery
• Biological Interests Organization
• Cross-Stitching and Embroidery Club
• Dance Club at The University of Iowa
• Economics Student Association at Iowa
• Environmental Coalition at Iowa
• Esports at Iowa Club
• Hawkeye Ballroom Dance Company
• Iowa Figure Skating Club
• Iowa Women's Lacrosse Club
• Linguistics Student Association
• Minority Association of Pre Health Students
• Multicultural Nursing Association
• Pre-Dental Advisory Club
• Queer Liberation Front
• Russian Culture and Climate
• Tabletop Gaming Organization
• University of Iowa Fencing Club
• Women in Computing Sciences Club

Student accommodation

The University of Iowa offers a range of student accommodation options to suit different needs and preferences. Living on campus is a popular choice for many students, as it provides easy access to classes, resources, and other unique hands-on opportunities. The university's residence halls are designed to foster a sense of community, support academic success, and help students build genuine connections that can last a lifetime.

One of the highlights of living on campus is the dining experience. The University of Iowa offers a variety of dining options, with fresh ingredients and homemade classics available to suit different tastes and schedules. Additionally, the university provides numerous employment opportunities for students, making it the largest student employer on campus. This allows students to find positions that fit their lifestyles and gain valuable work experience during their studies.

For students with disabilities, the University of Iowa is dedicated to providing reasonable academic and housing accommodations. The Student Disability Services (SDS) helps students find and implement suitable accommodations, ensuring that their needs are met while also maintaining the academic integrity of the courses or programs. This process involves gathering documentation from a healthcare provider and completing an online application form. Common accommodations include extended time for exams, reduced distraction environments, the use of adaptive equipment, and more.

The University of Iowa also offers nine distinct Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) based on majors or identity groups. These communities are designed to help students succeed academically and socially, allowing them to explore new interests and connect with like-minded individuals. The residence education model fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, enhancing the overall student experience.

Student email accounts

The University of Iowa provides free email accounts to all admitted students. This is the official channel through which the university will send important information. Students are advised to regularly check their university email accounts to avoid missing any communications.

Students can choose to redirect mail from their university email account to a personal account (e.g. Yahoo, Gmail, etc.). This can be done by accessing the QuickLinks section of the university's online student services portal, MyUI. Here, students can also find their Admissions Profile, which allows them to track the status of their application, view their Regent Admission Index score, tuition classification, admission decision, scholarships awarded, and honours status.

The MyUI portal also enables students to conduct other university-related business, such as accepting an offer of admission, checking their university bill, registering for orientation, and accessing their degree audit. Additionally, students can give their family members guest privileges to view selected personal information from their MyUI account.

Student orientation

Orientation is a crucial part of your transition to becoming a student at the University of Iowa and will lay the foundation for your whole experience at the university. The orientation process is made up of two parts, and you will need to register for your orientation dates.

Part One: Student Online Advising & Registration (SOAR)

New students will sign up by choosing a week to complete the Student Online Advising & Registration (SOAR) appointment. You will then complete online modules and placement tests prior to your chosen week. About a week before your chosen week, you will select a date and time for your SOAR appointment. This virtual meeting will be with an academic advisor who will assist with selecting and registering for classes.

Part Two: Becoming a Hawkeye Program

New students and their families are encouraged to select a Becoming a Hawkeye program to attend after their SOAR orientation. This 1-day program on campus will include an Information Fair, presentations from campus offices, student small groups with Orientation Leaders and other new students, lunch, and a chance to get to know campus resources.

International Students

International students with F-1 and J-1 visa types should complete orientation directly with International Student and Scholar Services.

Student health

The University of Iowa offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services for its students, ensuring their health and well-being during their time at the university. The Student Health division, under the umbrella of the Division of Student Life, acts as a healthcare home away from home for students.

The Student Health team provides a wide range of services, catering to both physical and mental health needs. They offer full-service healthcare appointments, including preventive health visits such as physicals and annual exams, as well as chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes and asthma. Women's health care is also a priority, with services such as pap smears, contraceptive management, and procedures offered. Additionally, the team addresses mental health concerns, providing support for issues like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a type of seasonal depression that typically occurs during the winter months due to reduced sunlight.

Immunizations and Insurance

The University of Iowa requires all incoming students to provide proof of two MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccinations. Health science and international students have additional immunization requirements to meet. To ensure students can easily manage their immunization records and medical information, the university recommends that all students sign up for MyChart, the university's patient portal.

The University of Iowa also emphasizes the importance of health insurance coverage for its students. Degree-seeking students registered for five or more credit hours each semester (a requirement for undergraduates only) are eligible to enrol in the university's health insurance plans. Undergraduate, international, and health science students are mandated to have medical insurance. The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), administered by Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Iowa, offers comprehensive coverage both within and outside of Iowa.

Encouraging Student Health

The university encourages students to take advantage of the Student Health services when they need care on campus. With a health fee included in their tuition, students can access unlimited office visits at no additional cost, making healthcare more accessible and affordable. The university also provides guidance on class absences due to illness, supporting students in maintaining their academic standing while prioritising their health.

Frequently asked questions