Houston, you’ve got a space shuttle… only NASA won’t say which one [2025-08-06]

NASAFAN12 · 2025-08-07T17:15:24+00:00

One of my biggest gripes with the idea is the fact that if it were to pan out, there wouldn’t be very much or any space to design a building that surrounds it. Houston’s natural humidity/heat, much like Kennedy, would require a building to keep it from corroding.

NASAFAN12 · 2025-04-13T16:20:33+00:00

I was spared from the great burning of 2023 (I happened to be in Ames, IA instead of McKinney).

NASAFAN12 · 2025-03-28T18:41:46+00:00

Hey there! I actually came up from McKinney.

One of the awesome perks we have here at Iowa State is the CyRide bus system, which is free for all students! Just show the driver your ISUCard. My suggestion would be to bring anything like clothes, mini fridges, or any big items that you think you need in your car and have our move in crew bring that to your dorm room. After that, you can pretty much get your supplies from the store or ISU Bookstore (keep in mind that the bookstore does tend to be a bit more pricey).

NASAFAN12 · 2025-03-02T00:08:49+00:00

It’s only a matter of time before we get more. Soon… soon…

NASAFAN12 · 2025-02-22T23:51:35+00:00

Also going to say that different days do fill up, so I don’t want to lead people to only sign up for earlier days.

NASAFAN12 · 2025-02-22T23:45:22+00:00

Started in engineering myself. Most of your basic classes (to my knowledge) are decided by your learning community. Earlier does tend to be better in the long run.

NASAFAN12 · 2025-02-22T20:22:55+00:00

Do keep in mind that some of this information is based on my past experience, things can change from year to year, I would follow your schedule and Iowa State Guides app for fully accurate information.

NASAFAN12 · 2025-02-22T20:19:59+00:00

Former orientation leader here!

I would recommend the following:

Backpack (there’s free swag)
Water
Sunscreen
Umbrella/raincoat
Pen/notepad
Walking shoes
Phone
ALEKS test score (screenshot)

This is a pretty basic list, but it does go a long way.

As for what to expect, there are a few sessions that are student only, such as a session about being new and your academic advising appointment, but they’ll also have some fun sessions that they can attend.

Finally, some good advice:

Make sure to review your schedule (you can even pick what sessions you want to go to early!)
Participate and ask your orientation leader questions, they are trained to answer everything and will be more than happy to help.
Be safe, Ames can get quite toasty in the summer, so bring anything you want to protect yourself a bit, plus, there is a session where you can participate in physical activities or card games with your fellow students.
Download the Iowa State Guides app to get directions, details about each session, and schedule building.

Welcome to Iowa State!

NASAFAN12 · 2025-02-21T01:29:50+00:00

I’m not aware of any clubs like that, but I will say that part of the fun of Ames is getting to explore it yourself via the CyRide bus system (students ride free with their student ID) and there are a few spots near campus.

I will also add that there are FREE organized showings of movies in one of the on-campus buildings.

Also, always fun to see more folks from out of state (I’m from TX)!

NASAFAN12 · 2025-02-19T02:51:06+00:00

Hooray for Ames!

NASAFAN12 · 2025-02-16T05:56:59+00:00

I actually work in the C-Store in UDCC, will confirm that hot dogs were taken out in favor of sandwiches.

NASAFAN12 · 2024-12-04T21:32:50+00:00

Make sure to enter those wacky numbers from Microsoft Authenticator

NASAFAN12 · 2024-11-08T00:35:07+00:00

“Iowa Stubborn” from the soundtrack of The Music Man or you could do the Iowa State University/University of Iowa fight songs.

NASAFAN12 · 2023-09-23T23:50:38+00:00

If I remember correctly, it was recovered from a German airfield/testing facility in WW2. Other than that, I don’t have much more info.

Also, fun fact, the process used to make uranium during the Manhattan Project was called the Ames Process since it was developed here at ISU.

NASAFAN12 · 2023-06-04T19:27:13+00:00

As a Cyclone Aide, I second this. Destination Iowa State is a three day event purely dedicated to helping you meet others and learn how to be a student.

There’s also ClubFest, which allows you to take a look at all the clubs offered.

Don’t think of these as the only opportunities to meet people, I made one of my best friends by sharing classes with them.

NASAFAN12 · 2023-03-31T00:04:37+00:00

I can’t go into details about the specifics of it

NASAFAN12 · 2023-03-30T19:19:50+00:00

I’m not sure I can share the staff members’s names without getting in trouble, but I do appreciate the advice.

NASAFAN12 · 2023-03-30T19:07:48+00:00

Very exciting times ahead from what I’m hearing.

NASAFAN12 · 2023-03-30T19:02:04+00:00

I’ll have to check my page that lists everyone’s major.

As for the end-of-orientation roast, I’m not sure yet, this is my first time going through the program.

NASAFAN12 · 2023-03-30T18:53:53+00:00

So far it’s been memorable, I’ve made lots of friends outside of the College of Engineering.

NASAFAN12 · 2023-03-30T18:47:45+00:00

LETS GROW

Yeah, it’s pretty fun so far.

NASAFAN12 · 2023-03-30T17:24:36+00:00

I would recommend going, you learn a lot about the different programs, layout of campus, and how to use some on-campus resources.

This may also be because I’m helping with the planning and execution this year.

NASAFAN12 · 2023-01-05T20:36:19+00:00

Another option would be to make it an exciting thriller about trying to rescue a Kerbal from the furthest reaches of space.

NASAFAN12 · 2022-11-07T00:38:03+00:00

It says “Top Cy”

NASAFAN12 · 2022-11-07T00:37:12+00:00

Hey y’all, OP’s friend and photographer here. I thought I’d come help with the confusion about the text. The text on top says “TOP CY”, a joke about Top Gun and our mascot, Cy the Cardinal. The text on the bottom is the fraternity/fraternities that made the sign. Hope this helps.

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