We’re thrilled that you’ve chosen Luther and can’t wait to meet you!
Have you paid your deposit? Then, it’s time to prepare for your life as a Luther student. Next Steps for New Norse will guide you through the process.
Next Steps for New Norse
Follow these steps in order to submit your New Norse Questionnaire, receive your fall 2026 class schedule, and connect with your academic advisor.
STEP 1: Activate your Norse Key by following the instructions sent to you by email (subject line “Your Luther Norse Key Is Ready!”), which contains your unique link to the Luther College Secure File Transfer site.
STEP 2: Log in to your Luther Norse Mail, which is the main way we distribute information.
STEP 3: Log in to your Admissions Portal and complete your Pre-Enrollment Tasks, including the New Norse Questionnaire.
Complete your Pre-Enrollment Tasks
MORE Information for International Students and U.S. Students Living Abroad
When will I receive my fall 2026 class schedule?
The earlier you complete your New Norse Questionnaire and placement exams (your “pre-enrollment tasks”), the earlier you will receive your fall 2026 class schedule. Deadlines roll throughout the spring and summer.
| Complete your pre-enrollment tasks by | Receive your fall 2026 class schedule by |
|---|---|
| April 13, 2026 | May 1, 2026 |
| May 4, 2026 | May 22, 2026 |
| May 25, 2026 | June 12, 2026 |
| June 15, 2026 | July 3, 2026 |
| July 6, 2026 | July 31, 2026 |
At a Glance Dates and Times
Saturday, August 29, 2026, is move-in day for most students for fall 2026. Plan to arrive between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Central Time.
International and U.S. abroad students have a different move-in and orientation schedule:
- August 21–22 Arrival at Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) International Airport
- August 23 Transportation to Luther
- August 24–28 International Student Orientation
Student-athletes in fall sports: Some of you will have an earlier move-in date; your coach will send you that information in July.
New students from over 500 miles away: You have the option to move in on Friday, August 28. If you wish to do this, email your request to the Residence Life Office by Monday, August 3.
View the First-Year Move-in Day Campus Map
Saturday, August 23–Friday, August 28, 2026
The Endeavor Together program brings together a small cohort of incoming first-year students in order to share in fellowship and adventure while building community and preparing for college life.
Saturday, August 29–Saturday, September 5, 2026
Welcome Week is designed to help first-year and transfer students make a successful transition into the Luther community. During this orientation experience, you will:
- Learn more about Luther and the college’s academic and community expectations
- Interact in meaningful ways with other new students, faculty, and staff
- Gain tools and knowledge to help students be successful
- Build a community that will support, respect and protect one another
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Friday, September 18–Sunday, September 20, 2026
Family Weekend is an ideal time for families to experience Luther College and to explore Decorah. We invite every family to let your student be your host as we gather as a community both on campus and in the surrounding area.
Wednesday Webinars: Answers to Your Questions About Luther
How Do I ...
Living in Decorah, Iowa
Going to Luther is synonymous with living in beautiful Decorah. Your professors live here, and so do 1,000+ alumni. Decorah is a hidden gem that lies in the Driftless Region. It’s a beautiful environment of rolling hills, sandstone bluffs, waterfalls, and spring-fed creeks. And the community of Decorah is just as unique and inviting as the landscape. See why we are proud to call Decorah our home.
More How-Tos for Luther College Life
We’re glad you asked! Having your own books is essential to staying on track in your classes.
- Mid-July is when books for fall 2026 classes will be available.
- Buy your books after your class schedule is finalized.
- We recommend purchasing your books before you arrive on campus.
- International students: If needed, you may wait until you arrive and use your transition grant to buy them.
Find out which books you need this way:
- Go to luther.ecampus.com and select “Shop By Schedule.”
- Select “Sign In Via Your School Account.”
- Use your Norse Key to sign in; your course materials list will auto-populate.
Notes:
- If the book is marked “recommended” or “optional,” don’t buy it yet; your professor will give you more information.
- Have your books shipped to Luther for free, or to your home for a shipping fee.
- International students: Have your books shipped to Luther.
Questions? Contact bookshopweb@luther.edu
Do you need to:
- Reduce or decline your federal loans?
- Reduce or decline your work-study allocation or position?
- Report outside scholarships?
You can do all of this yourself. Log in to Norse Hub, navigate to the Financial Aid page, and use the Self Service Form. You can also use Norse Hub to submit any additional documents needed to complete your financial aid tasks.
For help or for any other questions, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@luther.edu or 563-387-1018.
Students living on campus are automatically placed on the full board meal plan, with 19 meals per week and $280 Dining Dollars. Dining Dollars are usable as currency at all eating establishments on campus outside of the Cafeteria: Nordic Brew, Oneota Market, and Marty’s.
During the first 10 days of each semester, you may change your plan to one of these additional full board options:
- 14 meals/week and $350 Dining Dollars.
- 225 meals/semester and $280 Dining Dollars.
- 175 meals/semester and $455 Dining Dollars.
- 120 meals/semester and $840 Dining Dollars.
All full board meal plans cost $3,350 per semester.
Initial work-study positions are sent to eligible incoming students in the first half of July. If you do not receive yours, contact stuwork@luther.edu.
Luther has programs to make you feel at home that are open to all. One of them is the Explorers Connection Program. If you sign up, you’ll be matched with your very own vibrant, supportive crew, including a peer mentor and a faculty, staff, or community member. They are ready to walk alongside you as you discover your People, Place, Purpose, and Possibility.
Practical Details and Helpful Resources
How to get here
If you’re coming by car, search for “Luther College” in your favorite map app. During the academic year, you may use Luther’s shuttle service to and from the Minneapolis airport. Tickets are available from Luther’s ticket office.
How to find places to stay in Decorah
The best source on visiting Decorah is https://visitdecorah.com/
How to connect with Luther offices and events
Current Students gateway page: news, events, and information
How to connect with Luther families and offices
- Luther Parents and Family Network Facebook Group: chat with fellow Luther parents and families
- Parents and Families gateway page: news, events, and information
Additional Support
Admissions Office
Luther College
700 College Drive
Decorah, Iowa 52101
Phone: 563-387-1287
Office of Student Success
Preus Library, Suite 108D
Luther College
700 College Drive
Decorah, IA 52101
Phone: 563-387-1270
Student Life
Dahl Centennial Union 266
Luther College
700 College Drive
Decorah, Iowa 52101
Phone: 563-387-1020