International Student Check-In and Orientation

Dear future Ohio State student,

The start of the semester is almost here! If you haven't already, make sure you're registered for Mandatory Immigration Check-In and Mandatory In-Person International Student Orientation. Check-in appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Before the semester starts, the Office of International Affairs will host a number of welcome events to help you get to know campus and Columbus. From campus tours to Columbus neighborhood visits, these events will be a great chance to explore new places and meet new people.

Mandatory Immigration Check-In

International students who arrive in the United States are required to attend Mandatory Immigration Check-in to complete the enrollment requirements. Mandatory Immigration Check-In is a separate process from Orientation. You will complete your Mandatory Immigration Check-In after arriving in the United States.

Check-in will take place January 2-5 virtually. It is of utmost importance that you complete your check-in with us to maintain your immigration status.

You should register for a 30-minute virtual appointment via CarmenZoom that will take place after you have entered the United States. Please note that check-in appointments are only available Monday through Friday.

Check-in registration is now open. Please make sure you change the month to January to see the available appointments. If you will arrive after January 8, more appointments will be added soon.

We want to minimize the number of canceled immigration check-in appointments and allow students that have the required documents to find available appointments. Canadian students do not need a visa to make an appointment. We ask that you only register for an appointment if you have:

• A valid visa, or
• A confirmed visa appointment with an embassy or consulate before January 8

International Student Orientation

Orientation will take place through a hybrid format format in two phases. First, virtual orientation will take place prior to your arrival through CarmenCanvas, Ohio State’s online learning management system. Second, the in-person orientation will take place on January 5. New and transfer international students are required to complete both phases.

Virtual orientation

Virtual orientation is now available. Please note:

• You DO NOT have to register since you will be automatically enrolled. You will receive an enrollment confirmation email along with instructions through your Buckeyemail account.
• Orientation is mandatory and you should complete your self-guided orientation by January 5. The Office of International Affairs will be automatically notified of your completion.

Course registration for Spring 2024

The Office of International Affairs is not responsible for registering your courses. Course registration is conducted separately from your International Student Orientation by an assigned academic advisor in your respective college or school.

Your college or school’s academic advisor will contact you directly through your BuckeyeMail account to begin the process. If your advisor has not contacted you, please contact global-engagement@osu.edu using your BuckeyeMail account, and we will direct you to the appropriate advisor to contact. To help expedite this process, please include your full name, name.# email, declared major or program, and if you are on campus or enrolled in distance education for spring semester.

Download the International Student Arrival Checklist

Academic integrity and conduct in the United States

Academic integrity is an essential underpinning of research and learning at Ohio State, and every student is expected to read, understand and uphold the university’s Code of Student Conduct. Because norms of academic conduct can vary widely by country and culture, it will be important for you to educate yourself about Ohio State’s specific academic standards and expectations.

Originality and individual achievement are highly valued in U.S. academic culture, and these values are reflected through the Code of Student Conduct. Take particular note of the rules surrounding the use of outside sources in your writing and when it is okay to collaborate with classmates on assignments or consult others’ work in preparation of your own. All students are expected to complete assignments with fairness and honesty and never pass off another’s words or ideas as their own.

The Committee on Academic Misconduct (COAM) is the university office responsible for maintaining academic integrity at Ohio State, and the COAM website is a useful resource for understanding academic conduct and misconduct.

Welcome events

Leading up to the start of the semester, you will have the opportunity to attend in-person information sessions and social programming.

A full schedule of events, including instructions for registering and event details, will be available in your virtual orientation calendar.

Please email global-engagement@osu.edu with any questions.

Additional resources

Visit our website to review information and learn more about life at Ohio State and the United States. If you don't find what you're looking for, contact iss@osu.edu with any immigration questions and global-engagement@osu.edu with general orientation and arrival questions.

• Pre-Arrival Frequently Asked Questions
• Life at Ohio State
• Global Engagement
• Office of International Affairs Facebook
• Global Engagement Facebook
• Ohio State International Affairs Twitter
• OSUGlobal Instagram