International Student Check-In and Orientation

Dear future Ohio State student,

You'll want to make housing arrangements well in advance of your arrival in Columbus. Please be aware that students are responsible for arranging their own on- or off-campus housing. The Office of International Affairs is not able to make housing arrangements on your behalf.

Housing and Residence Education is here to help with on-campus housing, and Willie J. Young Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement can help you find off-campus housing.

You can also read more about the required placement testing and academic support resources at Ohio State to help you start the semester off strong.

On-campus housing

Contact Housing and Residence Education at housing@osu.edu or 614-292-8266.

Temporary housing

On-campus early arrival/temporary housing is not available for students who do not have a housing contract. Students with contracts on file should watch their email for additional arrival information. You may be able to find temporary housing at a local hotel or motel, or through some of the Ohio State's international student organizations. Please refer to Temporary Housing for more information.

Off-campus housing

If you're interested in living off campus, we recommend starting your search with Willie J. Young Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement. This organization maintains an online housing search with information on accommodations within walking distance and driving distance to campus. They also allow students to connect through their Roommate Search. Other resources available through Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement include the following helpful guides:

• Commuting 101
• Off-Campus Living Guide
• The Graduate and Professional Student Living Guide
• The Renter’s Guide through Undergraduate Student Government

Placement testing

If you are required to take it, you will receive an email at your Ohio State email from AEWP-Assessment@osu.edu with detailed instructions for taking the assessment online before your arrival on campus. Please do not schedule an appointment to take the assessment until you receive the email detailing the procedure.

The assessment times are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The sooner you pay your university acceptance fees and schedule your assessment, the sooner you will know your assessment score and the sooner you will be able to enroll in courses. Early registration is highly encouraged as classes fill up quickly.

If you have questions about your IELP Academic English Writing Assessment, visit the Intercultural English Language Programs website or email AEWP-Assessment@osu.edu.

Math placement testing

The Math Placement Test must be taken to accurately place students in the appropriate level of mathematics coursework. Carefully read the Math Placement Test information page. Students may only take the test once. International students will take Test D. Study materials and practice questions are available to help students prepare before taking the test.

Students should complete the assessment online as soon as possible. Plan to test in a distraction-free environment with a good internet connection that will be uninterrupted for 75 minutes.

Academic support resources at Ohio State

The Office of International Affairs and other campus units offer a variety of academic support services.

Every autumn and spring semester, the Office of International Affairs offers academic success workshops covering topics such as academic success in a new cultural environment and academic conduct standards and expectations. Other topics include developing effective study skills, writing papers, communicating with instructors, taking notes, developing confidence in class participation and more.

The Dennis Learning Center also offers ESEPSY 2060: Academic Success Strategies for International Students, a 2-credit, 7-week course designed to support international students in adjusting to U.S. academic culture.

The New International Students’ Guide to Ohio State Academic Culture provides important information on what to expect in your first semester at Ohio State.

Don't fall for a scam

Scammers are targeting international students. Scammers may make threatening phone calls or send intimidating messages on social media or through email, or use personal information they illegally obtained to scare someone into providing immediate payment or information. Scenarios on specific types of scams are outlined online. If you believe you are the victim of any type of scam or fraudulent activity, please report it to police and also schedule an appointment with Student Legal Services.

In case you missed it

The Office of International Affairs sends weekly pre-arrival emails to address the most important topics for incoming international students and help prepare for your transition to campus. Each email covers different topics you need to know before starting the semester.

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