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OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

International Student Check-In and Orientation

Spring 2024

Dear future Ohio State student,

Mandatory Immigration Check-In and International Student Orientation are two separate but crucial processes of getting started as a new international student at The Ohio State University. Both are required, and you must complete Mandatory Immigration Check-In to maintain your immigration status.

During Mandatory Immigration Check-In and International Student Orientation, you can learn more about the university, meet fellow new students and get connected with resources around campus.

You'll also 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.

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

Reach out to iss@osu.edu with any questions.

Review check-in process

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.

In-person orientation

On Friday, January 5, you will attend Mandatory In-Person International Student Orientation in 311 Enarson Classroom Building. Orientation will cover essential processes and important logistical information for your first weeks of the semester.

Registration is required. You will be able to select one of two sessions on Friday, January 5: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-3 p.m. Please note that you are only required to attend one session.

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

Learn more

On-campus housing

On-campus housing is available for professional, graduate and non-traditional students in the Neil Avenue Building and South Campus Gateway. To learn more and fill out an application, visit Graduate, Professional and Non-Traditional Housing. We strongly encourage students who qualify and want on-campus housing to apply as early as possible and complete a housing contract.

The availability of spaces is limited, so early application is encouraged. The cost of housing varies by the type of apartment.

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

Learn more

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 the Off-Campus Housing Network, an online housing database, with information on accommodations within walking distance and driving distance to campus. If you are seeking a short-term lease (less than 12 months), please utilize the short-term leasing database to start your search. You can also connect with students looking for a roommate through their Roommate Search.

View these helpful guides or the University District Student Resource Hub for more information.

Contact Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement at 614-292-0100 or offcampus@osu.edu. You can also follow their social media pages at @offcampus_osu.

Off-campus safety

Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement provides students with free safety devices, including window/door alarms, light timers, 9V batteries and personal safety devices. Additionally, students are encouraged to review the university’s daily crime log and community crime map provided through the Department of Public Safety to stay up-to-date about potential safety issues in the surrounding area.

Student Legal Services

Student Legal Services (SLS) is a team of legal professionals providing legal services to Ohio State degree-seeking students. Eligible students (does not include exchange students) pay an annual participation fee for the SLS legal services plan. Students are strongly urged to pay this annual fee to utilize SLS's services. Before you sign a lease to live off campus, you should get your lease reviewed by SLS. If legal issues arise when moving and living off campus, you can meet with SLS to discuss your legal rights and options. Contact SLS at studentlegal@osu.edu.

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.

View pre-arrival emails

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.

Kind regards,
Office of International Affairs

2009 Millikin Road, Columbus, OH 43210

oia@osu.edu

oia.osu.edu

Office of International Affairs

The Ohio State University

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