International Student Check-In and Orientation

Dear future Ohio State student,

You will 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.

On-campus housing

For 2022 high school graduates: the term of the contract is 2023-2024 Academic Year (8/19/23-5/1/24)**

**Housing is not guaranteed beyond the end of the contract term.

Availability for transfer students will be contingent upon space availability. Housing and Residence Education will email you with details on how to apply for campus housing. Due to limited space, we strongly encourage students who qualify and want on-campus housing to apply as early as possible.

Before you sign a contract to live on campus, make sure you read and understand the terms and conditions. Be aware that most rooms for new students may house more than two people. The contract begins Saturday, August 19 at 8 a.m. Students will be sent confirmation of their housing placement and arrival information in mid-July.

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

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. You can also connect with students looking for a roommate through their Roommate Search. Students can also learn about the Off-Campus Housing Network to help make more informed decisions about housing options.

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.

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.

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