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OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

International Student Check-In and Orientation

Spring 2023

Dear future Ohio State student,

Greetings from the Office of International Affairs at The Ohio State University!

The Office of International Affairs encourages all students to arrive 2-3 weeks before classes start on Monday, January 9 in order to complete Mandatory Orientation and Immigration Check-In.

We look forward to sending you more detailed information in our upcoming pre-arrival emails. In the meantime, please explore our website and answers to frequently asked questions. You’re always welcome to email us at [email protected] with any immigration questions and [email protected] with general orientation and arrival questions.

Learn more

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 3-6 virtually. It is of utmost importance that you complete your check-in with us to maintain your immigration status.

Once you are in the United States, you will register for a 30-minute virtual appointment via CarmenZoom. Registration will open on December 1. Please note that check-in appointments are only available Monday through Friday.

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 9

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.

Complete Student Record eForm in advance of your immigration check-in appointment. Keep in mind that you must be in the United States to complete the Student Record eForm and Mandatory Immigration Check-In – some of the required documents will not be available if you are not physically here.

During your appointment, an immigration check-in staff member will assist you with reviewing your student record form and the uploaded copies of your immigration documents. They will also answer any questions you may have and discuss next steps before classes begin.

Reach out to [email protected] 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 6 from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. New and transfer international students are required to complete both phases.

Virtual orientation

On December 12, you will be automatically enrolled to complete your self-guided International Student Orientation. 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 on December 12.
Orientation is mandatory and you should complete your self-guided orientation by January 6. The Office of International Affairs will be automatically notified of your completion.

In-person orientation

On January 6, you will attend In-Person International Student Orientation from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on-campus. Students should arrive at 0001 Jennings Hall for check-in at 8:30 a.m. Pre-registration is not required.

Orientation will cover essential processes and important logistical information for your first weeks of the semester. Additional optional sessions will be offered in the afternoon for interested students. More information will be sent to your BuckeyeMail account with instructions closer to in-person orientation.

Please email [email protected] with any orientation questions.

Learn more

On-campus housing

On-campus housing is required for students who graduated from high school in 2021 and 2022. Availability for transfer students will be contingent upon space availability. Student Life Housing Services will email students each week, based on the date they have paid their acceptance fee to the university with details on how to apply for campus housing. Please note, students will need to be compliant with the university’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate.

Move-in will start at 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at no cost. Students will be sent confirmation of their housing placement in late December to their BuckeyeMail accounts.

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. Be aware that most rooms for new students may house more than two people. The cost of housing varies by the type of room and the meal plan chosen.

Before you sign a contract to live on campus, be sure that you read the contract thoroughly and that you want on-campus housing. If you break your contract, you will be assigned a contract violator fee for each semester that is remaining on your contract. If you are unable to come to Columbus, you should request cancellation of your contract by December 15, 2022. Questions about early move-in availability and eligability based on your housing contract should be sent to University Housing.

Contact University Housing at [email protected] 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

For more resources, visit go.osu.edu/UDhub.

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. Contact Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement at 614-292-0100 or [email protected]. You can also follow their social media pages at @offcampus_osu.

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. You can contact SLS at [email protected].

Additional resources

Visit our website to review information from previous emails and/or answers to frequently asked questions. If you don't find what you're looking for, contact [email protected] with any immigration questions and [email protected] with general orientation and arrival questions.

Please allow us to join the other offices on campus in congratulating you on your acceptance to The Ohio State University.

Kind regards,
Office of International Affairs

2009 Millikin Road, Columbus, OH 43201

[email protected]

oia.osu.edu

Office of International Affairs

The Ohio State University

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