Dear Future Student

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

Ohio State colleges and departments are currently determining mode of course delivery. Some will be in person, some will be online (“distance learning”), and some will offer a blend of in-person, online and other activities. The Registrar’s office will notify you by the end of July when schedule revisions are complete and yours is ready to view through buckeyelink.osu.edu.

To prepare yourself for the transition to campus, check for communication from the university in your Buckeyemail and visit the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website.

The Office of International Affairs will still conduct international student orientation and mandatory immigration check-in virtually.

Over the last few months we sent you weekly emails to help you plan for beginning your academic journey at Ohio State. This will be the last pre-arrival email. The emails are archived online. We will still communicate with you regarding any updates on immigration regulation and guidance from the federal government.

If you have any questions, please explore our website, and you are always welcome to email us at iss@osu.edu.

The U.S. Government has rescinded the guidance issued on July 6, 2020 by the Department of Homeland Security that prohibited international students who only take online/distance learning courses this autumn from remaining in the United States.

The Office of International Affairs anticipates further guidance from SEVP and a notification will be sent to international students. We will also update the answers to frequently asked questions to help clarify areas of concern regarding Autumn 2020.

Please note that information is subject to change as situations are fluid due to COVID-19 and government agency policies that may be modified.

All new and transfer international students who will take Ohio State courses autumn semester, regardless if they will arrive in the United States, are required to complete International Student Orientation.

Orientation will take place virtually through CarmenCanvas, Ohio State’s online learning management. Please note:

• You DO NOT have to register since you will be automatically enrolled. You should have received an enrollment confirmation email along with instructions through your Buckeyemail account this morning.
• Orientation is mandatory and you should complete your self-guided orientation by August 3. The Office of International Affairs will be automatically notified of your completion.

• Maintaining your immigration status
• Academic requirements and success strategies
• Life on campus and outside the classroom
• Health insurance and screening requirements
• Campus safety
• Housing and dining services

Ohio State is located 11 miles from the John Glenn Columbus International Airport. There are a few transportation options that you should consider when making your transportation arrangements.

Lyft (Free Transportation Option)

The Office of International Affairs has partenered with Lyft, a ride-share service, to provide incoming international students with a one-time free ride to the Ohio State campus. Learn how to create an account and download the Lyft App.

To request your unique Lyft code, email contractor.9@osu.edu with your arrival date.

Individual codes will be valid beginning Saturday, July 25. There are no time restrictions on the code. Please note that the address you provide in the app has to be on the Ohio State campus or in the surrounding area, or else the free offer is invalid.

When you are ready to request a ride, exit the airport on the baggage claim level. Follow the rideshare signs to the center aisle and look for your driver in the center aisle.

Rides cannot be higher than $40. Typically, rides from the airport cost approximately $24. It is customary to leave a tip for the driver—we suggest leaving $4 for tip. On the app, tips are charged to the rider's primary payment method on file and will not be covered by your code.

Some students may have trouble downloading the app in your home country. For those students, you can connect to the free airport WiFi upon arrival to download the app.

Taxi Cabs

There are several taxi cab companies available to use. If you choose to use a taxi, the ride will not be covered by the Office of International Affairs. Make sure to follow signs for taxis when you land at the airport and wait for a cab at the Taxi Line. Once your taxi arrives, provide the driver with an address. It might be helpful to have the address written down on a paper. View taxis' rate structure to estimate how much your ride will cost.

Uber

Uber also operates in Columbus. If you choose to use Uber, the ride will not be covered by the Office of International Affairs. When you are ready to request a ride, exit the airport on the baggage claim level. Follow the rideshare signs to the center aisle and look for your driver in the center aisle.

Consider some of these academic and social opportunities once you arrive on campus. Please note that due to COVID-19, most events will continue to be held virtually.

Participate in Global Engagement Events

The Global Engagement team oversees all orientation and social programs both before the semester begins and during the academic year. Starting August 3, you will have the opportunity to attend online information sessions and social programming via CarmenZoom. A full schedule of live virtual programming, including instructions for registering and links to CarmenZoom sessions, will be available in your virtual orientation's calendar.

The Ohio State Global Events app features events and resources for domestic and international students to help you plan and enhance your experience at Ohio State. Features include:

• Full schedule of virtual upcoming events
• Live updates of any last minute changes
• Opportunities to be globally engaged at Ohio State through the Office of International Affairs

Join the New Ohio State International Students - 2020 Facebook group using your Ohio State email. The group will post about events happening during orientation, and you can meet and chat with your fellow new Buckeyes!

The Global Engagement team oversees all orientation and social programs both before the semester begins and during the academic year. There are a few engagement opportunities this summer:

• Online Speed Friending – every Wednesday, 6 p.m. EST
• Online Game Night – every Thursday, 6 p.m. EST
• Virtual International Film Series – every fourth Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m. EST

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 iss@osu.edu.

• Safe and Healthy Buckeyes Website
• Pre-Arrival FAQ
• Global Engagement
• Office of International Affairs Facebook
• Global Engagement Facebook
• Ohio State International Affairs Twitter
• OSUGlobal Instagram