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

Over the past few weeks we have been sending weekly emails   to help you plan for your arrival to Ohio State. If you have recently paid your acceptance fee, you might not have received the previous emails. Please visit our email archive online to see our past messages. We will be sending a few more weekly emails prior to your arrival. I n the meantime, please explore our  website , and you are always welcome to email us at  iss@osu.edu .
 
Have a wonderful summer and we look forward to meeting you this autumn!
Register for Immigration Check-In and Orientation
The Office of International Affairs encourages all students to arrive 2 - 3 weeks before the start of classes on Tuesday, August 21. 

Students who arrive early will have better course availability, more time to explore Columbus and more opportunities to meet other students. 

Review the orientation and immigration check-in schedule to determine when you should arrive on campus. Remember that your orientation session is determined by your check-in date. 

Immigration check-in registration is now available. In order to register, please visit scarletandgray.osu.edu using the general access code, OIA2018

To register, you will need your Ohio State username (your name.#) and password. See instructions on how to activate your Ohio State username and email.
 
The deadline to register is Friday, June 15, but registration is on a space-available basis, so be sure to sign up before your preferred date and time has have been filled. Once you have registered for your immigration check-in appointment, you will receive a confirmation email.

Undergraduate Student Orientation
  • Check-in on July 30 - August 3, attend Orientation #1 - August 6 - 8
  • Check-in on August 6 - 7, attend Orientation #2 - August 8 - 10
  • Check-in on August 8 - 10, attend Orientation #3 - August 13 - 15
  • Check-in on August 13 - 14, attend Orientation #4 - August 15 - 17
Temporary Housing Options 
Fairfield Inn & SuitesStudents with Ohio State Housing Contracts

University Housing offers temporary or "early arrival" housing only to students with signed contracts; students who pursue this option will move into their fall room assignments. The cost for temporary housing is $35 per day. Students who need temporary housing should contact University Housing directly. Students who arrive early will be charged until the official contract begins on move-in day, Saturday, August 18, 2018. Instructions on how to make a reservation for temporary housing and pay in advance will be emailed to students' Ohio State's email accounts as part of their housing assignment email. *Please note that housing is near full capacity and the number of spaces available for students during the break/early move-in is very low. 

Students without Ohio State Housing Contracts

On-campus temporary housing is not available to students without contracts with University Housing. You may be able to find temporary housing at a local hotel or motel, or through some of Ohio State's international student organizations.
  • Reduced Rates at Fairfield Inn & Suites
    • The Fairfield Inn & Suites offers discounted rates to Ohio State students. To book a room with this special rate,  click here . Amenities include:
      • Located 1.5 miles from Ohio State campus with complimentary shuttle
      • Complimentary hot breakfast
      • Free shuttle within 5 mile radius
      • Indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness center
      • Newly renovated
    • When booking a room, choose the discount with the "Ohio State University rate." By the time you checkout, you should have received your BuckID.
    •  
  • Additional Options
    • There are many hotel options near Ohio State's campus that offer an Ohio State discount, so make sure to ask before booking. You can find a list of university hotel partners on the University Hospitality District website.  
Entering the United States
Prior to traveling from your home country to the United States, it is important that you prepare for your inspection at the port of entry (first place of arrival in the United States).
 
Upon your arrival, an immigration official from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will review a variety of your immigration documents before allowing you to officially enter the United States. This official must be satisfied that you intend to attend the school specified on your F-1 or J-1 visa and/or Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. The immigration official will inspect the documents you present to ensure their authenticity.

Please have these important documents readily available and NOT packed in your checked luggage:
  • Current Passport
  • Current U.S. visa (if applicable)
  • Form I-20 or DS2019
  • Admission letter to Ohio State
  • SEVIS fee payment receipt
  • Financial documentation (that matches the funding stated on your I-20/DS-2019) 
Visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for a complete overview of what you can expect upon arriving at a U.S. port of entry.

When packing:

Do not pack fresh fruit, produce, meat, prepared food, spices or plants. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers will not allow you to bring these items into the country.

Do pack
 photos or items that remind you of home, but not those that are irreplaceable.  

Do not ship
your belongings to campus.
Transportation Arrangements from the Airport
The Office of International Affairs will have vouchers for a one-time free ride to Ohio State campus from Yellow Cab, a taxi company.

You can pick up a voucher at the Welcome Booth when you arrive at the Columbus airport. The Welcome Booth will be located by the baggage claim area. Follow signs for the Welcome Booth and look for an Ohio State banner and volunteers dressed in Ohio State t-shirts. 

The Welcome Booth will be open  every day from 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., July 28 - August 19.  If you plan to arrive outside of these hours, please contact   int.orientation@osu.edu   to get instructions on an alternate method of receiving these vouchers.

After picking up your taxi voucher from the Welcome Booth, an orientation leader tending the booth will help you order a taxi Please note that the address you provide the drive has to be on the Ohio State campus or in the surrounding area, or else the free offer is invalid.

If you select another taxi company, Ohio State's main campus is located less than 10 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), and taxi service from the airport to campus is relatively quick and inexpensive. 

Alternatively, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), operates a bus that runs from the airport to campus on select days.   For more information and to see if this bus will run on the day you arrive in Ohio, please visit the  COTA website.

If you choose to use a smart-phone rideshare app, both Uber and Lyft operate in Columbus. 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.
Orientation Events and Activities  
We can't wait for you to arrive on campus! We've planned activities around Columbus to introduce you to your new city including:
Sign-ups for all events will be available at immigration check-in. Space is limited for some events, so plan on arriving to campus early to guarantee a spot. 
Follow Us on Social Media  
To stay updated on new events throughout the year, follow the Office of International Affairs and the Global Engagement Facebook pages.

You should also join the New Ohio State International Students - Autumn 2018 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!  
Looking for More Information? 
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

Global Engagement
Office of International Affairs Facebook
Ohio State International Affairs Twitter
OSUGlobal Instagram

We are looking forward to seeing you here in Columbus! Please allow us to join the other offices on campus in congratulating you on your acceptance to The Ohio State University.

Kind regards,

The Office of International Affairs

Quick Links
Global Engagement Calendar of Events
Global Engagement Night International Students
Global Engagement Facebook Group Ohio Union Events
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