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

Over the next few months we will send you weekly emails  to help you plan for your arrival to Ohio State.  In 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 fall!
Register for Immigration Check-In 
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.  

GRADUATE STUDENT ORIENTATION
  • Check-in on July 30 -  August 1, attend Orientation #1 - August 2
  • Check-in on August 2 - 3, attend Orientation #2 - August 9
  • Check-in on August 6 - 8, attend Orientation #2 - August 9
  • Check-in on August 9 - 10, attend Orientation #3 - August 16
  • Check-in on August 13 - 15, attend Orientation #3 - August 16
Immigration check-in registration will be available starting June 1. If you have any questions, please contact iss@osu.edu
Housing
ON CAMPUS HOUSING

The availability of spaces is quite limited. You are encouraged to request housing as soon as possible if you have not already done so at housing.osu.edu. Move-in day is Saturday, August 18, 2018.

The cost of housing varies by the type of room.
Before you sign up to live on campus, be sure that you read the contract thoroughly and that you want on-campus housing. The housing contract is for the length of one year. Student Life University Housing can be contacted at their email address, housing@osu.edu or by phone at 614-292-8266 if you have additional questions.

OFF CAMPUS HOUSING

If you are interested in living off-campus, we recommend you start your search with Off-campus and Commuter Student Services. This website maintains an online housing search with information on accommodations both within walking distance and driving distance to campus.

Student Legal Services (SLS) is a team of legal professionals providing legal services to Ohio State students. Eligible students pay an annual participation fee for the SLS legal services plan. SLS's scope of services includes Landlord-Tenant disputes.

Before you sign a lease to live off-campus, you should get your lease reviewed by SLS. If legal issues arise when you're moving and living off-campus, you can meet with SLS staff to discuss your legal rights and options. Students are strongly urged to pay this annual fee in order to utilize the great services the Student Legal Services provides.

To reach Off-campus and Commuter Student Services, call 614-292-0100 or email offcampus@osu.edu.

TEMPORARY HOUSING

Students 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 autumn 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.

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 the Ohio State's international student organizations. Please refer to Temporary Housing for more details. Information about reduced rates at Fairfield Inn & Suites will be available at the end of May.
Storage Options
Zippy Shell Columbus is a sponsor of OIA
International students wondering what to do with your belongings over the summer should take advantage of  Zippy Shell storage options.

Zippy Shell Greater Columbus will be at Ohio State for the third consecutive year to present ZippyU storage options. Regardless of whether you end up living on campus or off, Zippy Shell offers one special price for all storage. 

Zippy Shell offers free, on-campus pickups and redeliveries, including during weekends, at an affordable price with no registration fees.  Students can also have items/boxes shipped to their facility, so that Zippy Shell can deliver directly to the dorms in the autumn.
 
Keep in mind for future plans that reservations for summer 2019, should be made before mid-April of 2019. More details for summer storage are available  online.
 
Health Screening and Vaccination Requirements 
Welcome Party All new international students (including those returning from a leave of absence) are required to complete a health screening through Student Health Services.

At orientation, you will: Complete the vaccination form to the best of your ability and have it verified by a medical provider before your arrival.
Some vaccinations that are unavailable in certain countries are available in the United States and covered by your student health insurance.

Visit shs.osu.edu for more information, or contact vaccination@osu.edu with questions.
ESL Placement Test
Some international students may be required to take the  online ESL Writing Placement Test.

Look for an email from the   ESL Composition Program  with detailed information about taking the Placement Test online prior to your arrival on campus.  Please do not schedule an appointment to take the test until you receive the email detailing the procedure.

If you have questions about your ESL test, visit the  English as a Second Language website or contact ESL Composition Coordinator  Andrew Seibert.
Follow Us on Facebook and WeChat 
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! Also like the Office of International Affairs and Global Engagement's Facebook pages to stay updated on events throughout the year.  
 
Chinese students can follow the China Gateway's WeChat for updates about Pre-Departure Orientation, traveling to the U.S. and activities here on campus! Follow the account by scanning the QR code.
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
Copyright © 2018. All Rights Reserved.