Greetings from the Office of International Affairs at The Ohio State University! We are looking forward to meeting you this autumn, and our International Student team has put together some resources to help you prepare for your arrival in Columbus, Ohio. Over the next few weeks, you will receive additional information that will cover important steps to take before and upon arrival at Ohio State.
Arriving at Ohio State
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. These sessions are mandatory and cannot be changed once you have been assigned.
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
Students returning to Ohio State after a leave of absence are required to attend the mandatory
check-in. It is highly recommended that returning students attend the orientation program.
IF YOU HAVE ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS
Please contact the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions at 614-292-9444 or through email at
gradadmis@esue.ohio-state.edu if you need assistance with the following matters:
To correct a Form I-20 due to an error;
To defer your enrollment until another semester; and
To ask questions about transfer of courses from a previous college or university
Please note: If you are a returning student or a student with a current immigration record that is being transferred to Ohio State, please contact the immigration coordinator who signed your
Ohio State Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 if the form contains any errors.
Applying for a U.S. Visa
Information about U.S. consulate policies, procedures, and requirements can be obtained from the U.S. Department of State.
Applicants for student visas usually apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country of their permanent residence. Click here for the list of websites for U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence. Required documents/evidence:
I-20 or DS-2019
Evidence of financial ability to meet expenses
Evidence of English ability sufficient for course of study
Evidence of intent to depart the U.S. after completion of studies
Passport valid for at least 6 months
Photograph (check with embassy for specific dimensions)
It is very important to activate your Ohio State email account as soon as possible.
Visit my.osu.edu to activate your Ohio State account (lastname.#) using your Ohio State ID Number and Password.
The password was emailed to you by Undergraduate Admissions. Your OSU ID Number can be found on your official acceptance letter.
Once activated, check your email at buckeyemail.osu.edu. Sign in with your lastname.#@buckeyemail.osu.edu and password.
Please email 8help@osu.edu or call 614-688-4357 if you have questions.
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 iss@osu.edu.
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.
