OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

International Student Check-In and Orientation

Autumn 2024

Dear Victor,

You will want to make housing arrangements well in advance of your arrival in Columbus. Please be aware that students are responsible for arranging their own on- or off-campus housing. The Office of International Affairs is not able to make housing arrangements on your behalf.

Housing and Residence Education is here to help with on-campus housing, and Willie J. Young Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement can help you find off-campus housing.

On-campus housing

On-campus housing is available for professional, graduate and non-traditional students in the Neil Avenue Building and South Campus Gateway. To learn more and fill out an application, visit Graduate, Professional and Non-Traditional Housing. 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. The cost of housing varies by the type of apartment.

Contact Housing and Residence Education at housing@osu.edu or 614-292-8266.

Learn more

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 the Off-Campus Housing Network, a collaboration among The Ohio State University, Student Legal Services, property owners and a number of City of Columbus departments, including Police, Fire, Public Safety and Code Enforcement. Students are encouraged to start their off-campus housing search using the Off-Campus Housing Network Housing Search. Please note there are filtering options on the left-hand side of the screen; these will help you narrow your search with criteria that meet your specific needs. You can also connect with students looking for a roommate through the Roommate Search.

Review the Off-Campus Living Guides to learn more about the renting process, University and City resources, safety information and students’ rights and responsibilities as members of the off-campus community. Contact Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement at 614-292-0100 or offcampus@osu.edu with any questions or if you would like to schedule a Housing Consultation. You can also follow their social media pages at @offcampus_osu.

Off-campus safety

Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement provides students with free safety devices, including window/door alarms, smart plugs and personal safety devices. Additionally, students are encouraged to take advantage of the Safety Resources provided by the Department of Public Safety.

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. Contact SLS at studentlegal@osu.edu.

Missed a pre-arrival email?

The Office of International Affairs sends weekly pre-arrival emails to address the most important topics for incoming international students and help prepare for your transition to campus. Each email covers different topics you need to know before starting the semester and is archived on our website.

View pre-arrival emails

Additional resources

Visit our website to review information and learn more about life at Ohio State and the United States. If you don't find what you're looking for, contact iss@osu.edu with any immigration questions and global-engagement@osu.edu with general orientation and arrival questions.

Kind regards,
Office of International Affairs

2009 Millikin Road, Columbus, OH 43210

oia@osu.edu

oia.osu.edu

Office of International Affairs

The Ohio State University

View as Webpage | Privacy Policy