International Student Check-In and Orientation

Dear Victor,

We know there is a lot to do before you arrive on campus, but the Office of International Affairs is with you every step of the way.

In this email:

• Mandatory Immigration Check-In
• Mandatory Orientation
• Housing
• Safety
• Student Legal Services

Mandatory Immigration Check-In

The U.S. federal government requires that you complete Immigration Check-In with the Office of International Affairs upon your arrival in the United States and before the start of the semester. If you do not check in, your student immigration record will be terminated, and you may be required to leave the United States immediately.

Check-in appointments will be held virtually on CarmenZoom January 2-3.

On December 2, you will receive an email with a link to schedule a 30-minute virtual appointment with one of our immigration specialists to complete your check-in requirement that will take place after you have entered the United States. Before scheduling an appointment be sure you have the following:

• A valid visa, or
• A confirmed visa appointment with an embassy or consulate before January 6

Only students who have the required documents or a confirmed visa appointment should schedule an appointment.

Reach out to iss@osu.edu with any questions.

International Student Orientation

International Student Orientation is a two-step mandatory activity for all new and transfer international students that includes both an online and in-person learning experience.

Online orientation will open on Monday, December 2 and you should complete your self-guided orientation by January 5.

• You will be automatically enrolled in the course on CarmenCanvas, Ohio State’s online learning platform
• A confirmation email along with instructions will be sent to your BuckeyeMail account
• The Office of International Affairs will be automatically notified when you complete the online orientation

The mandatory in-person Navigation Session will cover essential processes and important logistical information for your first few weeks of the semester.

Registration will open on Monday, December 2 for sessions to be held on Friday, January 3 or Sunday, January 5 in 160 Enarson Classroom Building. You are only required to sign up for one session.

Reach out to global-engagement@osu.edu with any orientation or navigation session questions.

On-campus housing

For 2023 high school graduates: the term of the contract is Spring 2025 (January 5, 2025-April 30, 2025)**

**Housing is not guaranteed beyond the end of the contract term.

Availability for transfer students will be contingent upon space availability. Housing and Residence Education will email you with details on how to apply for campus housing. Due to limited space, we strongly encourage students who qualify and want on-campus housing to apply as early as possible.

Before you sign a contract to live on campus, make sure you read and understand the terms and conditions. Be aware that most rooms for new students may house more than two people. The contract begins Sunday, January 5. Students will be sent confirmation of their housing placement and arrival information in mid to late December.

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

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

Off-Campus Living Sessions can also be utilized as a resource during the off-campus housing search process. These sessions come in two formats, a 1.0 and 2.0 version. The 1.0 sessions focus on how to find off-campus housing and steps to take before you sign a lease. The 2.0 sessions focus on steps to take after signing a lease. You should also 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. If you are looking for immediate housing or would like some personalized assistance with your housing search, please schedule a Housing Consultation with their team. You can also follow them on Instagram at @offcampus_osu.

Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement provides students with free safety devices, including window/door alarms 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 (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.

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.

• Pre-Arrival Frequently Asked Questions
• Academics
• Life at Ohio State
• Global Engagement
• Maintaining Your Immigration Status
• Campus Resources