Dear Future Student

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

Ohio State colleges and departments are currently determining mode of course delivery. Some will be in person, some will be online (“distance learning”), and some will offer a blend of in-person, online and other activities. The Registrar’s office will notify you by the end of July when schedule revisions are complete and yours is ready to view through buckeyelink.osu.edu.

To prepare yourself for the transition to campus, check for communication from the university in your Buckeyemail and visit the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website.

The Office of International Affairs will still conduct international student orientation and mandatory immigration check-in virtually.

Over the next few months we will send you weekly emails to help you plan for beginning your academic journey at Ohio State. The emails will also be archived online.

In the meantime, please explore our website, and you are always welcome to email us at iss@osu.edu.

In light of the new guidance issued on July 6, 2020 by the Department of Homeland Security, OIA created answers to frequently asked questions to help clarify areas of concern regarding Autumn 2020.

Please note that information is subject to change as situations are fluid due to COVID-19 and government agency policies that may be modified.

Immigration coordinators from the Office of International Affairs will also be available on Tuesday, July 14 at 11 a.m. EST via CarmenZoom to answer questions regarding autumn semester. Register online.

Some international students may be required to take the online ESL Composition Placement Test.

Look for an email from the ESL Composition Program with detailed information about taking the Placement Test online prior to the semester starting. 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 eslcomptest@osu.edu.

BuckeyePass is a multifactor authentication service provided by Ohio State, which is required when accessing your different Ohio State accounts. It helps protect your account even if your password is stolen.

You must have BuckeyePass set up on a device that you will have with you during immigration check-in. You won't be able to complete the process without BuckeyePass. The easiest way to set up BuckeyePass is to download the Duo Mobile app on your mobile device. View instructions on how to set up BuckeyePass and download Duo Mobile.

International students wondering what to do with your belongings once the academic year ends, should take advantage of Zippy Shell storage options.

Zippy Shell Greater Columbus will be at Ohio State for the fourth 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.

More details for summer storage are available online.

Join the New Ohio State International Students - 2020 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!

The Global Engagement team oversees all orientation and social programs both before the semester begins and during the academic year. There are a few engagement opportunities this summer:

• Online Speed Friending – every Wednesday, 6 p.m. EST
• Online Game Night – every Thursday, 6 p.m. EST
• Virtual International Film Series – every fourth Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m. EST

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.

• Safe and Healthy Buckeyes Website
• Pre-Arrival FAQ
• Global Engagement
• Office of International Affairs Facebook
• Global Engagement Facebook
• Ohio State International Affairs Twitter
• OSUGlobal Instagram