Pre-Arrival Information - Autumn Semester 2021 at Ohio State

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

International Student
Check-In and Orientation

Autumn 2021

Dear Future Student

Greetings from the Office of International Affairs (OIA) at The Ohio State University. While information surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, please know that our highest priority is the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. We are monitoring the global outbreak and are taking appropriate steps to ensure the well-being of the campus community.

Ohio State is preparing to offer significantly more in-person classes and robust in-person experiences autumn semester. All decisions will be made in partnership with and approval of local, state and federal health authorities. Learn more about the university’s plan for the 2021-2021 academic year.

The Office of International Affairs will conduct International Student Orientation and Mandatory Immigration Check-In virtually. International Student Orientation and Mandatory Immigration Check-In are two separate processes, and students are required to complete both.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been adjustments by the Student and Visitor Exchange Program (SEVP) to the online credit maximum to allow for more flexibility. These adjustments will continue for the 2021-22 academic year.

Visit our Autumn 2021 Updates page for more information.

The Office of International Affairs encourages all students to arrive 2-3 weeks before the start of classes on August 24 in order to complete Mandatory Orientation and Immigration Check-In. We know students may face issues securing visa appointments as U.S. consulates work through significant backlogs, but it's important that students continue to try and schedule a visa appointment as soon as possible. We understand that this is a challenging time, but please know that the Office of International Affairs is here to assist you in any way possible.

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

These emails are designed to:

Address the most important topics for incoming international students.
Prepare students for the transition to campus.
Introduce future Ohio State Buckeyes to what awaits them on campus!

We look forward to sending you more detailed information in our upcoming pre-arrival emails. In the meantime, please explore our website and answers to frequently asked questions, and you are always welcome to email us at iss@osu.edu.

Learn More

Registering for Classes

The Office of International Affairs is not responsible for directly registering your courses. Course registration is conducted separate from your International Student Orientation by an assigned academic advisor in your respective college or school.

Your college or school’s academic advisor will be contacting you directly through your BuckeyeMail account to begin the process. If you have not been contacted by your advisor by August 2, please contact our office at global-engagement@osu.edu using your BuckeyeMail account and we will direct you to an advisor to contact. To help expedite this process, in your email, please include your full name, name.#, declared major or program, and if you will be on-campus or doing distance education for autumn semester.

Buckeye Link

Buckeye Link assists students with various matters related to maneuvering through college life, including the payment of tuition and fees. Buckeye Link is located in the lobby of the Student Academic Services Building, 281 West Lane Avenue. You can contact Buckeye Link by email at buckeyelink@osu.edu or by phone at 614-292-0300 or toll free at 800-678-6440.

Students should log in to "My Buckeye Link" during the summer in order to see actions you may need to complete.

Tuition and fees will be due the second Friday of classes unless otherwise noted on your Statement of Account. Tuition and fees that are not paid by the deadline will be subject to university late fees. You can only pay tuition and fees one semester at a time; you cannot pay for an entire academic year at one time.

Financial Responsibility Statement

Before registering for classes each term, all students must complete the Financial Responsibility Statement, which acknowledges their financial responsibility to pay all tuition and fees. Until you complete the statement, a registration Lock Hold is placed on your Buckeye Link preventing you from registering for courses. Please complete the statement before, or by the date you have chosen to check-in, to release the hold. Log in to your "My Buckeye Link" to complete your Financial Responsibility Statement.

Accessing Your Statement of Account

Once you register for classes, your Statement of Account is created. Your Statement of Account shows the tuition and fees that you are responsible for paying, and also shows your payment due date. To see your Statement of Account, log in to your "My Buckeye Link". Log in using the same username and password required for your Ohio State email account. Once you log in to your "My Buckeye Link," click on the Statement of Account link located in the "Outstanding Charges" box in the Finances section. Be sure you select the correct term by using the drop-down menu.

Ways to Pay Tuition and Fees

To make paying for tuition and fees most efficient, we suggest you set up a local bank account shortly after you arrive (if you do not already have one). You can wire money from a different bank account to put into this new account.

The preferred method for paying tuition and fees, including TOPP payments, is online from a checking or savings account, but Ohio State accepts MasterCard, Discover, VISA and American Express. It is recommended to pay your tuition using Electronic Check Payment, because it is the fastest and safest way to post a payment to your account. This payment method is free when you utilize your bank account and bank routing number.

For details and payment options, visit Financial Services' website and select Payment Options for additional information.

Learn how to pay your tuition with the Tuition Option Payment Plan (TOPP).

Please note that if you have an external scholarship check or other third party payment, the payment should be written in U.S. dollars and mailed to:

Office of the University Bursar - External Scholarships
The Ohio State University
PO Box 183248
Columbus, OH 43218-3248

Make sure to indicate your Ohio State identification number with this payment. For more information, please view the External Aid Resource Guide.

Setting up a Bank Account in the United States

You may want to open a checking account when you arrive in Columbus. Huntington is the Official Consumer Bank of The Ohio State University, and the most convenient bank on campus with five branches and 26 ATMs. Learn more about what they offer on Huntington.com.

Visit our website for general information on money and banking in the United States.

Connect with Other Buckeyes Online

Join the New Ohio State International Students - 2021 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!

Consider also following Global Engagement and the Office of International Affairs on social media:

Over the summer there may be opportunities to attend virtual events—you don't have to wait to start getting engaged! Visit our calendar for more information.

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.

Please allow us to join the other offices on campus in congratulating you on your acceptance to The Ohio State University.

Kind regards,
Office of International Affairs

2009 Millikin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210

oia@osu.edu

osu.edu

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