International Student Check-In and Orientation

Dear Victor,

Wondering what to bring to campus, Buckeye? We've got you covered!

In this email:

• What to pack
• Weather in Columbus
• Entering the United States
• Secondary inspection requirements
• Arriving at Ohio State
• Free transportation to campus

What to pack

It is very important that you carry your immigration documents with you when you travel to the United States. Do not pack them in your suitcase.

The documents you want to make sure to keep with you include:

• Admission letter to Ohio State
• Current passport
• Current U.S. visa
• Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
• SEVIS fee payment receipt
• Proof of funding (financial documentation as listed on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019)

Do not pack fresh fruit, produce, meat, prepared food, spices or plants. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers will not allow you to bring these items into the country.

Do pack:

• Your favorite non-perishable foods or snacks that will not be available or hard to find in Columbus
• Sufficient prescription medicine – we recommend bringing a list of your medications prescribed and signed by a doctor
• Photos or items that remind you of home, but not those that are irreplaceable
• Technology and electronic devices – consider packing an international converter and cords or adapters you'll need. In the United States, the power plugs and sockets are type A and B.

Winter (December-February) low temperatures typically range from 0 to 45° F (-17 to 7° C). During the winter, Columbus can get snow, sleet and freezing rain. Summer (June-August) high temperatures are usually between 75 and 95° F (24 to 35° C). The summers tend to be humid, with occasional thunderstorms. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) temperatures are in between.

Enter "43210" as the zip code on The Weather Channel for the latest weather information.

Entering the United States

This official must be satisfied that you intend to attend the school specified on your F-1 or J-1 visa and/or Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. The immigration official will inspect the documents you present to ensure their authenticity.

Visit the Customs and Border Protection website for a complete overview of what you can expect upon arriving at a U.S. port of entry.

If the inspector cannot automatically verify your information or you do not have all the required documentation, you may be escorted to an interview area known as "secondary inspection." Secondary inspection allows inspectors to conduct additional research to verify the information. Verifications are done apart from the primary inspection lines so that an individual case will not cause delays for other arriving passengers.

If your admission/participation needs to be verified, we strongly advise that you have the Office of International Affairs at Ohio State's contact information readily available. Immigration specialists at the Office of International Affairs may be reached Monday through Friday at 614-292-6101 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, except during university holidays when our office is closed on December 24 and 25 and January 1.

Arriving at Ohio State

Ohio State is located 11 miles from the John Glenn Columbus International Airport. There are a few transportation options that you should consider when making your transportation arrangements.

The Office of International Affairs has partnered with Lyft, a rideshare service, to provide incoming international students with a one-time free ride to the Ohio State campus. Learn how to create an account and download the Lyft App.

Starting December 1, you can request your unique Lyft code by emailing global-engagement@osu.edu with your arrival date from your BuckeyeMail account.

Codes are valid anytime from December 9 to January 31. You should request a code in advance, as same-day responses to a request may not be possible. Please note that the address you provide in the app must be on the Ohio State campus or the surrounding area, or else the free offer is invalid. Your code is valid up to $40, which usually covers the entirety of your ride.

When you are ready to request a Lyft, exit the airport on the baggage claim level. Follow the rideshare signs to meet your driver.

Some students may have trouble downloading the app in their home country – you can connect to the free airport WiFi upon arrival to download the app. We recommend that you download the app in advance and use a major credit card that will work in the United States. You won't be charged while using the code, but you'll need an accepted payment method linked to your account to request a ride.

You may also use Uber or a local taxi company. If you choose to use Uber or a taxi, the ride will not be covered by the Office of International Affairs. Read how to use Uber and taxis while at John Glenn International Airport.

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.

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