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

• On-campus housing
• Temporary housing
• Off-campus housing
• Placement testing
• Academic support resources

On-campus housing

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.

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.

Placement testing

If you are required to take it, you will should also receive an email from AEWP-Assessment@osu.edu with detailed instructions for taking the assessment online before your arrival on campus. Please do not schedule an appointment to take the assessment until you receive the email outlining the procedure.

Please note that the sooner you pay your university acceptance fees and schedule your assessment, the sooner you will know your assessment results and be able to enroll in courses. Early registration is highly encouraged as classes fill up quickly.

If you have questions about your IELP Academic English Writing Assessment, visit the Intercultural English Language Programs website or email AEWP-Assessment@osu.edu.

The Math Placement Test must be taken to accurately place students in the appropriate level of mathematics coursework. Carefully read the Math Placement Test information page. Students may only take the test once. International students will take Test D. Study materials and practice questions are available to help students prepare before taking the test.

Students should complete the assessment online as soon as possible. Plan to test in a distraction-free environment with a good internet connection that will be uninterrupted for 75 minutes.

Academic support resources at Ohio State

The Office of International Affairs and other campus units offer a variety of academic support services.

Academic success workshops covering topics such as academic success in a new cultural environment and academic conduct standards and expectations can be very helpful for new international students. Other topics include developing effective study skills, writing papers, communicating with instructors, taking notes, developing confidence in class participation and more.

The Dennis Learning Center also offers ESEPSY 2060: Academic Success Strategies for International Students, a 2-credit, 7-week course designed to support international students in adjusting to U.S. academic culture.

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