For all new international students

The Office of International Affairs has designed a series of emails to help prepare you for your arrival at Ohio State. You will be receiving these emails in the weeks before your arrival.

Please note that you can only enter the United States a maximum of 30 days prior to the reporting date on your I-20 or DS-2019. We recommend that you arrive at least 5-10 days before orientation in order to complete necessary activities, such as settling into your residence hall or apartment, setting up a bank account, obtaining your student ID, and attending MANDATORY Check-In. We will also be hosting activities to help you learn more about campus and Columbus including tours and trips to places of interest in Columbus. These activities will also allow you to meet other new students.

Also, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our web site. Contained within the Life at Ohio State section is information about how to get to campus, temporary and permanent housing, health screening, banking and much, much more. Another good source is the International Student Handbook.
 

Check-In

At check-in, coordinators will be available to meet with you, review your immigration documents, discuss important immigration regulations, and answer any questions you may have.

You must bring the following documents with you to check-in:

1. Admission letter to Ohio State
2. Current Passport
3. Current U.S. Visa
4. I-94 card (you will receive this when you enter the U.S.)
5. Ohio State Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 (Note: if you have an active immigration record that is being transferred from another institution in the U.S. to Ohio State, please bring your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 from your previous school.)
6. Form I-20(s) or Form DS-2019(s) of your dependents (spouse and children), if applicable

At check-in, you will also receive information regarding:

1. How to maintain your immigration status
2. Orientation
   
3. Placement tests (if necessary)
4. Required health screening
5. BuckID (university identification card)
6. Parking permit (if necessary)
7. Resources on and off campus

NOTE: You will not be able to register for your classes unless you ahve attended check-in.

Please note: Most university offices are closed on the weekends and university holidays. These dates are available on the university calendar.
 

Orientation

Orientation will introduce you to Ohio State and Columbus, allow you to meet other new students, and will also cover important and helpful topics such as campus resources, safety, and health insurance. Representatives from offices around campus will be introducing themselves and the services provided by their offices. No pre-registration is required for international student orientation. You will receive this information at check-in.
 

ESL Composition Placement Essay

International students may be required to take an ESL Composition Placement Essay. For more information on the ESL Composition and a complete list of exemptions to the placement exams, visit the web site.
 

Undergraduate Students

Math Skills Assessment: If you are required to take the Math Skills Assessment, it will be listed on the notice of admission from Ohio State.

Math Transfer Credit: If you have taken college level math classes at another school and will be transferring these math credits to Ohio State, get these courses evaluated before arriving. Fax the following information to the Math Counseling Office (614-292-0167):

1. Transfer Credit Report (TCR) provided by the Admissions Office in your official acceptance packet.
2. Copy of the transcript which includes the record of prior math courses.
3. Copy of the syllabus (including course outlines and topics covered) for each course you are requesting specific credit to be assigned (i.e. all prior college level math classes).

Have you paid the $100 Undergraduate Acceptance Fee?

The acceptance fee must be paid to allow full participation in orientation. If you have questions about this fee, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (614-292-3980) or int.undergrad@osu.edu. Be sure to give your applicant number (please see the “SSN” box on your Acceptance Fee Statement), or U.S. social security number.

Do you have Transfer Credit?

Each transfer student receives a Transfer Credit Report (TCR) in the admission packet. This document confirms that Ohio State has evaluated your prior academic coursework and has made certain determinations. If your TCR indicates that some of your coursework from your prior institution has been evaluated as "General," "Special,” or "Technical," you will want to have these courses further evaluated. You can discuss this with your academic advisor when you register for classes. To maximize how your transfer credit applies to your specific Ohio State degree program, you need to bring with you course descriptions, university catalogues, course syllabi (with textbook names and authors), and any other materials describing the content of your prior coursework (all materials should have been translated into English).

Graduate Students

Have you turned in your Acceptance Form?

The Office of Admissions requires that you return the Acceptance Form to notify them of your intent to attend The Ohio State University.

Course Registration

After checking in with the Office of International Affairs and attending the International Student Orientation, you may visit your department and speak with your advisor to register for classes. We recommend that you take the English Composition Placement Essay before registering for classes.

Once again, congratulations on your acceptance and we look forward to meeting you!