New Student Check-In

As an international student, you are required by the United States Department of Homeland Security to report to The Office of International Affairs prior to the beginning of your academic program.  

In order to assist you in complying with this requirement, a mandatory international student check-in will be held between the hours of 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. from September 2 to September 17 in Mirror Lake Café, Pomerene Hall at 1760 Neil Avenue. You do not need to come to Oxley Hall before going to Mirror Lake Cafe. You will need to plan on spending at least two hours at check-in.

At check-in, you will be greeted by Orientation Leaders (OLs) who are current undergraduate or graduate students. Orientation Leaders play an integral role in introducing new international students to Ohio State by connecting them to important university resources and policies as well as sharing their experiences as successful students.

Also an Immigration Coordinator will be available to meet with you, review your immigration documents, and answer any questions you may have. You will be able to register for classes only after you have completed check-in. You will also be assigned an orientation date at check-in.

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

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

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

• How to maintain your immigration status
• Placement tests (if necessary)
• Required health screening (note: a future pre-arrival email will offer more details about your health screening, additional information at health information.)
• BuckID (university identification card)
• Parking permit (if necessary)
• Resource Guide
• International student orientation

Note: Undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to check-in before the first orientation due to limited class availability.
 

International Student Orientation

Orientation will be held from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on September 4, September 11 and September 18. You will be assigned to attend one of these orientations at check-in. Do not schedule any other meetings on this day.

Orientation will introduce you to Ohio State and Columbus, allow you to meet other new students, and provide information on topics such as campus activities, health insurance, and cultural adjustment. Staff members from offices around campus have made special arrangements to participate in this event so that they can introduce themselves and discuss the services they provide. Further questions about orientation can be answered by an Immigration Coordinator during check-in.
 

Office of International Affairs Resources

Life at Ohio State
Tools and Resources

We encourage you to spend time navigating our web site. The web site contains important information designed to help you maintain your immigration status and adjust to your new home in Columbus, and now is a good time for you to become familiar with our web site.