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. These e-mails are also archived on our Pre-Arrival Information page.

Please note that you can only enter the United States a maximum of 30 days prior to the reporting date on your Initial Form 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 2009-2010 Resource Guide.

Orientation Materials

Students can review presentations and materials from Orientation for additional information and resources.

Check-In

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

American Language Program (ALP) students should report directly to Room 60, Arps Hall for check-in.

Law School students should report to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at the Mortiz College of Law in Drinko Hall for check-in.

All other students should check-in directly with OIA including exchange, transfer and returning.

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
7. Student Record Form

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 have 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 information. Representatives from offices around campus will be introducing themselves and the services provided by their offices. You will receive more 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. The Transfer Credit Report (TCR) is available online through your Application Account after you have received your official notice of admission.
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 enroll in classes. If you have questions about this fee, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (614) 292-3980 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Be sure to give your 9 digit applicant number.

Do you have Transfer Credit?

Each transfer student will be able to view their Transfer Credit Report (TCR) online through their Application Account after they have received an official notice of admission. 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 catalogs, 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

How do I accept Ohio State's offer of admission?

When admitted to The Ohio State University, you must accept our offer of admission in order to register for classes. Please provide the following information to confirm your acceptance:

1. Graduate Programs NOT requiring a tuition deposit: If your program does not require a tuition deposit, then you may accept your admission on-line by visiting Application Status. 
   
   
   • International students must wait to receive the I-20 before accepting on-line.
   
   
2. Graduate Programs requiring a tuition deposit: If your program requires a tuition deposit,you will be sent by regular mail an acceptance statement with tuition deposit information. By the due date indicated, please send the completed original acceptance statement and a check or money order for the tuition deposit. Return the statement and check in the window envelope enclosed with your statement. Please be advised photocopied statements WILL NOT be processed, only originals. Before mailing, confirm the Retail Remittance Center address on the Acceptance Statement shows through the envelope window. The acceptance statement must be returned via regular mail to the Retail Remittance Center, not Graduate Admissions. The Center does not accept express mail packages.

If you are concerned that your Acceptance Statement will not be submitted in time, please contact your graduate program office to inform them about your intention to attend Ohio State. It is very important to inform your graduate program of your acceptance, especially if you were awarded financial aid. Program contact information can be accessed at: Graduate Program Information.

Additionally, if you were awarded a Fellowship, please also communicate your decision to accept to the Graduate School's Fellowship Services Director, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Graduate student resources

• New graduate student to do list