Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

Arrival Checklist

Before Departing

Check your BuckeyeMail account frequently and read pre-arrival emails from the Office of International Affairs.

Immigration

  • Download your I-20 or DS-2019 visa eligibility document and verify your BuckeyeMail
  • Pay your I-901 SEVIS fee at FMJfee.com
  • Schedule your visa appointment with the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy to apply for a visa as soon as possible (Canadian citizens do not need a U.S. visa)
  • Plan to arrive early. Students must arrive on campus by August 19 to complete Mandatory Check-in and Orientation before classes begin on August 26. Reminder: F-1 and J-1 visa students cannot arrive more than 30 days before the first day of class
  • Transfer students only: Complete the SEVIS transfer process if you are transferring from another U.S. school

Mandatory Immigration Check-in, orientation and class registration

  • Schedule your Mandatory Immigration Check-in if you have a confirmed visa appointment by August 25 – go.osu.edu/ImmigrationCheckIn
  • Register to attend in-person International Student Orientation and complete online orientation. Both are required – go.osu.edu/OIA-Orientation
  • Take the Intercultural English Language Programs Academic English Writing Assessment or math placement test, if required
  • Register for classes. If your academic advisor does not email your BuckeyeMail by July 29, contact global-engagement@osu.edu

Housing, vaccinations and insurance

  • Find early-arrival and permanent housing – Need help looking? Contact housing@osu.edu for on-campus housing or to arrange for early move-in for your residence hall, or contact offcampus@osu.edu for off-campus housing
    • For students living off-campus: before signing a lease, review it with Student Legal Services to understand your rights and responsibilities under Ohio law – studentlegal.osu.edu
  • Complete your vaccination requirement and upload required documentation to My BuckMD – go.osu.edu/RequiredVaccinations
  • Purchase interim student health insurance available through Ohio State’s Student Health Benefits Plan if you will arrive in the United States before August 21 – shi.osu.edu
  • Review your Statement of Account and pay tuition and fees by the indicated due date

Travel

  • Make flight arrangements to Columbus, Ohio – John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
  • Make sure the following documents are easily accessible while you travel – do not pack them in your suitcase:
    • 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)

Maintaining immigration status

  • Attend your scheduled Mandatory Immigration Check-in appointment with the Office of International Affairs. You must be physically present in the United States to check in – go.osu.edu/ImmigrationCheckIn
  • Attend in-person International Student Orientation and complete your online orientation. Both are required
  • Maintaining immigration status is your responsibility; review your responsibilities at – go.osu.edu/MaintainingStatus

Utilities

  • Learn about money and banking and set up a local bank account – go.osu.edu/Banking
  • Set up your phone to work in the United States by purchasing a SIM card through a service provider
  • For students living off-campus: set up any utilities (gas, water, electric, internet, etc.) you are responsible for while living in your apartment. If you're not sure, review your lease or ask your landlord

Academics

  • Obtain your BuckID. You will receive an email with instructions in your BuckeyeMail account
  • Attend meetings, orientations and scheduling appointments required by your specific college/department