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