We're excited to welcome you to the Buckeye family! Explore campus and Columbus, make new friends and prepare for the start of autumn semester with these orientation events.
Make sure to pick up the International Student Orientation Event Passport during your Mandatory Navigation Session. This passport allows you to track event attendance – the more events you attend, the greater chance you'll have of winning prizes!
Week one
Date and Time | Event | Meeting Location | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Monday, July 29 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Group Lunch | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Join fellow students for a casual lunch near campus to meet new friends and learn about campus life from an orientation leader! Please bring money to purchase your meal. |
Monday, July 29 2-4 p.m. | Columbus Coffee Trail | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Visit a local coffee shop on the Columbus Coffee Trail. Join the Global Engagement team for all four trips on the Columbus Coffee Trail, and you will earn a free Columbus Coffee Trail t-shirt. Visit all 29 locations on your own, and you'll earn a tumbler and a coffee press! |
Tuesday, July 30 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Group Lunch | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Join fellow students for a casual lunch near campus to meet new friends and learn about campus life from an orientation leader! Please bring money to purchase your meal. |
Tuesday, July 30 2-4 p.m. | Columbus Coffee Trail | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Visit a local coffee shop on the Columbus Coffee Trail. Join the Global Engagement team for all four trips on the Columbus Coffee Trail, and you will earn a free Columbus Coffee Trail t-shirt. Visit all 29 locations on your own, and you'll earn a tumbler and a coffee press! |
Wednesday, July 31 8-9 a.m. | Campus Tour | Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | Join an orientation leader for a tour around Ohio State's campus. Visit popular landmarks and discover what campus has to offer. |
Wednesday, July 31 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Group Lunch | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Join fellow students for a casual lunch near campus to meet new friends and learn about campus life from an orientation leader! Please bring money to purchase your meal. |
Wednesday, July 31 1:30-3:30 p.m. | Shopping at Kroger | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Shop at one of Columbus' most popular grocery stores: Kroger. Please bring money to purchase any items. |
Wednesday, July 31 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Campus Tour | Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | Join an orientation leader for a tour around Ohio State's campus. Visit popular landmarks and discover what campus has to offer. |
Wednesday, July 31 5-7 p.m. | Graduate Student Mixer | Ohio Union | Social | Connect with other graduate and professional students at Kafe Kerouac – a coffee shop, bar and community space near campus. This event is for graduate and professional students only. Please bring money to purchase any items. |
Thursday, August 1 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Group Lunch | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Join fellow students for a casual lunch near campus to meet new friends and learn about campus life from an orientation leader! Please bring money to purchase your meal. |
Thursday, August 1 3-4 p.m. | Academic Workshop: Keys to Academic Success in a New Cultural Environment | 160 Enarson Classroom Building | Academic | Learn what to expect in an Ohio State classroom and how it may differ from your home country. Staff from the Office of International Affairs will present the key values of U.S. academic culture and how to best adapt. |
Thursday, August 1 5-8 p.m. | Board Game Night and Pizza Party | 160 Enarson Classroom Building | Social | Get ready for a fun and competitive game night! Test your wit, compete with strategy and enjoy a pizza party as we play board games. Registration is required. |
Friday, August 2 9-10 a.m. | Campus Tour | Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | Join an orientation leader for a tour around Ohio State's campus. Visit popular landmarks and discover what campus has to offer. |
Friday, August 2 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Group Lunch | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Join fellow students for a casual lunch near campus to meet new friends and learn about campus life from an orientation leader! Please bring money to purchase your meal. |
Friday, August 2 2:30-3:30 p.m. | America 101 | 160 Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | What do Americans really mean when they ask "how are you?" How close should you stand next to someone when you're in an elevator? Does everyone in the United States own an American flag t-shirt? In America 101, we'll explain cultural norms and etiquette in the United States and answer any questions you may have about American and Ohio culture. |
Friday, August 2 6 p.m. (7:05 p.m. game start) | Columbus Clippers Baseball Game | Ohio Union | Social | Enjoy America's favorite pastime and cheer on our local baseball team, the Columbus Clippers! Please note that there is a limited number of tickets available, and registration is required. |
Saturday, August 3 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | Ohio State Fair | Ohio Union | Social | The Ohio State Fair is a big deal. Spend a day at the fair to see live performances, traditional agricultural and craft competitions and educational displays. You'll have a chance to try traditional American fair food and ride fair rides. Please bring money for any meals you plan to purchase. Please note that there is a limited number of tickets available, and registration is required. |
Saturday, August 3 5-8:30 p.m. | Exploring Columbus Neighborhoods: Short North Gallery Hop | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | The first Saturday of every month is the Gallery Hop in the Short North Arts District. Come with us to see new gallery exhibitions, live street performers and special events. With many art galleries and non-traditional exhibit spaces, it’s a fun way to explore this district near campus! Please bring money for any purchases you may wish to make. Registration is required. |
Sunday, August 4 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Columbus Museum of Art | Ohio Union | Social | The Columbus Museum of Art has a diverse collection of artwork, including many regions, styles and time periods. Join fellow students for a free visit to the museum. Registration is required. |
Sunday, August 4 2-4 p.m. | Shopping at Kroger | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Shop at one of Columbus' most popular grocery stores: Kroger. Please bring money to purchase any items. |
Week two
Date and Time | Event | Meeting Location | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Monday, August 5 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Shopping at Lennox Town Center | Enarson Classroom Building | Explore Columbus | Explore shops near campus where you can purchase clothes, groceries, home goods and more. Please bring money for food and shopping. |
Monday, August 5 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Group Lunch | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Join fellow students for a casual lunch near campus to meet new friends and learn about campus life from an orientation leader! Please bring money to purchase your meal. |
Tuesday, August 6 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Group Lunch | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Join fellow students for a casual lunch near campus to meet new friends and learn about campus life from an orientation leader! Please bring money to purchase your meal. |
Tuesday, August 6 1-6 p.m. | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | Ohio Union | Social | Get ready for a fun day at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium! From Bornean orangutans to Florida manatees, from okapi to koalas, you'll be able to see wildlife from all over the world! The Office of International Affairs will cover admission and transportation. Make sure to bring money to purchase food or any purchases. This is an outdoor event, so please plan accordingly. There is a limited number of tickets available, and registration is required. |
Tuesday, August 6 6-8 p.m. | Graduate Student Mixer | Ohio Union | Social | Meet and connect with fellow graduate students at Euporia – a self-serve bar and patio with arcade and lawn games near campus. This event is for graduate and professional students only. Please bring money to purchase any items. |
Wednesday, August 7 8-9 a.m. | Campus Tour | Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | Join an orientation leader for a tour around Ohio State's campus. Visit popular landmarks and discover what campus has to offer. |
Wednesday, August 7 11 a.m.-noon | Academic Workshop: Keys to Academic Success in a New Cultural Environment | 160 Enarson Classroom Building | Academic | Learn what to expect in an Ohio State classroom and how it may differ from your home country. Staff from the Office of International Affairs will present the key values of U.S. academic culture and how to best adapt. |
Wednesday, August 7 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Group Lunch | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Join fellow students for a casual lunch near campus to meet new friends and learn about campus life from an orientation leader! Please bring money to purchase your meal. |
Wednesday, August 7 4-5 p.m. | Campus Tour | Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | Join an orientation leader for a tour around Ohio State's campus. Visit popular landmarks and discover what campus has to offer. |
Wednesday, August 7 5-6 p.m. | So You Think You Can Drive: Safety Tips for Operating a Vehicle in the United States | 160 Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | Are you interested in becoming a licensed driver in the United States? This session, led by an Ohio State Police Officer, will educate you on the driving rules and regulations for safely operating a vehicle. |
Wednesday, August 7 6-9 p.m. | Bison Herd Hike at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park | Ohio Union | Social | Discover one of Columbus' many metro parks. Explore hiking trails and see Bison and other wildlife at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. Please note that there is a limited number of seats available, and registration is required. |
Thursday, August 8 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Group Lunch | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Join fellow students for a casual lunch near campus to meet new friends and learn about campus life from an orientation leader! Please bring money to purchase your meal. |
Thursday, August 8 2-3 p.m. | Academic Integrity Workshop | 160 Enarson Classroom Building | Academic | Staff from the Committee on Academic Misconduct and the Office of International Affairs will provide guidance on academic conduct and misconduct at Ohio State. |
Thursday, August 8 4-5 p.m. | America 101 | 160 Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | What do Americans really mean when they ask "how are you?" How close should you stand next to someone when you're in an elevator? Does everyone in the United States own an American flag t-shirt? In America 101, we'll explain cultural norms and etiquette in the United States and answer any questions you may have about American and Ohio culture. |
Thursday, August 8 6-9 p.m. | Dinner at Hofbräuhaus | Ohio Union | Social | Join the Global Engagement team for a group dinner at Hofbräuhaus, a popular German restaurant in the heart of Columbus. Hofbräuhaus can accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions, including pork-free. Please note that there is a limited number of seats available, and registration is required. |
Friday, August 9 9-10 a.m. | Group Lunch | Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | Join fellow students for a casual lunch near campus to meet new friends and learn about campus life from an orientation leader! Please bring money to purchase your meal. |
Friday, August 9 10-11 a.m. | Academic Workshop: Developing Effective Study Skills – Memory Tools and Reading Strategies | Academic | This workshop discusses different types of memorization tools and teaches students to optimize factors that lead to successful learning. You'll also learn how to develop a personal study plan. | |
Friday, August 9 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Group Lunch | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Join fellow students for a casual lunch near campus to meet new friends and learn about campus life from an orientation leader! Please bring money to purchase your meal. |
Friday, August 9 2-4 p.m. | Columbus Coffee Trail | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Visit a local coffee shop on the Columbus Coffee Trail. Join the Global Engagement team for all four trips on the Columbus Coffee Trail, and you will earn a free Columbus Coffee Trail t-shirt. Visit all 29 locations on your own, and you'll earn a tumbler and a coffee press! |
Friday, August 9 6-9 p.m. | Exploring Columbus Neighborhoods: Franklinton Friday | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Every second Friday of the month, take advantage of this chance to meet local artists. Visit Franklinton Friday, where all the artist studios in 400 West Rich Street and Chromedge Studios will be open to the public. The Good Market will happen as well, with 50+ vendors showcasing their handmade arts and crafts, as well as vintage clothes, jewelry and baked goods. There will be multiple food trucks and live musical performances. Come for the art, stay for the community. Please bring money for any purchases you would like to make and register. |
Saturday, August 10 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Exploring Columbus Neighborhoods: Clintonville Farmer's Market | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Explore the Clintonville neighborhood and learn about what this area has to offer, including a stop at a farmer's market. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring money for any purchases you plan to make. |
Saturday, August 10 3-7 p.m. | ¡Festival Latino! | Ohio Union | Social | Explore ¡Festival Latino! and downtown Columbus to explore and enjoy music, food, fashion, art and dance from the heart of Latin America and learn more about Latine communities and culture in central Ohio. Registration is required. |
Sunday, August 11 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Columbus Museum of Art | Ohio Union | Social | The Columbus Museum of Art has a diverse collection of artwork, including many regions, styles and time periods. Join fellow students for a free visit to the museum. Registration is required. |
Sunday, August 11 3-5 p.m. | Shopping at CAM International Market | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Join us for a trip to CAM, a local grocery store focused on East Asian groceries. Please bring money to purchase any items. Please note that there is a limited number of seats available, and registration is required. |
Sunday, August 11 6-10 p.m. | The Book Loft and Shakespeare in the Park | Ohio Union | Social | Join us for a trip to The Book Loft, one of the nation's largest independent bookstores with 32 rooms. After, we will enjoy Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" at Schiller Park, put on by Actors' Theatre of Columbus! Please bring money for any purchases. We recommend bringing a blanket to sit on. Registration is required. |
Week three
Date and Time | Event | Meeting Location | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Monday, August 12 10-11 a.m. | Academic Workshop: Preparing Effective Papers | Academic | This workshop discusses the most common writing assignments at the undergraduate level, including short and long research papers, essays and response papers. You'll learn about assignment expectations, how to effectively plan papers, rules regarding plagiarism and citations and writing resources on campus. | |
Monday, August 12 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Shopping at Lennox Town Center | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Explore shops near campus where you can purchase clothes, groceries, home goods and more. Please bring money for food and shopping. |
Monday, August 12 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Group Lunch | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Join fellow students for a casual lunch near campus to meet new friends and learn about campus life from an orientation leader! Please bring money to purchase your meal. |
Monday, August 12 1-2 p.m. | Graduate Session: Preventing Burnout and Stress Management | 160 Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | This session will provide information on navigating professional and personal relationships, work-life balance, academic performance, isolation and loneliness and provide coping skills and resources to manage your graduate career. |
Monday, August 12 5-7:30 p.m. | Exploring Columbus Neighborhoods: Grandview Heights | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Explore the Grandview Heights neighborhood and learn about what this area has to offer. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring money for any purchases you plan to make. Small groups can explore dinner options as well. |
Tuesday, August 13 10-11 a.m. | Undergraduate Session: Building Community and Connection as an International Student | 160 Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | This session will provide information on how to thrive on a college campus and manage the stress of adjusting to a new environment and forming friendships. |
Tuesday, August 13 11 a.m.-noon | COTA 101 | 160 Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | Join a representative from the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) and learn how to use a COTA bus, where you can go with COTA and basic bus etiquette. Remember, COTA is free with your BuckID! |
Tuesday, August 13 noon-1 p.m. | Libraries Introduction and Tour for Graduate Students | 150A and 150B Thompson Library | Academic | Subject librarians at University Libraries will introduce graduate students to library resources, offer guidance on finding research materials and provide a tour of Thompson Library. |
Tuesday, August 13 1-2 p.m. | Dating 101 | 160 Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | What is a beige flag? Who pays on a first date? Are you in a situationship? This session will explore American cultural expectations and language related to dating, consent and healthy relationships. This is where you can ask all of your questions related to rizz, romance and red flags. |
Tuesday, August 13 5-6 p.m. | So You Think You Can Drive: Safety Tips for Operating a Vehicle in the United States | 160 Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | Are you interested in becoming a licensed driver in the United States? This session, led by an Ohio State Police Officer, will educate you on the driving rules and regulations for safely operating a vehicle. |
Tuesday, August 13 6-8 p.m. | Shopping at Saraga International Grocery | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Join us for a trip to Saraga International, a local international grocery store offering wide global products and ingredients. Please bring money to purchase any items. Please note that there is a limited number of seats available, and registration is required. |
Wednesday, August 14 8-9 a.m. | Campus Tour | Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | Join an orientation leader for a tour around Ohio State's campus. Visit popular landmarks and discover what campus has to offer. |
Wednesday, August 14 10-11 a.m. | Academic Integrity Workshop | 160 Enarson Classroom Building | Academic | Staff from the Committee on Academic Misconduct and the Office of International Affairs will provide guidance on academic conduct and misconduct at Ohio State. |
Wednesday, August 14 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Group Lunch | Enarson Classroom Building | Explore Columbus | Join fellow students for a casual lunch near campus to meet new friends and learn about campus life from an orientation leader! Please bring money to purchase your meal. |
Wednesday, August 14 1-2 p.m. | Libraries Introduction and Tour for Undergraduate Students | 150A and 150B Thompson Library | Academic | Subject librarians at University Libraries will introduce undergraduate students to library resources, offer guidance on finding research materials and provide a tour of Thompson Library. |
Wednesday, August 14 3-4 p.m. | Academic Workshop: Communicating Effectively with Faculty and Instructors | 160 Enarson Classroom Building | Academic | This session provides tips on how to communicate effectively with professors and instructors. Specifically, it focuses on how to ask questions in and out of class, discuss ideas and academic performance with instructors, write etiquette emails to instructors and develop relationships with faculty successfully. |
Wednesday, August 14 4-5 p.m. | Campus Tour | Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | Join an orientation leader for a tour around Ohio State's campus. Visit popular landmarks and discover what campus has to offer. |
Wednesday, August 14 6-8 p.m. | Graduate Student Mixer | Ohio Union | Social | Connect with other graduate and professional students at Kafe Kerouac – a coffee shop, bar and community space near campus. This event is for graduate and professional students only. Please bring money to purchase any items. |
Thursday, August 15 8-9 a.m. | Campus Tour | Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | Join an orientation leader for a tour around Ohio State's campus. Visit popular landmarks and discover what campus has to offer. |
Thursday, August 15 10-11 a.m. | Academic Workshop: Keys to Strategic, Confident Test Taking | 160 Enarson Classroom Building | Academic | This session provides tips on how to prepare for tests and exams. Specifically, the session offers guidance on combating pre-exam stress, planning effective study sessions, effectively utilizing feedback from past exams and strategically approaching different exam formats. |
Thursday, August 15 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Group Lunch | Enarson Classroom Building | Explore Columbus | Join fellow students for a casual lunch near campus to meet new friends and learn about campus life from an orientation leader! Please bring money to purchase your meal. |
Thursday, August 15 2-4 p.m. | Columbus Coffee Trail | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Visit a local coffee shop on the Columbus Coffee Trail. Join the Global Engagement team for all four trips on the Columbus Coffee Trail, and you will earn a free Columbus Coffee Trail t-shirt. Visit all 29 locations on your own, and you'll earn a tumbler and a coffee press! |
Thursday, August 15 5:30-9:30 p.m. | BAM at the Columbus Museum of Art | Ohio Union | Social | The ultimate Thursday night out is back. Join the Global Engagement team for an evening at the Columbus Museum of Art. There will be live music, great art, delicious bites and vendors in the museum's garden space. Registration includes free general admission to the museum. Please note that there is a limited number of seats available, and registration is required. |
Friday, August 16 8-9 a.m. | Campus Tour | Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | Join an orientation leader for a tour around Ohio State's campus. Visit popular landmarks and discover what campus has to offer. |
Friday, August 16 10-11 a.m. | Academic Workshop: Keys to Academic Success in a New Cultural Environment | 160 Enarson Classroom Building | Academic | Learn what to expect in an Ohio State classroom and how it may differ from your home country. Staff from the Office of International Affairs will present the key values of U.S. academic culture and how to best adapt. |
Friday, August 16 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Group Lunch | Enarson Classroom Building | Explore Columbus | Join fellow students for a casual lunch near campus to meet new friends and learn about campus life from an orientation leader! Please bring money to purchase your meal. |
Friday, August 16 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Academic Workshop: Building Confidence in Participating in Discussions and Preparing a Presentation | 160 Enarson Classroom Building | Academic | This session provides tips on participating in academic discussions and preparing for class presentations. Specifically, the session offers guidance on preparing for and jumping into classroom discussions, asking and answering questions in class and useful phrases for discussions and presentations. |
Friday, August 16 4:30-6 p.m. | Ice Cream Social | Enarson Classroom Building | Social | Join the Office of International Affairs for a celebration and ice cream social before the start of the semester! You'll receive a free ice cream or sno cone and have the chance to engage with other new international students and ask immigration coordinators questions. |
Saturday, August 17 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Campus Tour | Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | Join an orientation leader for a tour around Ohio State's campus. Visit popular landmarks and discover what campus has to offer. |
Saturday, August 17 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Shopping at IKEA and Polaris Fashion Place | Ohio Union | Explore Columbus | Join us on a day trip to IKEA for home shopping and Polaris Fashion Place for clothing and other needs. Bring money for meals and shopping. Please note that there is a limited number of seats available, and registration is required. |
Saturday, August 17 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Bouldering at Bloc Garten | Ohio Union | Social | Climb to new heights with the Global Engagement team as we go indoor bouldering at Bloc Garten! Bouldering – a form of rock climbing – is a mental and physical challenge that is fun for new and experienced climbers alike! Please note that there is a limited number of seats available, and registration is required. |
Sunday, August 18 9-10 a.m. | Campus Tour | Enarson Classroom Building | Life at Ohio State | Join an orientation leader for a tour around Ohio State's campus. Visit popular landmarks and discover what campus has to offer. |
Sunday, August 18 1-3 p.m. | Family Game and Craft Day | 160 Enarson Classroom Building | Social | Students with dependents (spouse and/or children) are invited to socialize with other students who are at Ohio State with family. Come and enjoy snacks, games and crafts for all ages. Registration is required. |
Sunday, August 18 4-7 p.m. | Oval and South Oval |
| Meet with members from over 700 student organizations and campus departments who will help you find just the kind of involvement you are looking for at Ohio State. |
Week four
Date and Time | Event | Meeting Location | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Monday, August 19 10:30 a.m.-noon | President's Convocation | Schottenstein Center |
| Convocation is the official welcome event at Ohio State for first-year students. Students hear from university leaders, faculty, administrators and special guests and are introduced to time-honored university traditions. Convocation is the first of many memorable moments for you at Ohio State and the only time before graduation that the entire class is gathered. |
Monday, August 19 noon-4 p.m. | Buck-i-Frenzy | In and around the RPAC |
| Buck-i-Frenzy is a lifestyle festival held during Ohio State’s Welcome Week in the fall! This event offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for local and national companies to interact with students and showcase their brand, services, fashions, sounds, technology, products and tastes. Featuring four fun hours of friends, food and free stuff, Buck-i-Frenzy is a huge hit with new and returning students! |