Students from China planning to attend Ohio State autumn semester learned about college life in the U.S. and the importance of being involved both inside and outside the classroom during a virtual Pre-Departure Orientation held on June 25. The event was hosted by the China Gateway and the Offices of International Affairs, Student Academic Success and Student Life and attended by 226 new students and their parents.

Local alumni clubs from the Greater China region and the China Gateway also organized a series of in-person “Send-Offs” to wish incoming students well as they begin their Ohio State journey. Alumni Clubs in Shenzhen, Chengdu, Shanghai and Beijing held the “Send-Off” parties the last two weeks in July. The events provided new Buckeyes with the opportunity to connect with recent alumni and current students, helped better prepare for university life and network with local alumni clubs. Twenty-three alumni and 87 students and their families attended.