Ohio State University has over 800 student organizations. In some cases someone from your country’s student organization, an international or religious student organization, may be able to arrange temporary housing for your first night or arrange a homestay. Contact your organization to see if they might be able to help you. http://www.ohiounion.osu.edu/studentorgs/orgs.asp

In the event that no ethnic, international or religious student organization can provide you airport pick up or temporary housing, please refer to the Office of International Student and Scholar website at http://oia.osu.edu/international-students/pre-arrival-information.html

As tens of thousands of students attend Ohio State University we do not offer an airport pickup service. It is very easy, however, to reach campus from the airport by taxi or by the public bus system (COTA http://www.cota.com/ ).The COTA bus route is #052. The International Students and Scholars Office http://oia.osu.edu/ offers advice on how to get to campus from the airport.

If you are an international student, it is a good idea to bring a record of your immunizations. During your orientation program at the International Students and Scholars Office, there is a scheduled international health screening at the Wilce Student Health Center. The website of the International Students and Scholars Office provides information on this topic http://oia.osu.edu/ The e-mail address is iss@oia.osu.edu

There are many hotels in the Ohio State University area. http://www.osu.edu/visitors/accommodations.php

Most hotels are a 30-45 minute walk to the OSU campus on busy streets with limited sidewalks. Van service is listed if it is available. Taxi fare to OSU from most of these hotels is approximately $15. Rates may be higher on certain dates when special events are occurring in Columbus. Show your Notice of Admission or OSU student ID (when received) to prove OSU student status when an OSU special rate is available.

Domestic students are advised to report to their Graduate Program Office upon arrival, particularly if you have not received information regarding departmental orientation activities. If you plan to live on-campus, please be aware that residence hall space fills up quickly, so you should complete arrangements for on-campus housing before arrival in Columbus. The office of On-Campus Housing may be reached at (614)292-8266. Off-Campus Housing may be reached at (614)292-0100.

International students who arrive in Columbus on a weekday between 8am and 5pm, should first come to the International Students and Scholars Office http://oia.osu.edu/ It is located on the first floor of Oxley Hall, 1712 Neil Ave. Columbus, OH. ISS is open Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm, except during the summer when the hours are 7:30am - 4:30pm