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Early Arrival Information

Early Arrival Information

Welcome to OHIO

We're excited to welcome you to Ohio University during International Student Orientation. There's a lot to learn and discover while studying abroad at OHIO — but most importantly, you're now a part of a community that's focused on your success — today, tomorrow and forever.

Because we want to ensure your arrival to OHIO is just as successful as the time you will spend here over the next few years, we have compiled information and resources that you may find useful on this web page. Please know that we will go over everything in more detail during orientation.

Weather and Campus Info

Students arriving for Fall semester: It will be late summer in Ohio, and the normal temperatures range from 52 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius) to 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius). Summers are generally long, warm, and humid. Please make sure to prepare in advance.

Take your time to learn more about campus and Athens!

Steps to Complete Before Coming to Campus

Activate Your OHIO ID and Access Your Email

It's important to activate your OHIO ID and familiarize yourself with the Go OHIO app prior to arriving to campus. Your birth date and personal identification (PID) number are all you need to officially activate your online OHIO access, including email.

To access your OHIO email (Catmail), you'll need to enroll in Azure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), the University's additional security verification tool. If you experience issues using Azure MFA, please contact OIT by sending an email, calling 740-593-1222 or stopping by Bobcat Depot after arrival.

Make Travel Plans

To get to Athens, your final flight destination should be John Glenn International Airport (airport code: CMH) in Columbus, Ohio. There are multiple ways to travel to Athens from Columbus.

Explore Travel Options

Research Housing

As a student at Ohio University, there are two options for housing: on-campus or off-campus housing. Most incoming first and second-year undergraduate students are required to live in on-campus housing, but students who meet certain criteria may request to be exempt from the housing requirement.

Finding off-campus housing that meets your needs may be challenging. There are many things to consider including cost, location, amenities, roommates, etc. Because Athens is considered a college town, housing providers may label their offerings as "college housing". To assist your housing search process, we compiled a list of off-campus housing options and resources.

Review Housing Options and Resources

Make Temporary Housing Arrangements (If Necessary)

If you are unable to find temporary housing options on-campus prior to your arrival, or if you have family traveling with you, you will need to make arrangements to stay at a local hotel.

Learn About Temporary Housing Options

Steps to Take After Arriving to Campus

  • Obtain an Ohio University ID Card

    If you are arriving to campus early, it's necessary to obtain an OHIO ID card as soon as possible. Your OHIO ID card allows you to access University facilities and ride the Athens Public Transit (APT) for free.

  • Set Up Wi-Fi

    OHIO students can access Wi-Fi on campus through Eduroam. To log into Eduroam, you'll have to set up your OHIO email and password first.

  • Submit Your 'Confirm Arrival' e-form

    It is essential that you let Ohio University know that you have arrived in the U.S.

  • Update Your 'SEVIS US' Address and Phone Number in the Go OHIO app

    ISSS is unable to report your arrival to the U.S. until you have confirmed your arrival by completing the 'Confirm Arrival' e-form and updated your SEVIS US address.

Resources for Living and Learning at OHIO

Food and Restaurants

OHIO offers a variety of dining options on campus, including dining courts, markets, cafes and a restaurant.

Check Out OHIO's Dining Halls

Dining halls close during summer and mid-year breaks, but there are many other dining options in Athens. Make sure to bring some cash with you until you get a bank card. Review the table to learn about some popular local restaurants. (Please note: ISSS does not endorse any restaurant listed in the tables.)

Restaurants in Walking Distance to CampusType of Food
Donkey CoffeeLocal: Coffee and Snacks - Eat in
Restaurant SalaamLocal: Mediterranean - Eat in
Casa NuevaLocal: Mexican/American Food - Eat in
O'Betty's Red HotLocal: Hot Dog Stand - Fast Food
Chipotle Mexican GrillMexican - Fast Food
Ginger Asian KitchenChinese - Fast Food
Bagel Street DeliLocal: Bagels - Fast Food
El TenampaMexican - Eat in
FirdousMediterranean - Fast Food
Big Mama's BurritosMexican - Fast Food
Fluff BakeryLocal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Eat in
Wings OverChicken Wings - Fast Food
DominosPizza
GoodFella's PizzaPizza
Jackie O's Public House RestaurantLocal: American - Eat in
Fusion Noodle CompanyChinese Fusion - Fast Food
Union Street DinerLocal: American - Eat in
Siam ThaiThai - Eat in
Star of IndiaIndian - Eat in
Courtside PizzaPizza - Eat in
Mr. HibachiJapanese Grill and Sushi - Eat in
Jimmy Johns'sSandwiches - Fast Food
SubwaySandwiches, salads - Fast Food
Hang Over EasyDiner options - Breakfast, Lunch, and Dessert
Keystone's Mac ShackMac & Cheese Bar - Fast Food

If you do not have a car, you can reach many of these restaurants via the Athens Public Transit. You can use lines 2, 3, and 6 to reach restaurants located on State Street.

Restaurants in Driving Distance to CampusType of Food
Miller's ChickenLocal: Chicken - Fast Food
Larry's Dawg HouseLocal: American - Fast Food
Avalanche PizzaLocal: Pizza
Bob EvansAmerican - Eat in
Applebee's Grill & BarAmerican - Eat in
DonatosPizza
Sol Island Bar and GrillLocal: Cuban - Eat in
Steak n' ShakeAmerican - Fast Food
Qdoba Mexican EatsMexican - Fast Food
Little CaesarsPizza - Fast Food
SubwaySandwiches - Fast Food
McDonald'sBurgers - Fast Food
Wendy'sBurgers - Fast Food
Burger KingBurgers - Fast Food
China PandaChinese - Eat in
Gran RancheroMexican - Eat in
Texas RoadhouseAmerican - Eat in
Shade RestaurantsAmerican - Eat in
IHOPPancakes/Breakfast - Eat in
Arby'sSandwiches - Fast Food
El CaminoLocal: Mexican - Eat in

Health Care on Campus

OhioHealth Campus Care is Ohio University's student health center, conveniently located in Hudson Health Center in North Green. You do not need to be enrolled in the University student health insurance to receive care. OhioHealth Campus Care will be open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Please note: Care received prior to January 1, 2024 will not be covered by student health insurance. If you are interested in purchasing coverage once you arrive until the start of the new policy term, please contact studentinsurance@ohio.edu.

To learn more about the student health insurance, please review the student insurance website.

OhioHealth Campus Care Services and Hours of Operation