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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 spring semester: It is currently winter in Ohio, and the normal temperatures range from 24 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 degrees Celsius) to 44 degrees Fahrenheit (6-7 degrees Celsius). There may be snow and/or ice on the ground during this season, so please make sure to prepare in advance.

Because spring semester courses begin on January 17, campus will likely be very quiet for students who are arriving early. This is a great time to learn more about campus and Athens!

Important Notices

  • Attention incoming students for spring semester: Ohio University will be closed for Winter Break from December 25, 2022 – January 2, 2023, with many offices and departments closing at 5 p.m. Eastern on Friday, December 2.
  • The International Student Orientation (ISO) team will still be checking the iso@ohio.edu email and answering the arrival and orientation phone (+1740-593-4339), so if you need support or have questions please use those methods to contact us.
  • Since it is currently winter in Ohio, we recommend that you pack warm clothes in your carry-on bags.

 

Steps to Complete Before Coming to Campus

Activate Your OHIO ID and Access Email

It's important to activate your OHIO ID and familiarize yourself with MyOHIO Student Center 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.

Please note: OIT and Bobcat Depot will be closed during Winter Break Closure from December 25, 2022 through January 2, 2023.

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 MyOHIO Student Center 

    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 Campus Type of Food
Donkey Coffee Coffee and Snacks - Eat in
Restaurant Salaam Mediterranean - Eat in
Casa Nueva Local/Mexican American Food - Eat in
O'Betty's Red Hot Hot Dog Stand/Local - Fast Food
Chipotle Mexican Grill Mexican - Fast Food
Ginger Asian Kitchen Chinese - Fast Food
Bagel Street Deli Bagels - Fast Food
El Tenampa Mexican - Eat in
Firdous Mediterranean - Fast Food
Big Mama's Burritos Mexican - Fast Food
Pita Pit Pita/Salads/Sandwiches - Fast Food
Fluff Bakery Local, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Eat in
Wings Over  Chicken Wings - Fast Food
Dominos Pizza
GoodFella's Pizza Pizza
Jackie O's Public House Restaurant American/Local - Eat in
Fusion Noodle Company Chinese Fusion - Fast Food
Union Street Diner American - Eat in
Siam Thai Thai - Eat in
Star of India Indian - Eat in
Ciro: Italian Kitchen & Bar Italian - Eat in

 

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 Campus Type of Food
Miller's Chicken Chicken - Fast Food
Larry's Dawg House American - Fast Food
Avalanche Pizza Pizza/Local
Bob Evans  American - Eat in
Applebee's Grill & Bar American - Eat in
Donatos Pizza
Sol Island Bar and Grill Cuban - Eat in
Steak n' Shake American - Fast Food
Qdoba Mexican Eats Mexican - Fast Food
Little Caesars Pizza - Fast Food
Subway Sandwiches - Fast Food
McDonald's  Burgers - Fast Food
Wendy's  Burgers - Fast Food
Burger King Burgers - Fast Food
China Panda Chinese - Eat in
Gran Ranchero Mexican - Eat in
Texas Roadhouse American - Eat in
Shade Restaurants American - Eat in
IHOP Pancakes/Breakfast - Eat in
Arby's Sandwiches - Fast Food
El Camino 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. During Winter Break (December 19 - January 2), OhioHealth Campus Care will be open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. except for Monday December 26, 2022. 

Please note: Care received prior to January 1, 2023 will not be covered by student health insurance. To learn more about the student health insurance, please review the student insurance website

OhioHealth Campus Care Services and Hours of Operation