Ohio University's main campus is located in the city of Athens, OH. With about 24,000 residents (not counting the on-campus student population), Athens may be smaller than you expect when you think of a city. But, Athens is unique and special, and you will certainly never be bored while you are here.
There are many housing options in and around Athens both on and off campus. First- and second-year undergraduate students are required to live in one of OHIO's many residence halls. However, undergraduate students in their third year or beyond or graduate students may choose to live in off-campus housing.
Keeping yourself safe and healthy and tending to your well being is important to help you integrate to living in a new place. There are various options available in and around Athens for emergency medical care, urgent care and routine health care. Additionally, there are many resources and opportunities to create your own community while living in Athens.
We hope you'll always feel save and secure at OHIO. However, if you need help or assistance at any time, you can contact the Ohio University Police Department (OUPD) or the City of Athens Police Department.
Ohio University's Transportation and Parking Services provides on-campus transportation and parking needs. However, there are many alternative transportation options as well as options for drivers to help you get around in Athens and beyond.
Ensuring you have your basic needs covered and can access services to take care of practical matters will provide you with a successful foundation to acclimating to living in a new city. Learn more about finding employment and buying living necessities in Athens, available cell phone providers to help you connect with family, obtaining social security card and photo ID, local shipping options and finding a notary.
Once you're settled in to living in Athens, you may wish to bring a dependent to live with you or invite your family and friends to visit. Learn more about the process and requirements you'll need to follow to bring a dependent to live with you or inviting family and friends to come visit you.
At any given time, you can see what the weather is like on campus by viewing the Ohio University web cam. The web cam offers a livestream of College Green, which is a centrally located outdoor space on campus where students like to gather together to study, relax and connect when the weather is nice.
Check out the campus building directory site to learn more about the Ohio University campus and buildings. You can learn more about each building, including its history, current use and address, and find accessible/printable campus maps.
Athens, OH has four seasons: fall, winter, spring, and summer. The summer (June – August) is hot with temperatures between 16-35°C or 61-95°F. During the winter (November – March), it can be very cold, with average temperatures between -3-11°C or 25-52°F. Be sure to pack some clothes for cold weather if you have them. There are shops near campus where you can buy boots, coats, sweaters, hats gloves or whatever else you may need. Fall (September – November) and Spring (March – June) are mixtures of winter and summer weather usually with temperatures between 4-21°C or 40-70°F.
We understand that it can be a little confusing to try and use the U.S. measurement system, but using a conversion tool can help!
Ohio University's Office of the Dean of Students offers resources to help assist students with meeting their basic needs. Learn more about how to recognize a student in need and available options to meet basic needs.
If you have questions or need further assistance as you transition to life as a student at OHIO's main campus in Athens, OH, please contact International Student and Scholar Services by calling 740.593.4330 or emailing isss@ohio.edu.