Students walk along a brick path below a tree
Ready for BSO?
Explore this webpage to learn more about Bobcat Student Orientation for incoming First-Year Students! You'll learn about where to go, what to bring, and what to expect during your first time on campus as an official Bobcat. Feeling ready to attend? Use the link below to sign-up now.
Sign-Up For First Year BSO

First-Year Students

Ohio University is excited to welcome you to our Athens campus! First year students are anyone for whom Ohio University is the first post-secondary institution you will be attending full time after high school. We want to make sure that you start out your time at OHIO with all of the tools you need to be successful!  

BSO takes place in person on the Athens campus, but don’t worry, that’s not the only place where we’ll share all of the important information. We have a three-phase orientation approach which you can read more about below. Please check your Ohio University email address for more information about your orientation.  

The Three Phases of Orientation: 

  1. Pre-BSO Modules must be completed before attending a BSO program 
  1. Attend Orientation Program 
  1. Post-BSO Modules 

 

What to expect during BSO

We offer different programs based on when your Ohio University journey starts, but some things never change, like our three main goals for the program. By the time you leave BSO you will have... 

  1. Made a new connection 
  1. A complete course schedule  
  1. Learned at least 3 campus resources 

Below you’ll find more information on each of our programs and can see which one is the one for you!  

Our 1.5 Day Summer Orientation Programs 

For first-year students starting at Ohio University in the fall or summer terms, we have orientation programs in May, June, and July.  These programs are 1.5 days long, and students are expected to stay on campus for the overnight component of these programs. 

The post-BSO modules will be available in July after all Summer programs have ended. 

Students admitted for the summer term will need to get registered for summer classes before attending their orientation program. These students will need to complete an academic advising appointment with their college to complete course registration for summer courses. Be sure to tell your advisor that you’ll be starting during the summer. 

The post-BSO modules will be available 5-7 days after the completion of your BSO program.

Students who are unable to attend the posted dates should email orientation@ohio.edu to discuss additional options to meet the orientation requirement.  We do offer one day programs in August before the start of the semester for students in extenuating circumstances. 

Things to Bring to BSO
  • Photo ID (needed for check-in)
  • Laptop or tablet for course registration, if possible
    • We will have limited computers available during course registration at orientation. If you can bring your laptop, iPad, or Tablet with internet access, please do so for a quicker registration process.  This does not need to be the technology you will have as a new student, so you do not need to worry about getting that at this time. If possible, consider borrowing technology from someone to bring with you. Given the format of the advising sessions, a smartphone is difficult to use for registration purposes. We recommend bringing different technology, if possible.
    • Don't forget chargers for your devices.
  • Items for the Overnight Stay (1.5-day programs in summer only)
    • Linens are not provided for students staying overnight. Students should bring towels, pillows, and sheets/blankets for a Twin XL (or a sleeping bag if that is preferred). If a student is traveling from out-of-state and is unable to bring linens or if a student forgets to bring theirs, we will have linens available as needed.
    • Bring any additional items to make the overnight stay more comfortable, as well as toiletries, personal hygiene items, and medications.
    • Please note the residence hall is a traditional style hall and does include community bathrooms.
    • You may also want to bring snacks for during the program and board games/cards to use during the evening social programming.
  • Bring an umbrella and wear comfy shoes. We want you to be prepared for a fun day in many locations throughout campus! We also recommend bringing a jacket for use in some of our indoor session locations, as they tend to be very cold during the summer months. We travel around campus during the program, so be prepared to be out and about in the weather.
  • Unofficial college transcripts and test scores
    • If your official transcripts (indicating any college credit you may receive) and test scores have not been received or processed in time for your orientation, you’re welcome (but not required) to bring an unofficial copy for academic advising and course registration purposes.
  • Refillable water bottle
    • Most water fountains on campus have been converted to bottle refilling stations. You will be traveling around campus a lot, so it will be important to stay hydrated!

Parking + Shuttle Information

All participants should park in Convocation Center Lots 127 or 128. For GPS directions, enter 16 West Green Drive, Athens, Ohio 45701. Follow the “Orientation Parking” signs to the designated area, where Orientation Leaders will be stationed at the entrance to distribute parking passes. Students and guests staying overnight in a residence hall should bring their belongings with them. 

On Day 1, shuttles will run from 8:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. between parking lots 127 and 128, Jefferson Hall (your first stop for check-in), and Baker University Center. On Day 2, shuttles will run between Convocation Center Lots 127 and 128, Nelson Commons, Jefferson Hall and Baker University Center, with each shuttle loop taking approximately 20 minutes from 6:15 - 8:30 a.m.  

A QR code to track the shuttles can be found at the end of the printed schedule you will receive during check-in with the BSO team. 

Traveling to Athens

Airport and Rental Car Information 

John Glenn International Airport (CMH)(opens in a new window) 
Address: 4600 International Gateway, Columbus, OH 43219 
Minutes to Campus: Around 1 Hour and 18 Minutes 

Rickenbacker International Airport(opens in a new window) 
Address: 2241 John Cir Dr, Columbus, OH 43217 
Minutes to Campus: Around 1 Hour and 17 Minutes 

West Virginia International Yeager Airport(opens in a new window) 
Address: 100 Airport Rd #175 Charleston, WV 25311 
Minutes to Campus: Around 1 Hour and 36 Minutes

Bus and Train Information 

GoBus(opens in a new window) provides transportation between cities and rural areas in the state of Ohio. GoBus makes stops at the John Glenn International Airport(opens in a new window) and drops off in Athens at Baker University Center(opens in a new window). Purchasing tickets and more information can be found on the GoBus website(opens in a new window). They can be reached at 888.954.6287. 

Places to Stay in Athens 

Students are expected to stay in the residence halls during their time at Bobcat Student Orientation, but guests have the option to stay on-campus or off. Go to the Visit Athens County website to search places to stay in Athens. 

Forgot Something at Home?

Athens has a variety of options if you forgot something at home like a toothbrush or if you need to get something last minute. Below is a list of retail stores close to campus and in the Athens area.

Program Check-In

Students and guests must complete two required steps during check-in. Additional options are available to personalize your orientation experience. You may arrive anytime during the check-in window, but we recommend arriving at least 1 hour and 30 minutes before check-in closes to ensure enough time for required steps.

StatusActivityDescriptionTimeLocation
RequiredCheck-In: Step OneAll participants must check in at Jefferson Hall 160 as their first stop upon arrival. Students and guests staying overnight should bring their belongings, as they will move into their assigned room during this time. Students requesting an overnight stay exemption are also required to check in.9:00 - 11:30 a.m.Jefferson Hall 160
RequiredCheck-In: Step TwoAll participants must check in with the Bobcat Student Orientation team. During check-in, you will receive program materials, take your student ID photo, confirm your major, and connect with various student services. A valid ID is required.9:00 - 12:30 p.m.Baker University Center 240/242
OptionalBSO Resource FairMore than 40 campus programs, services, and select off-campus groups will host tables for students and guests to explore available resources. We strongly encourage participants to attend!10:00 - 12:30 p.m.Baker University Center Ballroom (4th Floor)
OptionalResidence Hall Viewings

Housing and Residence Life offers room viewings for selected residence halls, showcasing a variety of living style options.

  • Contemporary Style: Jefferson Hall
  • Classic Style: Crawford, Sargent, & Tiffin Hall
10:30 - 12:30 p.m.Visit this webpage for more information.
OptionalCampus TourFamiliarize yourself with Ohio University’s landscape on an abbreviated campus tour. Trek across the bricks while learning about key resources.10:00 - 11:00 a.m. or 10:15 - 11:15 a.m.Baker University Center 1st Floor (Behind escalators)
OptionalFood OptionsGrab a bite to eat! Stop by Jefferson Marketplace for a made-to-order sandwich at Brick City Deli (opens at 10:30 am), a drink from the Eastside Grounds, or a quick snack. You can also explore the dining options at West 82 Food Court in Baker University Center.

8:00 – 1:00 p.m.

& 

11:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Jefferson Marketplace: Jefferson Hall

West 82: Baker University Center (1st Floor)

Program Schedules

These schedules are from the previous year of BSO and are subject to change.

  • Alternative Bobcat Student Orientation Options

    Explore the Alternative Bobcat Student Orientation Options Webpage if you fit in one of the following categories: 

    1. Students beginning their studies in a summer term
    2. Students unable to attend a May, June, or July session who need to complete part of BSO online
    3. Students classified as non-traditional (e.g., age 22 or older, Ohio University employees, etc.)

     

    Alternative Orientation Options Webpage
 

Starting at OHIO in the Spring?

Ohio University and Bobcat Student Orientation is excited to welcome you to our Athens Campus no matter what time of year it is! If you're a First-Year student starting at OHIO at the beginning of a Spring Semester or can't attend BSO in May, June, or July, don't worry. We've got you covered with our one day BSO Programs. 

Explore our 1 Day Programs

More Important Information

Other helpful information about attending Bobcat Student Orientation can be found by exploring the webpages below.