Someone holds a bright green bag that says Bobcat Student Orientation on it in front of a table covered by a darker green Ohio University table cloth with colorful paper sitting on it.
Get Ready for BSO!
Explore this webpage to learn more about Bobcat Student Orientation for incoming Transfer Students! You'll find everything you need to know to have a successful BSO and start off your transition to Ohio University strong. Your first step: sign up for BSO!
Sign Up for Transfer BSO

Transfer Students

Ohio University is excited to welcome you to our Athens campus! Transfer students are anyone for whom Ohio University is not 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. Your first time on campus as an official Bobcat is during Bobcat Student Orientation (BSO)! 

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. 

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

We offer our transfer program at different times of the year 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 our transfer program and everything you need to know to get ready. 

Our One Day Transfer Programs

All Ohio University Transfer students come through our one day orientation programs tailored specifically to the Transfer student experience at OHIO. For students admitted for Summer or Fall start terms, these programs happen throughout the course of May, June and July. For students admitted for a Spring start term, there will be a program in January just before the start of the Semester.  

Students starting at OHIO in the Fall can expect to access their post-Orientation modules in July. All others can expect to access them 5 – 7 business days after their BSO Program.  

Students who are unable to attend the posted dates should contact us to discuss additional options to meet the orientation requirement.  

For students who are unable to attend the sessions in May, June, and July due to extenuating circumstances, additional BSO programs are available in August. Students who may need those later sessions should contact us.   

What To Bring to BSO

Bring the following with you for your in-person BSO program:

  • 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.
  • 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 for cold weather during the winter months.
  • 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!

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.

Parking Information

Parking for summer 1-day programs will be in Lot 132 (next to Peden Stadium), which can be found on the Campus Parking Map. Participants can use the entrance on South Green Drive and accessible parking will be available near the parking lot entrance. If you are using a GPS or other map service, please use the following address to find this parking location: 100 Richland Avenue, Athens, OH 45701. When you arrive at the lot, an orientation leader will provide you with a parking pass at the entrance. 

Program Check-In

Students participating in the 1-Day Bobcat Student Orientation should check in with the Orientation Staff in Baker University Center 240/242. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle, your laptop, a valid ID, and anything else you'll need to stay comfortable throughout the day! 

Schedules

  • 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

More Important Information

Other helpful information for preparing for BSO Can be found by reviewing the pages below