If you plan to request accommodations for a placement exam, do so at least three days before you take the test. Typical accommodations include extended time, alternative exam formats, readers and scribes. This request is separate from the registration process for accommodations during the academic year.
Generally, unless you already have college credit for a specific Ohio State math course (through college course work, Advanced Placement testing or International Baccalaureate higher-level exams), you must take the online math placement exam at least two days before your orientation date. Check the requirements.
Your results on the math placement exam will determine both your starting place in Ohio State’s math sequence and your eligibility for several science courses. You cannot retake the exam, so prepare accordingly; we recommend reviewing sample problems and exam topics before taking the exam.
If you're required to take a foreign language placement exam, you must do so online at least two days before your orientation program.
Accommodations and services are available for students and participating family members through Disability Services during orientation. You should request accommodations in advance of your orientation program. Documentation may be required.
For accommodations during the academic year, you must complete a separate registration process. If you have questions, contact Disability Services.
In order to receive transfer credit for college classes you’ve taken, you must request that official transcripts from the college where you completed your course work be sent directly to Ohio State. Courses listed on your high school transcript will not meet this requirement. If your college transcripts have not already been sent to Undergraduate Admissions, ask each institution you attended to send an electronic transcript to Ohio State as soon as possible.
Find instructions for sending transcripts to Ohio State at go.osu.edu/transfer_credit.
BuckeyeMail, your university email account, is where Ohio State will send official correspondence about grades, course schedules, financial aid, housing and more. It’s a good idea to check BuckeyeMail at least once a week until classes begin and then daily during the semester.
If you haven't already, activate your BuckeyeMail account now (You’ll also need to set up multi-factor authentication through BuckeyePass to log in to most of our digital services. When it’s time for your orientation, be sure to bring the device you use to approve these log-in requests!)
You will receive an email from the BuckID office to your BuckeyeMail account approximately two weeks before your orientation date with instructions for submitting your BuckID photo online.
If you submit an acceptable photo before the deadline specified in the email, you won't have to have your picture taken and wait for your ID to print at orientation. If you do not submit an acceptable photo online, plan to spend additional time at the BuckID office to have your photo taken and wait for your BuckID to print.
Reminder: Only students can stay overnight in the residence halls during orientation. Families and guests will not be able to stay in a residence hall.
Students: Within 24 to 48 hours of registering for an orientation program, you will be able to register for on-campus housing for your orientation program (for students only) and for meals while on campus for orientation (for students and guests) at housingportal.osu.edu/myhousing.
Parents/families: If you're looking for accommodations, you'll find a number of nearby hotel options in the University Hospitality District, including the Blackwell — which is conveniently located on Ohio State's campus.
Students new to the Columbus campus and all students who will reside in university housing must meet the university’s vaccination requirements.
Student Health Services offers the required vaccines, and you can obtain your vaccinations while on campus for your orientation program. To schedule an appointment, contact Student Health Services at 614-292-4321 or shs@osu.edu.
You'll be required to complete online training that addresses stalking, abusive relationships and sexual violence on college campuses through an online module called U Got This! Information on accessing and completing the training will be sent to your university email address when the module is available. More information will also be available in your To Do List on Buckeye Link.
Orientation is your opportunity to learn almost everything you need to know to successfully get started at Ohio State. Jot down your questions to be sure you get the answers you need.