Autumn first-year students Orientation program schedule

Your orientation program will run for two days — in person and on campus!

Check out a sample schedule below. Remember: Actual times may vary and are subject to change.

If you need to make travel arrangements for orientation, you should plan on being on campus until 3 p.m. on Day Two.

Day one

Autumn first-year students orientation program schedule - Day 1
Time	Audience	Session
Starting at 8 a.m.	Students; families	Orientation check-in begins (be sure to bring overnight belongings if staying in the residence halls)
8–9:15 a.m.	Students; families	Resource fair
9:30 a.m.	Students; families	Opening session: Seating begins at 9 a.m. when the building opens. No food or beverages will be allowed inside. This is your official start to your two-day orientation program! You’ll learn more about what to expect during orientation and how to prepare for the transition to the college classroom. Please note: Students and their guests will be seated separately during this session, so make sure everyone has their own materials and belongings when entering the auditorium.
10:45 a.m.	Students; families	Life outside the classroom: An overview of college life beyond the classroom and the resources available to help you succeed. Learn about campus safety, navigating campus, wellness, Ohio State's culture of care and more!
11:45 a.m.	Students	Peer leader small group meeting 1: Get to know other new students and your Peer Leader over lunch (remember your meal card!). You’ll also learn more about orientation expectations and some campus resources for your first year.
11:55 a.m.	Families	Family luncheon: Remember to bring your meal card! (Lunch can also be purchased on-site by credit card.)
1:30 p.m.	Families	Introduction to Parent and Family Relations
1:45 p.m.	Students; families	Residential Experience sessions: Through separate sessions for commuting students/their families and for students living on campus/their families, we'll share more about the resources and services to set you up for success!
2:45 p.m.	Students	Peer leader small group 2
2:45 p.m.	Families	College transitions: Family matters Members of the university community will talk about the transition to college, academic support services, and ways family members and the university support new students.
4 p.m.	Students; families	Various sessions Intercollegiate athletics session: Required SASSO session for grant-in-aid and recruited walk-on student athletes. Morrill Scholars Program: Required session for recipients of the Morrill Scholarship. University Honors Program: For students accepted into the University Honors Program and their guests. Meet fellow students and learn more about academic expectations and getting involved. (Select dates only) Young Scholars Program: Required session for recipients of the Young Scholars Program Scholarship and Say Yes! Cleveland Scholarship. Placement Testing: If you didn’t complete math placement testing or language placement testing for Spanish, French, or German before orientation and have an incomplete testing To-Do List item in Buckeye Link, arrange to do so today. You can test in the Testing Office during this time or by following the instructions in your Buckeye Link To-Do List. If you need to take a language placement test for any other language, follow the instructions in your Buckeye Link To-Do List to take your test remotely at your convenience. (Students only) Explore math options, including honors courses: (Drop-in, first come-first served) Talk to a faculty member about your mathematics course options based on your math placement exam results, AP, A-levels or college transfer credit. Note: Students will need to complete a questionnaire from the math department to be offered an appointment time. Buckeye Link Information Session: Learn more about all of the aspects of conducting the business of being a Buckeye — including financial aid, statements of account, tuition option payment plans and more! Reserve Officer Training Corps: Discover more about ROTC programs, services and scholarships. FYE panel
5 p.m.	Families	About the evening of Day one: While students spend time with their peers, we invite family members and other supporters to connect with each other and get to know the Columbus community at one of our favorite nearby restaurants. Show your red orientation folder for a special discount! At the end of evening activities, families and supporters can reconnect with students at Taylor Tower at 8:45 p.m. (if the student isn't spending the night on campus).
5 p.m.	Students	Dinner available: Meal cards and credit cards accepted. Dining solo? Join other students at the Union Market for a group meal after grabbing your food.
6:30 p.m.	Students	Get involved session: A preview of some of the ways you can get involved with the campus community, including a panel of current students sharing their thoughts on everything from the best student orgs, coolest campus events and best study spots around campus!
7:30 p.m.	Students	Peer leader small group 3: Reconnect with your Peer Leader and fellow students to discuss campus resources, the transition to university life and Ohio State traditions.
Until 10 p.m.	Students	Evening activities: Relax with other new Buckeyes and enjoy a variety of activities.

Day two

Autumn first-year students orientation program schedule - Day 2
Time	Audience	Session
7:30 a.m.	Students	Breakfast available: Meal cards and credit cards accepted
9 a.m.	Students; families	Academic overview and scheduling preparation session: Learn more about your area of study directly from academic advisors. Family members are encouraged to join students for this session. Following this overview session, students will meet with an academic advisor independently throughout the day. Locations for the academic overview sessions are determined by your college or unit of enrollment. (Please note that not all academic units meet during each orientation program.)
10:30 a.m.–4 p.m.	Students	Academic assistance and course registration: Refer to instructions shared by your advising unit in either your 9 a.m. overview session or in an email before orientation for more details about this process in your academic area.
10:45 a.m.	Students; families	Academic college supplemental sessions
10:45 a.m.–3:15 p.m.	Students; families	Ongoing opportunities (ending times vary). Use this time to discover more resources and take care of business on campus. The checklist below can help you keep track of what you need to do. Get help from Buckeye Link: Buckeye Link counselors are available until 4 p.m. If you have questions about financial aid, your Statement of Account, payment options or registration, find answers with Buckeye Link. Get vaccinated at Student Health Services: Learn more about the Wilce Student Health Center’s services — including vaccinations. Routine vaccinations are available in the pharmacy without an appointment. Simply go to the Patient Registration desk. Vaccination forms and exemptions can be delivered to the front information desk. Arrangements can be made to speak to someone from the Health Information department to have questions answered. Please visit our orientation resources page on the SHS website for more information. Get your BuckID: Stop by the BuckID office to receive your BuckID. You’ll need to present government-issued photo identification (driver’s license, military ID, passport, etc.) and your orientation student profile to get your BuckID. Dining Services open house: Join Dining Services for a complimentary snack, exclusive Grubhub promo codes and in-person interviews for student positions. Get all your questions answered about dining on campus! Family Lounge at Thompson Library: Families are invited to visit the Thompson Library Family Lounge to learn information about the libraries, write a postcard to their student, visit the Berry Café for coffee or a snack, or simply enjoy the quiet atmosphere to relax. Families may also choose to explore the vast library on a self-guided tour to take in the art, architecture, and inspirational views of campus from this 11-story library in the heart of campus. The Family Lounge is located on the first floor across from the main elevators. Please note Berry Café will close at 3 p.m. Grab a bite to eat at the Faculty Club: Make the Faculty Club your home on campus. The club offers lunch service, cozy lounge areas, and special events, including football tailgates and more! Visit your campus bookstore: Stop in to learn about employment opportunities and textbook price matching and scholarships. Plus, enter to win the Buckeye Welcome pack, including Ohio State lululemon products, residence hall supplies and more! (Students can rent or buy used, new and digitial textbooks here.) Take care of college banking: Stop by to learn how to make college banking easy and convenient with Huntington Bank. We have two convenient campus branch locations: Ohio State Doan Hall, 410 W. 10th Ave. University North, 1928 N. High St. Talk tech at Tech Hub: Tech Hub is a one-stop shop for all your technology needs! From recommendations on the best laptops and tablets to service and support, we have you covered. Please stop by and discover what Ohio State’s official technology store can do for you. Connect with Disability Services: Meet with a Student Life Disability Services staff member to learn more about registering with Disability Services and the accommodations and services available at Ohio State. A Welcome Meeting covering your specific accommodations will be scheduled after you’ve applied for and provided documentation for accommodations. Visit Military and Veteran Services: If you’re a military-connected student, stop by to learn more about the many resources available to you. Get CampusParc information: Student permit sales for the 2025-2026 academic year open in early July. Commuting students are encouraged to stop by the CampusParc Customer Care Office to ask any questions about parking permit options. Pick up safety devices: Stop by Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement to pick up a complimentary personal safety device. Check out the Student Wellness Center: Come visit the Student Wellness Center in the RPAC B130 Suite to tour the space and learn more about holistic wellness. Staff and students will be available to answer questions, tour the space and share resources with you!
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.	Students; families	Lunch available: You’re on your own for lunch on Day Two. A listing of available locations will be provided in your schedule at check-in.
1 p.m.	Students; families	University supplemental sessions Buckeyes Abroad: We believe global education is for every Buckeye. Join us to learn more about studying abroad and participating in our global education opportunities! Student Wellness Center overview: Join the Student Life Wellness Center for a brief discussion of our services, including an overview of the dimensions of wellness. Learn how to build on your own personal wellness using these free services! Student Health Services — Know us before you need us! Stop in to learn about on-campus health services. Learn how to transfer prescriptions, set up ongoing allergy therapy, determine insurance coverage, set up your BuckMD portal, meet our providers and much more! University Libraries Drop-In Q&A at the Family Lounge: Drop in and meet with one of our Library Ambassadors to learn how University Libraries can help your student succeed in the classroom. (Library ambassadors will be located on the first floor of Thompson Library across from the main elevators.)

Orientation program dates

Students from different majors participate in orientation programs on different dates. Honors students may participate on different dates, too.

View your orientation dates by program of study below.

Orientation dates

Orientation program dates
Program of study	Dates
Architecture	June 10-11, June 23-24, June 24-25, July 8-9, July 21-22
Art: Dance	June 23-24, July 15-16
Art: Design	May 27-28, June 4-5, June 25-26, July 7-8, July 9-10, July 15-16, July 17-18, July 24-25
Art: All other majors	June 25-26, July 8-9
Arts and Sciences: Undecided	June 5-6, June 25-26, July 15-16, July 24-25
Biological Sciences: Neuroscience	May 28-29, June 24-25, July 14-15, July 17-18, July 21-22
Biological Sciences: All other majors	June 2-3, June 4-5, June 9-10, June 11-12, June 23-24, June 25-26, July 7-8, July 9-10, July 14-15, July 16-17, July 21-22, July 23-24
Biomedical Science	June 10-11, June 11-12
Business	May 27-28, May 28-29, June 3-4, June 4-5, June 5-6, June 10-11, June 11-12, June 12-13, June 23-24, June 24-25, June 25-26, June 26-27, July 7-8, July 8-9, July 9-10, July 10-11, July 14-15, July 15-16, July 16-17, July 17-18, July 21-22, July 22-23, July 23-24, July 24-25
Dental Hygiene	May 28-29, June 23-24, June 25-26, July 15-16, July 24-25
Education and Human Ecology	June 3-4, June 5-6, June 10-11, June 12-13, July 8-9, July 10-11, July 22-23
Engineering	June 5-6, June 9-10, June 10-11, June 11-12, June 12-13, July 7-8, July 8-9, July 9-10, July 10-11, July 14-15, July 15-16, July 16-17, July 17-18, July 21-22, July 22-23, July 23-24, July 24-25
Environment and Natural Resources	June 11-12, June 24-25, June 25-26, June 26-27, July 22-23, July 24-25
Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: Pre-veterinary medicine	May 29-30, June 4-5, June 23-24
Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: All other majors	June 25-26, July 8-9, July 15-16
Health and Rehabilitation Sciences	May 28-29, June 4-5, June 5-6, June 12-13, June 24-25, June 25-26, June 26-27, July 21-22, July 22-23, July 23-24
Humanities	June 23-24, June 25-26, July 7-8, July 21-22, July 23-24
John Glenn College of Public Affairs	June 4-5, July 9-10, July 10-11
Mathematical and Physical Sciences	May 29-30, June 3-4, June 11-12, June 23-24, June 26-27, July 7-8, July 17-18, July 23-24
Music	June 2-3, June 23-24, June 24-25, June 26-27, July 7-8, July 9-10, July 14-15, July 22-23
Nursing	July 10-11, July 16-17
Pharmacy	June 10-11, June 26-27, July 14-15, July 17-18
Public Health	May 28-29, June 11-12, June 12-13, July 8-9
Social and Behavioral Sciences: Psychology	May 28-29, May 29-30, June 3-4, June 5-6, June 10-11, June 12-13, July 15-16, July 17-18
Social and Behavioral Sciences: Communication and Journalism	May 27-28, June 2-3, June 9-10, June 10-11, June 24-25, June 25-26, June 26-27, July 9-10, July 22-23, July 24-25
Social and Behavioral Sciences: All other majors	May 27-28, June 2-3, June 9-10, June 10-11, June 24-25, June 26-27, July 22-23, July 24-25
Social Work	June 24-25, June 26-27, July 24-25
University Exploration	June 3-4, June 4-5, June 5-6, June 9-10, June 12-13, June 24-25, June 25-26, June 26-27, July 7-8, July 8-9, July 9-10, July 14-15, July 15-16, July 17-18, July 23-24, July 24-25

Orientation dates for Honors students

Honors students orientation program dates
Program of study	Dates
Honors in Architecture	June 3-4
Honors in Art: Dance	June 23-24
Honors in Art: Design	May 28-29, June 4-5
Honors in Art: All other majors	July 8-9
Honors in Biological Sciences	June 12-13, June 25-26, June 26-27, July 8-9, July 9-10, July 15-16
Honors in Biomedical Sciences	June 10-11, June 11-12
Honors in Business	May 29-30, June 2-3, June 9-10
Honors in Dental Hygiene	May 28-29
Honors in Education and Human Ecology	May 27-28
Honors in Engineering	May 27-28, May 28-29, May 29-30, June 2-3, June 3-4, June 4-5
Honors in Environmental and Natural Resources	May 28-29
Honors in Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences	May 27-28, June 2-3
Honors in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences	May 27-28, June 2-3
Honors in John Glenn College of Public Affairs	June 4-5
Honors in Math and Physical Sciences	June 5-6, June 9-10, June 11-12, June 23-24, July 7-8
Honors in Music	May 28-29, May 29-30
Honors in Nursing	July 10-11, July 16-17
Honors in Pharmacy	May 28-29
Honors in Public Health	May 28-29, June 11-12
Honors in Social and Behavioral Sciences and Humanities	May 27-28, May 29-30, June 3-4, June 4-5, June 24-25
Honors in Social Work	June 24-25
Honors in University Exploration	May 27-28, May 29-30