| Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Involved on Campus
I can't wait to be a Buckeye! What can I do in the summer before my freshman year?
Ohio State offers many pre-enrollment programs throughout the summer for you to participate in educational, leadership, or adventure activities; develop new friendships; learn how to take advantage of university resources; and connect with upperclass students, staff, and faculty who can help guide the way at Ohio. Summer pre-enrollment programs are designed just for incoming first-year students. These trips and programs ease the transition to college by connecting you to peers and allowing you to find a place and passion at Ohio State—all while participating in fun and challenging activities. Check out the programs coordinated by First Year Experience: the Buckeye Leadership Connection, the Leadership Collaborative, and Camp Buckeye/Buckeye Adventures.
You also can apply to be an Ohio State Welcome Leader (OWL). OWLs come to campus a few days before official move-in begins and help facilitate the move-in process. For more information on becoming an OWL, contact University Residences and Dining Services: (614) 292-8266 or housing@osu.edu.
You can also start looking for a campus job in the summer. Many continuing students secure their campus jobs in the spring for the following year. Check out the following resources to get a jumpstart on your job hunt:
Make sure you begin reading your Buckeye Book Community book over the summer! At orientation you’ll receive a copy of your book. When you arrive on campus in the autumn, there will be many opportunities to discuss your book with other students and possibly meet the author. So find a comfy chair and start reading!
Finally, make sure to ask about getting involved at your orientation session. You’ll meet upperclass students, including Orientation Leaders, who are experts at helping students get involved.
How can I find out about internships and co-ops?
Contact your college career office or visit the Career Connection web site for information on internships and co-ops.
You may also check with your academic advisor for suggestions on opportunities that might be right for you. Finally, start thinking about doing undergraduate research to gain experience in your field! Many colleges and departments have research opportunities for students. Check out the Undergraduate Research Office to find opportunities that might be right for you!
When can I study abroad?
While some study abroad programs require junior or senior standing, most programs can be arranged anytime, starting your first year! Study abroad trips can last as little as a week to as long as a year and take place throughout the world. The Office of International Affairs suggests you start planning your trip a year in advance of your departure. For more information about the variety of study abroad trips available at Ohio State, see the Study Abroad web site.
How can I get involved?
There are countless ways to get involved at Ohio State—through residence halls, your major, recreational sports, and more than 1,000 clubs and organizations. To learn more about specific opportunities at Ohio State, visit the list of registered student organizations.
Also, make sure to use resources on campus such as your RA, Orientation Leader, community ambassador, and professors/TAs for advice on other ways to get involved.
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Housing and Dining
What residence hall should I preference on my housing form?
There are many options for you when it comes to selecting on-campus housing. For specific information about your options, to view floor plans for individual rooms, and to learn more about what each hall provides, check out the options online.
For an inside peek, check out our photo gallery of residence halls.
Highlights:
- South campus residence halls typically have two individuals per room, and everyone on a hall shares one bathroom.
- North campus residence halls are suite style, with a living room, common bathroom, and individual bedrooms for four people in a suite.
- West residence halls (the Towers) provide suites with 8–10 students who have
2–4 people per bedroom, several study rooms, and a common living room and bathroom.
Learning communities and living environments also might be a good fit for you! Some learning communities are geared toward academic disciplines, and others are aimed at specific interests that you might have. One great option on south campus is the First Year Collegian Learning Community, which offers four different residence halls that have programming and activities specifically focused on first-year students. Programs may include late-night events, travel opportunities, and many occasions where you can meet other first-year students.
How can I change my meal plan?
You may make changes to your meal plan during the first two weeks of each semester. Keep in mind, it is easier to drop back from a larger meal plan than it is to add on to a smaller one.
Also, check out information about meal plan options, including what “blocks” are, where dining halls are located, and how to choose the right meal plan for you.
What are my housing options after my freshman year?
After freshman year at Ohio State, some students decide to continue living on campus in a residence hall or move off campus into the nearby campus community. For more information on living in a residence hall after your freshman year, visit University Residences and Dining Services to learn about specific options or read about applying to be a resident advisor.
Neighborhood Services and Collaboration is helpful for students looking for appropriate off-campus housing. The office offers resources and information about rental requirements, viewing properties, and signing leases, as well as a website feature that allows you to search for housing that meets your size and price needs. Other info includes roommate services, legal referrals, an annual Housing Fair in January, and other programs for students living off campus.
Student Legal Services at The Ohio State University (SLS) is an independent, non-profit law office providing eligible Ohio State students access to licensed attorneys for legal advice and representation. SLS advises students about a wide array of legal issues, including lease reviews, off-campus housing, criminal misdemeanors, traffic offenses, consumer transactions, credit/debt issues, dissolution of marriage, name changes, simple wills, living wills, power of attorney, simple document drafting, victims of crime assistance, notary services, and more. Students can make an appointment online or by calling (614) 247-5853. Find out more about your eligibility for this service.
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Academics
Where do I go to buy books?
The University Bookstore has two locations:
- Barnes & Noble in the South Campus Gateway
- Central Classroom Building near Ohio Stadium
Other nearby textbook resellers that students regularly use to compare prices and find good deals on their textbooks include:
If you prefer to rent your textbooks, check the Campus Book Rental website for information about vendors and best practices.
Also, make sure to check online discounted books from used books sources such as Amazon.com or Half.com.
How do I drop a class?
Before you drop any class, you should contact your academic advisor to learn important information about dates and deadlines, as well as how dropping the class will affect your academic progress.
Once you have met with your advisor, you can add and drop classes through Buckeye Link, Ohio State’s online academic center. Buckeye Link is a great site to add to your “favorites” page; it’s where you check your grades and find quick links to registration info, financial aid, your statement of account, and other things you need!
What happens if I have to miss class for a reason like sickness or a death in the family?
Make sure to talk to your professors so that they understand your situation. Professors may be very willing to help you if you are open and honest with them. You can also receive documentation of a visit to Ohio State’s Wilce Student Health Center by visiting the front desk for a record of your appointment. For official university documentation of an illness or death in the family, contact the Student Advocacy Center.
How can I change my classes?
You may edit your course schedule by adding or dropping classes.
Please check important dates for specific dates related to course registration deadlines. Make sure to talk to your advisor to confirm the changes are still in line with your degree requirements.
To change your class schedule, visit Buckeye Link and select "Add a Class" or "Drop a Class" from under the Enrollment and Academic History section.
How can I test out of a class?
For information about Credit By Examination, go to registrar.osu.edu/testing/index.asp.
What happens if I get accused of cheating?
Cheating is taken seriously at Ohio State. You are expected to do your own work and adequately cite ideas you receive from other sources. The Committee on Academic Misconduct works to ensure the academic integrity of The Ohio State University and determines appropriate disciplinary action in all cases involving cheating, plagiarism, and academic misconduct. Each professor may handle cheating differently, but to make sure you protect yourself, familiarize yourself with the university’s basic tips and procedures at the Committee on Academic Misconduct website.
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Campus Resources
Where can I go if I’m feeling overwhelmed or stressed out?
There are many resources for you if you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, homesick, or are just having a hard time with your transition to college. One idea would be to talk to your RA for advice if you are living on campus.
Ohio State’s Counseling and Consultation Service also has many resources to help you with all of those concerns. You can learn how to cope with your transition through sessions on stress management, individual and group counseling sessions, or by finding helpful information on the office’s web site.
I have financial aid questions; where can I go for help?
For specific financial aid questions, utilize the Student Financial Aid office website to answer many of your questions. If you don’t find the answer you need, the website has additional information on how to contact a financial aid counselor.
Make sure to fill out your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) which will help you learn about aid options. The deadline every year is February 15. Also, the Student Wellness Center can help you learn about budgeting, credit management, and other financial issues!
Where do I go when I’m sick?
- The Wilce Student Health Center is a convenient place to go if you are sick while at Ohio State (map location). The Student Health Center is open during typical business hours. Call (614) 292-4321 to schedule an appointment. All students enrolled at Ohio State are eligible to use the health service, regardless of health insurance coverage. In addition to providing health care through the doctors and nurses on staff, the Student Health Center also has a pharmacy, dental services, advice nurses, and many other services to help meet students’ medical needs.
- If you are ill over the weekend or are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or visit Emergency Services at The Ohio State University Medical Center. For directions and information, visit the website.
How do I sign up for Student Health Insurance?
All students registered at Ohio State for six hours of classes or more are automatically enrolled and billed for the University’s Student Health Insurance program.
To opt out of your Student Health Insurance, you will need to provide proof of other health coverage, either through a job or by demonstrating that you are included on your parents’ insurance plan. You can opt out of your Student Health Insurance online, but you
MUST follow the proper procedures to waive your coverage or you will be enrolled and charged for Student Health Insurance for the entire year.
How do I find out the CABS and COTA bus schedules?
• Campus Area Bus Service: CABS
• Central Ohio Transit Authority Bus Schedule: COTA
Do I have to have a computer? Should I bring a laptop or a desktop?
It is completely up to you to decide if you want to bring a computer to campus. The university provides many alternatives to owning your own computer. Many students choose to utilize the campus computer labs, which provide free computer access to Ohio State students.
If you decide to bring a computer to campus and need to decide between owning a laptop and a desktop, consider the benefits and drawbacks of different types of computers. Laptops are convenient and can be used in many areas of campus with Ohio State’s wireless services. Desktops have more space to accommodate additional programs and pose less of a theft risk.
How can I prevent my laptop computer from being stolen?
You will need to take extra precautions to secure your laptop and keep it safe on campus by not leaving it unattended or leaving your residence hall room unlocked.
Where can I take my computer if it needs to be repaired?
You can receive free computer services at the Buckeye Bar located in Thompson Library. The staff there will be able to help you with anything from your internet connection to advice on what device to purchase.
Does Ohio State offer any discounts on computer hardware or software?
Yes. Visit these sites for more information about recommendations and discounts:
• Office of Information Technology
• Wired out
Where can I go if I’m feeling behind in a class and need academic assistance?
There are many places you can receive additional help in your academic course work; some areas specialize in specific areas, and some offer more general academic guidance. Make sure to talk to your academic advisor if you are having a difficult time in classes and need assistance finding resources or learning your options. You can also take a class to learn more about succeeding in the classroom offered through the Walter E. Dennis Learning Center.
For more information on academic help, seek out the following resources:
Where can I get help writing my resume?
Check with your academic advisor to learn about services from your college in writing and reviewing resumes, or you can contact your college career office for input.
Ohio State’s Career Connection is another resource that can help you with your career decision-making process, and its web site has many links to help you write resumes, cover letters, and work on your interviewing and networking skills.
Finally, make sure to ask a peer to look over your resume (try an RA or upperclass student in your major). He or she can probably help you catch typos and work on great phrasing to highlight your skills.
Where can I find out about campus jobs?
There are countless opportunities for jobs in the campus area.
In addition to the general Student Employment Office, these areas typically have many positions for students:
You can also look for jobs in one of the many academic departments and facilities. You may be eligible for a position through the Work-Study program. If this applies to you, contact Student Financial Aid for more information on finding a campus work-study position.
There are also many job opportunities in the area surrounding Ohio State, including local restaurants and stores. Check the classifieds in The Lantern, Ohio State’s student newspaper, for more ideas.
Where can I learn about making a budget and financial wellness?
The in the Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC) can provide you with great financial basics training. You can attend one of their financial sessions through the or sign up for free one-on-one financial counseling sessions in their office. Their web site contains helpful information about the basics of setting up a budget, selecting and using credit cards, investing, and more.
How do I get football and other athletics tickets?
Incoming freshmen can purchase football tickets beginning June 1, each year. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis, so order your tickets early! Student football tickets are only available online.
If you want to sit with other incoming freshmen, we suggest you order Block O tickets, the student seating section in the stadium. Direct further questions to the Athletic Ticket Office: 1-800-GO-BUCKS (462-8257) or athletic.tix@osu.edu. This is the same web page and phone number where you purchase basketball, hockey, and other athletic event student tickets.
What kind of security do we have on campus?
Ohio State has its own university police force of highly trained officers to protect students and staff on campus and facilitate a number of programs to keep students safe through the Department of Public Safety. Make note of the locations of the blue light emergency telephones located throughout campus. These can be used during emergencies to call 911 and bring a University Police officer to your aid.
University Police work in conjunction with Student Safety Services, a student organization that provides additional security for campus. One program organized by Student Safety Services is the campus escort service that provides students with safe transportation in the campus area during evening and early morning hours. Call the escort service at (614) 292-3322 to have a trained, uniformed student walk or drive you to and from your destination. Many students program this number into their cell phone for easy accessibility.
While many individuals work to keep campus secure for students and staff, all members of the Ohio State community should use common sense and awareness to help stay safe. Check out these campus safety tips.
What are the rules about bringing a car to campus?
First-year students who are commuting to campus may be able to purchase an on-campus parking permit from the Office of Transportation & Parking Services. First-year students living on campus are not eligible to bring cars to campus during their first year. If you feel like you have a specific need that would require you to have a car on campus, you may apply for an appeal of this rule by sending a formal request explaining your need to
Susan Boiarski-Markle, Assistant Director of Transportation & Parking Services. For other details on parking eligibility, availability, and pricing, visit Transportation & Parking Services.
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First Year Experience Programs
How is the First Year Success Series different from survey?
University Survey is a course first-year students enroll in during their first semester at the university. This course is designed to introduce students to Ohio State, their majors or colleges, our library system, how to schedule for classes, and how to conduct other university business.
The First Year Success Series is a First Year Experience program that offers more than 300 different events and lectures about transitional topics important to first-year students. Students are often required to attend a couple of success series events through their University Survey Course, although you can attend many more sessions than required.
What student positions are available in UAFYE?
There are lots of student positions in UAFYE—some are volunteer and some are paid positions. If you are interested in learning about the job responsibilities, application process, and hiring timeline of a specific position, send an e-mail to the corresponding contact individual listed below.
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