First Year Experience

You’ll have many amazing experiences at Ohio State, but few can compare to the opportunities presented before your first year even begins!

Early arrival programs occur in the summer before your first semester and 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 community and confidence at Ohio State — all while participating in fun, challenging activities.

Summer programs create opportunities for you to participate in educational, leadership or adventure activities; develop new friendships; learn how to take advantage of university resources; and connect with upper-level students, staff and faculty who can help guide the way at Ohio State

Select a program below to learn more, including dates, costs and application or registration procedures. Please note that some programs have the OWL program embedded into their early arrival experience, and participants do not need to complete the separate OWL application. We hope to see you this summer!

Leadership and Service
These programs explore what it means to be a student leader on campus and in the community, and participants will explore their own values and aspirations through hands-on learning experiences.

Special Eligibility
These programs are focused on opportunities, resources and experiences specifically for students who may hold a particular identity or be affiliated with a particular university office or initiative.