Orientation
Source: https://oia.osu.edu/international-students/new-student-check-and-orientation/orientation Parent: https://oia.osu.edu/
Note: International Student Orientation and Immigration Check-In are two separate processes, and students are required to complete both.
International Student Orientation is a two-step required activity for all new and transfer international students that includes both an online and in-person learning experience. Orientation will introduce you to Ohio State, provide important information and help you become familiar with available resources. Topics include:
- Maintaining your immigration status
- Academic requirements and success strategies
- Life on campus and outside the classroom
- Health insurance and screening requirements
- Campus health and safety
- Housing and dining services
For more information about the required in-person and online orientation, select the term in which you are starting at Ohio State from the list below. For help accessing CarmenCanvas, Ohio State's online learning platform, refer to the Get Started Guide. If you have problems accessing CarmenCanvas or CarmenZoom, contact the OTDI Help Desk at ServiceDesk@osu.edu or call +1 614-688-4357 (HELP).
Immigration Check-In Process
The U.S. federal government requires that you complete Immigration Check-In with the Office of International Affairs before you start your course of study.
Autumn 2025
International Student Orientation is an online and in-person learning experience required for all new and transfer international students.
Online Orientation
Online orientation will open on Monday, June 21 and you should complete your self-guided orientation by August 25.
- You will be automatically enrolled in the course on CarmenCanvas, Ohio State’s online learning platform
- A confirmation email along with instructions will be sent to your BuckeyeMail account
- The Office of International Affairs will be automatically notified when you complete the online orientation
International Student Orientation (in person)
The Office of International Affairs will host in-person International Student Orientation sessions, August 4 - 25. You will receive an email the week of June 16 to register for one, 45-minute session. Please attend a session within two to three days of your arrival in Columbus. \ \ There will also be additional workshops and social events for new international students leading up to the start of autumn semester. A full schedule, including instructions for registering and links to CarmenZoom sessions, will be available in your online orientation calendar.\ \ Please email global-engagement@osu.edu with questions.
Spring 2026
International Student Orientation is a two-step mandatory activity for all new and transfer international students that includes both an online and in-person learning experience.
Online orientation
Online orientation will open on Monday, December 8 and you should complete your self-guided orientation by January 11.
- You will be automatically enrolled in the course on CarmenCanvas, Ohio State’s online learning platform
- A confirmation email along with instructions will be sent to your BuckeyeMail account
- The Office of International Affairs will be automatically notified when you complete the online orientation
In-person orientation sessions
The mandatory in-person orientation sessions will cover essential processes and important logistical information for your first few weeks of the semester.
Sessions will be held on Thursday, January 8, Friday, January 9 and Monday, January 12 in 160 Enarson Classroom Building. You are only required to sign up for one session.
Summer 2025
Orientation will take place virtually through CarmenCanvas, Ohio State’s online learning management system. You will be automatically registered for the orientation modules.
- You DO NOT have to register since you will be automatically enrolled. You will receive an enrollment confirmation email with instructions through Buckeyemail on April 16, 2025.
- Orientation is mandatory, and you should complete your self-guided orientation by May 6, 2025. The Office of International Affairs will be automatically notified of your completion.