If you are arriving to campus early, it's necessary to obtain an OHIO ID card as soon as possible. Your OHIO ID card allows you to access University facilities and ride the Athens Public Transit (APT) for free.
Early Arrival Information
Early Arrival Information
Welcome to OHIO
We're excited to welcome you to Ohio University during International Student Orientation. There's a lot to learn and discover while studying abroad at OHIO — but most importantly, you're now a part of a community that's focused on your success — today, tomorrow and forever.
Because we want to ensure your arrival to OHIO is just as successful as the time you will spend here over the next few years, we have compiled information and resources that you may find useful on this web page. Please know that we will go over everything in more detail during orientation.
Weather and Campus Info
Students arriving for Spring semester: It will be winter in Ohio, and the normal temperatures range from 23 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 degrees Celsius) to 57 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius). It is more often cloudy than not so that may make it feel colder. Please make sure to prepare in advance.
Take your time to learn more about campus and Athens!
Steps to Complete Before Coming to Campus
Activate Your OHIO ID and Access Your Email
It's important to activate your OHIO ID and familiarize yourself with the Go OHIO app prior to arriving to campus. Your birth date and personal identification (PID) number are all you need to officially activate your online OHIO access, including email.
To access your OHIO email (Catmail), you'll need to enroll in Azure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), the University's additional security verification tool. If you experience issues using Azure MFA, please contact OIT by sending an email, calling 740-593-1222 or stopping by Bobcat Depot after arrival.
Make Travel Plans
To get to Athens, your final flight destination should be John Glenn International Airport (airport code: CMH) in Columbus, Ohio. There are multiple ways to travel to Athens from Columbus.
Research Housing
As a student at Ohio University, there are two options for housing: on-campus or off-campus housing. Most incoming first and second-year undergraduate students are required to live in on-campus housing, but students who meet certain criteria may request to be exempt from the housing requirement.
Finding off-campus housing that meets your needs may be challenging. There are many things to consider including cost, location, amenities, roommates, etc. Because Athens is considered a college town, housing providers may label their offerings as "college housing". To assist your housing search process, we compiled a list of off-campus housing options and resources.
Make Temporary Housing Arrangements (If Necessary)
If you are unable to find temporary housing options on-campus prior to your arrival, or if you have family traveling with you, you will need to make arrangements to stay at a local hotel.
Steps to Take After Arriving to Campus
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Set Up Wi-Fi
OHIO students can access Wi-Fi on campus through Eduroam. To log into Eduroam, you'll have to set up your OHIO email and password first.
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Submit Your 'Confirm Arrival' e-form
It is essential that you let Ohio University know that you have arrived in the U.S.
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Update Your 'SEVIS US' Address and Phone Number in the Go OHIO app
ISSS is unable to report your arrival to the U.S. until you have confirmed your arrival by completing the 'Confirm Arrival' e-form and updated your SEVIS US address.
Resources for Living and Learning at OHIO
Food and Restaurants
OHIO offers a variety of dining options on campus, including dining courts, markets, cafes and a restaurant.
Dining halls close during summer and mid-year breaks, but there are many other dining options in Athens. Make sure to bring some cash with you until you get a bank card. Review the table to learn about some popular local restaurants. (Please note: ISSS does not endorse any restaurant listed in the tables.)
| Restaurants in Walking Distance to Campus | Type of Food |
|---|---|
| Donkey Coffee | Local: Coffee and Snacks - Eat in |
| Restaurant Salaam | Local: Mediterranean - Eat in |
| Casa Nueva | Local: Mexican/American Food - Eat in |
| O'Betty's Red Hot | Local: Hot Dog Stand - Fast Food |
| Chipotle Mexican Grill | Mexican - Fast Food |
| Ginger Asian Kitchen | Chinese - Fast Food |
| Bagel Street Deli | Local: Bagels - Fast Food |
| El Tenampa | Mexican - Eat in |
| Firdous | Mediterranean - Fast Food |
| Big Mama's Burritos | Mexican - Fast Food |
| Pita Pit | Pita/Salads/Sandwiches - Fast Food |
| Fluff Bakery | Local: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Eat in |
| Wings Over | Chicken Wings - Fast Food |
| Dominos | Pizza |
| GoodFella's Pizza | Pizza |
| Jackie O's Public House Restaurant | Local: American - Eat in |
| Fusion Noodle Company | Chinese Fusion - Fast Food |
| Union Street Diner | Local: American - Eat in |
| Siam Thai | Thai - Eat in |
| Star of India | Indian - Eat in |
| Ciro: Italian Kitchen & Bar | Italian - Eat in |
| Courtside Pizza | Pizza - Eat in |
| Mr. Hibachi | Japanese Grill and Sushi - Eat in |
| Jimmy Johns's | Sandwiches - Fast Food |
| Subway | Sandwiches, salads - Fast Food |
| Hang Over Easy | Diner options - Breakfast, Lunch, and Dessert |
| Keystone's Mac Shack | Mac & Cheese Bar - Fast Food |
If you do not have a car, you can reach many of these restaurants via the Athens Public Transit. You can use lines 2, 3, and 6 to reach restaurants located on State Street.
| Restaurants in Driving Distance to Campus | Type of Food |
| Miller's Chicken | Local: Chicken - Fast Food |
| Larry's Dawg House | Local: American - Fast Food |
| Avalanche Pizza | Local: Pizza |
| Bob Evans | American - Eat in |
| Applebee's Grill & Bar | American - Eat in |
| Donatos | Pizza |
| Sol Island Bar and Grill | Local: Cuban - Eat in |
| Steak n' Shake | American - Fast Food |
| Qdoba Mexican Eats | Mexican - Fast Food |
| Little Caesars | Pizza - Fast Food |
| Subway | Sandwiches - Fast Food |
| McDonald's | Burgers - Fast Food |
| Wendy's | Burgers - Fast Food |
| Burger King | Burgers - Fast Food |
| China Panda | Chinese - Eat in |
| Gran Ranchero | Mexican - Eat in |
| Texas Roadhouse | American - Eat in |
| Shade Restaurants | American - Eat in |
| IHOP | Pancakes/Breakfast - Eat in |
| Arby's | Sandwiches - Fast Food |
| El Camino | Local: Mexican - Eat in |
Health Care on Campus
OhioHealth Campus Care is Ohio University's student health center, conveniently located in Hudson Health Center in North Green. You do not need to be enrolled in the University student health insurance to receive care. OhioHealth Campus Care will be open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Please note: Care received prior to January 1, 2024 will not be covered by student health insurance. If you are interested in purchasing coverage once you arrive until the start of the new policy term, please contact studentinsurance@ohio.edu.
To learn more about the student health insurance, please review the student insurance website.