Welcome to OHIO
Congratulations on your admission to Ohio University! You're now a part of the OHIO Community, which is filled with current and former Bobcats who are eager to welcome you and help you find your path forward.
To help you prepare for a successful start at OHIO, carefully review all of the information on this page. There are many tasks you must complete after you are admitted to OHIO, prior to coming to campus and immediately upon your arrival to campus.
International Student Reflections
Admitted Student Next Steps
Once you have been admitted to OHIO, there are steps you must complete to confirm your plans to attend the University, obtain your immigration documents and prepare to move to the U.S.
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Admitted Undergraduate Students
Visit the Undergraduate Admissions website for a step-by-step guide to completing necessary information to prepare for your arrival. From obtaining your initial immigration documents to activating your OHIO ID and email, securing housing health insurance, and more.
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Admitted Graduate Students
Visit the Graduate College website for a step-by-step guide to completing necessary information to prepare for your arrival. Learn how to request your immigration documents and submission deadlines, review estimated expenses and more.
Steps to Complete Upon Admission
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. You can find your PID in your admission letter.
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.
Steps to Complete Before Coming to Campus
Before coming to campus, complete these important steps to help you transition to the U.S.
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Review Pre-Orientation and Pre-Arrival Modules
Complete the pre-orientation modules and review the pre-arrival session videos and PowerPoints before coming to campus.
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Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility
You can join a university as a student in F-1 status using an I-20 or in J-1 status using a DS-2019. You will need an I-20 or DS-2019 to obtain a visa. Review the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) page to learn more about each type, how to obtain one and which campus office to contact for assistance. The ISSS team does not create initial immigration documents.
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Acquire a Visa
A visa is a document added to your passport that serves as permission to request entry at your initial U.S. entry port. Learn more about visa types and follow step-by-step instructions to acquire your visa.
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Prepare for Departure and Make Travel Arrangements
When traveling to the U.S. you must carry all essential documents in your carry-on luggage and enter through a U.S. Port of Entry. On the Traveling to Campus page, you will learn what documents you need to bring with you, where to enter the U.S., and what to expect at the U.S. Port of Entry. Additionally, you can explore transportation resources to help you get to campus.
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Research and Secure 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 .
If you are unable to find housing options prior to your arrival, you may need to make temporary housing arrangements .
Additional Admitted Student Resources
Steps to Take After Arriving to Campus
Once you've made it to Athens, Ohio, take these next steps to begin making yourself comfortable in your new home away from home.
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Obtain an Ohio University ID Card
Your OHIO ID card allows you to access University facilities and ride the Athens Public Transit (APT) for free.
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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
Once you arrive to campus, update your 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.