The Arrival to Athens section is intended to provide you with all the necessary information for planning your trip to Athens, OH. It will include details about early arrivals, airport and rental car options, bus and train information, parking details, and suggestions for places to stay in Athens.
Arrival to Athens
Airport and Rental Car Information
- John Glenn International Airport (CMH)
Address: 4600 International Gateway, Columbus, OH 43219
Minutes to Campus: Around 1 Hour and 18 Minutes - Rickenbacker International Airport
Address: 2241 John Cir Dr, Columbus, OH 43217
Minutes to Campus: Around 1 Hour and 17 Minutes - West Virginia International Yeager Airport
Address: 100 Airport Rd #175 Charleston, WV 2 5311
Minutes to Campus: Around 1 Hour and 36 Minutes
Bus and Train Information
GoBus provides transportation between cities and rural areas in the state of Ohio. GoBus makes stops at the John Glenn International Airport and drops off in Athens at Baker University Center . Purchasing tickets and more information can be found on the GoBus website . They can be reached at 888.954.6287.
Places to Stay in Athens
Students are expected to stay in the residence halls during their time at Bobcat Student Orientation, but guests have the option to stay on-campus or off. Go to the Visit Athens County website to search places to stay in Athens.
Forgot Something at Home?
Athens has a variety of options if you forgot something at home like a toothbrush or if you need to get something last minute. Below is a list of retail stores close to campus and in the Athens area.
- Walmart Supercenter (12 minutes from campus)
- Kroger (11 minutes from campus)
- CVS on Court Street (3 minutes from campus)
- CVS on State Street (9 minutes from campus)
Explore Athens, OH
Athens, OH is a beautiful place to explore. With many local options for food, shopping, and things to do it can be overwhelming where to begin. Visit Athens County has created a guide to Athens and all the wonderful things Athens has to offer. View the 2024 Athens County Visitors Guide for travel information, tips and inspiration for your trip to Athens.
Things to Bring to In-Person BSO - Students
Bring the following with you for your in-person BSO program:
- Photo ID (needed for check-in)
- Laptop or tablet for course registration, if possible
- We will have limited computers available during course registration at orientation. If you can bring your laptop, iPad, or Tablet with internet access, please do so for a quicker registration process. This does not need to be the technology you will have as a new student, so you do not need to worry about getting that at this time. If possible, consider borrowing technology from someone to bring with you. Given the format of the advising sessions, a smartphone is difficult to use for registration purposes. We recommend bringing different technology, if possible.
- Don't forget chargers for your devices.
- Items for the Overnight Stay (1.5-day programs in summer only)
- Linens are not provided for students staying overnight.Students should bring towels, pillows, and sheets/blankets for a Twin XL (or a sleeping bag if that is preferred). If a student is traveling from out-of-state and is unable to bring linens or if a student forgets to bring theirs, we will have linens available as needed.
- Bring any additional items to make the overnight stay more comfortable, as well as toiletries, personal hygiene items, and medications.
- Please note the residence hall is a traditional style hall and does include community bathrooms.
- You may also want to bring snacks for during the program and board games/cards to use during the evening social programming.
- Attire
- Bring an umbrella and wear comfy shoes. We want you to be prepared for a fun day in many locations throughout campus! We also recommend bringing a jacket for use in some of our indoor session locations, as they tend to be very cold during the summer months. We travel around campus during the program, so be prepared for cold weather during the winter months.
- Unofficial college transcripts and test scores
- If your official transcripts (indicating any college credit you may receive) and test scores have not been received or processed in time for your orientation, you’re welcome (but not required) to bring an unofficial copy for academic advising and course registration purposes.
- Refillable water bottle
- Most water fountains on campus have been converted to bottle refilling stations. You will be traveling around campus a lot, so it will be important to stay hydrated!
Things to Bring to In-Person BSO - Families and Guests
A linens package (including 2 flat sheets, 1 blanket, 1 pillow, 1 pillowcase, 1 body towel, 1 hand towel and 1 washcloth) will be included for each guest for the overnight stay, but you’re welcome to bring anything to make your stay more comfortable. This may include a pillow, blanket or other comfort items. Students are expected to bring their own linens.
Other suggested items to bring:
- Phone charger
- Computer/tablet charger
- Toiletries and personal hygiene items
- Medications
- Snacks
Please note the residence hall is a traditional style hall and does include community bathrooms.
Parking
Parking for May, June, July 1.5 Day Programs
Parking for summer 1.5 day programs will be in Lot 55 (across from River Gate Apartments), which can be found on the Campus Parking Map . Participants can use the entrance on Rufus Street or South Green Drive. If you are using a GPS or other map service, please use the following address to find this parking location: 10 Rufus Street, Athens, OH 45701. When you arrive at the lot, an orientation leader will provide you with a parking pass at the entrance.
Shuttles will regularly run to Jefferson 160 for the first step of check-in. Students and guests staying overnight in a residence hall should bring their belongings.
Parking for Summer & January 1 Day Programs
Parking for summer 1 day programs programs will be in Lot 132 (next to Peden Stadium), which can be found on the Campus Parking Map . Participants can use the entrance on South Green Drive and accessible parking will be available near the parking lot entrance. If you are using a GPS or other map service, please use the following address to find this parking location: 100 Richland Avenue, Athens, OH 45701. When you arrive at the lot, an orientation leader will provide you with a parking pass at the entrance.
Program Check-In (Summer Programs)
Students and guests must complete two required steps during check-in. Additional options are available to personalize your orientation experience. You may arrive anytime during the check-in window, but we recommend arriving at least 1 hour and 30 minutes before it closes to ensure enough time for required steps.
Additional information about our check-in process can be found below.
Summer 1.5 Day Programs (First-Year Students)
All program participants are required to complete two steps during check-in, which are listed below. We hope you take advantage of other opportunities, too, during the check-in window!
Jefferson Marketplace : Jefferson Hall
West 82 : Baker University Center (1st Floor)
Summer 1-Day Programs (Transfer Students & August Programs)
Students participating in the 1-Day Bobcat Student Orientation should check in with the Orientation Staff in the Walter Hall Lobby. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle, your laptop, a valid ID, and anything else you'll need to stay comfortable throughout the day!