You must complete the pre-arrival Canvas course before attending in person orientation and enrolling in classes. You will be added to the course upon admittance to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University. You should receive your enrollment via your student email. If you have not received your invitation to enroll in the course, please email iso@ohio.edu.
International Student Orientation
International Student Orientation
Congratulations on your admission to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University! We look forward to welcoming you as you start your journey as a Bobcat.
Aside from attending International Student Orientation (ISO) in person, there are pre-orientation modules you must complete prior to your arrival to campus. Please review this page to learn more about what to expect during on-campus orientation and to complete the pre-arrival modules.
Orientation Schedule
Learn more about what to expect at International Student Orientation by reviewing the schedule. Aside from session times, the schedule contains location information.
Fall 2025 Orientation Schedule
| Date | Session/Event Name | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Friday 08/15/25 | Arrival Day | All Day | Baker University Center 1st Floor |
Saturday 08/16/25 | Arrival Day | All Day | Baker University Center 1st Floor |
Sunday 08/17/25 | Arrival Day | All Day | Baker University Center 1st Floor |
Monday 08/18/25 | ISO Welcome Day (Paperwork, check-in, U.S. Culture, LIA, Stress) | 1 – 4:30 p.m. | Baker University Center Ballroom 4th Floor |
Tuesday 08/19/25 | Employment Paperwork | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Baker University Center Room 240/242 |
Wednesday 08/20/25 | Community Standards | 9 - 10:15 a.m. | Baker University Center Room 240/242 |
| Academic Success | 10:30 - 12:00 p.m. | Baker University Center Room 240/242 | |
| Lunch & Resource Fair | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Baker University Center Ballroom 4th Floor | |
| Dependent Session -- For students with F2 and J2 dependents only | 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Yamada International House Room 009 | |
| State Street Shopping Trip #1 | 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Meet at Baker University Center, 4th Floor entrance | |
Thursday 08/21/25 | Welcome Brunch | 10 a.m – 12 noon | Baker Ballroom, 4th Floor |
| Campus Selfie Tour | 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Meet at Baker University Center, 4th Floor entrance | |
| Donkey Coffee Social #2 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Meet at Baker University Center, 4th Floor entrance | |
Friday 08/22/25 | State Street Shopping Trip #2 | 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Meet at Baker University Center, 4th Floor entrance |
Saturday 08/23/25 | Athens Farmers Market | 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. | Meet at Baker University Center, 4th Floor entrance |
| Athens Pool Trip's 1,2&3 | 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Trips will be organized during ISO Day 1 -- transportation will be provided by ISO | |
Sunday 08/24/25 | Hike in Sells Park Trip 1&2 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Meet at Baker University Center, 4th Floor Entrance |
Aside from viewing the orientation schedule in this section, you may also download and print a copy of the schedule.
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Pre-Orientation Canvas Course
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Pre-Arrival Sessions
Join the ISSS team for our pre-arrival sessions, which will help you prepare for moving to Athens, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ.
May 15, 2025 – Cost of Living/Finding Housing in Athens, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ
May 20, 2025 – The Ins and Outs of Graduate Assistantships
May 22, 2025 – Medical Care in the U.S.
June 3, 2025 – Connecting with Student Organizations
On-Campus Orientation
Students starting in the Fall semester 2025 will attend on-campus International Student Orientation August 18 - August 24. For more information on orientation, please see the Pre-Arrival Canvas course.
International Student Orientation Event Details
International Student Orientation (ISO) is filled with information sessions that will help you get started at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University and integrate into life in Athens, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ. From academics and academic success to U.S. culture and local shopping, you'll learn and experience life at OHIO fully.
Aside from viewing event details in this section, you may also download and print a copy of the event details.
ISO Welcome and Paperwork Check-In
Join your fellow international students at our first orientation event! You will hear from University administrative staff as well as your peer advising team.
Come meet people who can answer all of your questions specific to being an international student at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University! Please bring your passport and I-20 to this session.
Employment Paperwork
During this session, students who have a TA/RA/GA/GRS position at the University will fill out necessary paperwork related to working in the U.S. We will also discuss general items of interest for working students.
Academics at OHIO
The ISSS orientation team will go over OHIO academics at a general level, including a walkthrough of essential tools for students.
Academic Success
The Academic Achievement Center and Graduate College staff will present information on the available supports for international students as well as tips and tricks for success in your academic journey.
Community Standards
Our Community Standards staff will share University expectations for students and the process of student conduct should you need to engage with their office.
Stress and Adjustment Changes
In this session, you will hear from your peer advising team regarding stress and navigating the transition to the United States, Athens, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, and Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University.
U.S. Culture
Join this session to learn more about the cultural differences and how to navigate them with experts from the OHIO Program of Intensive English (OPIE) and Graduate College.
Campus Selfie Tour
Not sure how to get to your classes? Join us for a campus selfie tour so that you can start to learn your way around campus. We will meet at 4th floor of Baker University Center to go on a walk around the campus with the Peer Advisors and our selfie sticks.
State Street Shopping Trip
Still need a few items for your room or for classes? The Peer Advisors will help you find what you need by acting as your guides on the Athens Public Transit.
We will meet on the 4th floor of Baker University Center to walk to the Mulberry at Baker bus stop. Peer Advisors will be guiding the trips every 30 minutes. They will stay with you on State St. until the bus leaves Walmart.
Make sure to bring your student ID and cash.
Donkey Coffee Social
Join the peer advisors and your colleagues for a trip to Donkey Coffee! is a local coffee shop that students love to visit, whether it is to do homework, meet with friends, or listen to a local band.
Athens Farmers Market
Travel to the local to visit with local farmers and artists.
Bring cash or debit cards if you want to purchase any items for your home.
Athens Pool Trip
Visit the with your new international student friends. The Athens City Pool features a zero-depth entry leisure pool, lap lane pool, a 12-foot diving well with 2 diving boards, a splash pad, tot pool, and 2 slides that are 24 feet high.
Hike at Sells Park
The peer advisors will lead a leisurely hike in for all incoming students. Wear comfortable shoes and be ready to enjoy the beautiful nature!
What's Next?
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Admitted International Student Next Steps
As a newly admitted student to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University, there are many steps you must complete prior to coming to campus and once you arrive on campus. If you have not done so already, visit the Admitted International Students page to learn more about and complete all next steps.
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Early Arrival Information
If you will be arriving to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University campus prior to the start of ISO, you should review the Early Arrival page and complete the arrival steps.
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Questions?
If you have questions about as you complete the pre-orientation modules or as you prepare for ISO, please contact the ISSS team by sending an email to iso@ohio.edu.