Students during Move-In to north campus residence halls as part of Welcome Week.
Transitioning from high school to college is a big leap—and when your student is about to become a Buckeye, it’s not just a change in academic scenery. It’s a total lifestyle shift. Ohio State University (OSU), located in the heart of Columbus, is one of the largest and most vibrant campuses in the country. From academics and campus life to housing, traditions, and social scenes, there’s a lot to take in.
If your student is getting ready to be #BuckeyeBound, this comprehensive guide breaks down what every first-year student (and their families) should know before day one.
Ohio State is one of the largest universities in the U.S., with more than 60,000 students on the Columbus campus alone. For many first-years, this can feel overwhelming. But with that size comes incredible opportunity.
- Diverse academic offerings: OSU has over 200 majors and hundreds of minors and specializations. Whether your student is set on engineering, business, the arts, or still undecided, they’ll find their niche.
- Multiple campuses and resources: While most first-years are on the Columbus campus, OSU has satellite campuses and a strong support infrastructure.
Encourage your student to embrace the size. With so many students, they’re bound to find their tribe—but they’ll need to be proactive.
Most first-year students live on campus, and OSU requires two years of on-campus living for incoming students from outside a set radius.
- Dorm assignments: Housing is typically based on Living-Learning Communities (LLCs), roommate pairings, or general assignments.
- North vs. South Campus: There’s a playful rivalry between these two areas. North Campus is closer to engineering and science buildings; South Campus is nearer to the arts and humanities.
Small comforts from home, noise-canceling headphones (dorms can be loud), and Buckeye gear are must-haves. OSU students take school spirit seriously.
Ohio State’s academic structure is decentralized, meaning each college (e.g., College of Engineering, Fisher College of Business) runs somewhat independently.
- Academic advisors are assigned by major and are invaluable for planning course loads, helping with registration, and preparing students for internships or graduate school.
- The First Year Experience (FYE) program helps students transition academically and socially, offering events, peer mentorship, and workshops.
Course registration can be competitive. First-year students often register last, so flexibility is crucial. Encourage your student to prepare backup classes in advance.
Buckeye pride is unmatched. Students instantly become part of a vibrant culture rich in traditions.
- The “O-H!” chant: Call out “O-H!” anywhere in the world, and someone might respond “I-O!”
- Mirror Lake Jump: Though officially discouraged, this pre-Michigan game tradition is part of Buckeye lore.
- Dotting the “i”: In the marching band’s Script Ohio performance, dotting the “i” is one of the university’s highest honors.
Football Saturdays:
Game days are a rite of passage. Even non-sports fans often get swept up in the excitement, tailgates, and energy surrounding Ohio Stadium—also known as “The Shoe.”
With over 1,400 student organizations, involvement at OSU is easy to find and essential for making the campus feel smaller.
- Student Involvement Fair: Held during Welcome Week, it’s a massive event showcasing clubs from dance teams to coding groups.
- Greek Life: While not dominant on campus, fraternities and sororities play a strong role for many students seeking close-knit communities.
Getting involved is key to retention and mental health. Students who find one or two groups they care about are more likely to thrive.
Success at Ohio State isn’t just about attending class. OSU offers a wealth of resources that are often underused by first-years.
- The Younkin Success Center: A one-stop shop for academic coaching, tutoring, and career counseling.
- Student Wellness Center: Offers free counseling, health education, and wellness coaching.
- Libraries and Study Spaces: Thompson Library is the most iconic, but there are libraries all across campus.
Remind your student to use office hours! Many first-years hesitate, but professors are usually eager to help.
Living on your own for the first time often comes with financial growing pains.
- BuckID: Students’ BuckID serves as their university ID, meal card, and even works at off-campus locations.
- Meal Plans: Options vary by budget and dietary needs. Many students eventually learn to “swipe smart” to get the most from their plans.
- Student Jobs: OSU offers work-study and campus jobs, which help with expenses and build experience.
Students should install the Ohio State app for schedules, maps, dining hall menus, and emergency alerts.
Columbus isn’t just the backdrop—it’s an extension of campus. As Ohio’s capital and one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, it offers culture, food, jobs, and internships.
- Short North Arts District: A trendy area full of restaurants, art galleries, and events—just a short COTA bus ride away.
- Internship central: With companies like Nationwide, JPMorgan Chase, and Battelle headquartered nearby, Columbus is full of opportunity.
Students ride COTA buses for free with their BuckID. Biking and scooters are also common ways to travel locally.
Even the most excited students may feel overwhelmed or homesick. OSU emphasizes student well-being and has systems in place to help.
- Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS): Free mental health care, including individual and group therapy.
- Peer support programs: Through groups like Buckeye PAL, students can talk anonymously with trained peers.
Stay connected, but let your student take the lead. Encourage independence while offering support from a distance.
Ohio State takes safety seriously. Like any large university, being street-smart is part of life.
- Ohio State Department of Public Safety: Offers 24/7 security, emergency text alerts, and the RAVE Guardian safety app.
- Safe Ride and Escort Service: Offers rides at night for students who feel unsafe walking.
Have a conversation early about boundaries, decision-making, and responsible behavior in a college setting.
Move-in day is a big deal at Ohio State—and it’s run like a well-oiled machine.
- Assigned times and check-ins: Students are given time slots to reduce traffic and chaos.
- Welcome Week: The week before classes start includes Convocation, the Involvement Fair, and the Light Up the Lake event.
Say goodbye early and confidently. Most students want time to settle in and start making their own connections.
College is a different academic game than high school. Straight-A students might struggle at first, and that’s okay.
- Tutoring and study groups are crucial. Many residence halls even have built-in academic support.
- Study skills and time management are often learned through trial and error.
Help your student understand that it’s okay to stumble as long as they learn how to adapt and ask for help.
Becoming a Buckeye is about more than school colors and football games. It’s a transformative journey—one that will shape your student socially, emotionally, and intellectually. With proper support, a willingness to adapt, and a bit of Buckeye spirit, your student will thrive in Columbus and beyond.
Being #BuckeyeBound isn’t just a hashtag. It’s a promise of growth, tradition, and opportunity. And for your student, it’s just the beginning.
