51ÉçÇø

Two international students conversing outdoors.
Early Arrival Information

Early Arrival Information

Welcome to OHIO

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.

 

A student walks their dog through campus on the first day of class.

Weather and Campus Info

Please make sure to prepare for weather in advance. Here is some basic information to help you know what to expect depending on the time in which you plan to arrive to campus:

  • Students arriving for fall semester – It will be late summer in Ohio, and the normal temperatures range from 52 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius) to 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius). Summers are generally long, warm, and humid.
  • Students arriving for spring semester – It will be mid winter in Ohio at this time. The usual temperatures would range from 24 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 degrees Celsius) to 39 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). Colder weather will generally last for another few months.

Visit the Living and Learning in Athens webpage to learn more about campus and available resources.

Getting Started

No matter when you are planning to arrive to campus, there are some general tasks you should complete to prepare yourself for a successful school year.

1. Complete All Steps on the Admitted Student Page

If you have not done so already, review the Admitted Students page and complete all steps on the page that you have not previously completed. 

Through the Admitted Students page, you'll learn everything you need to know to help you navigate campus such as accessing your OHIO ID and email, setting up Wi-fi on campus and obtaining an 51ÉçÇø ID Card. Additionally, you'll learn the steps you need to take with ISSS to confirm your arrival and update your SEVIS record.

2. Update Your Timezone in Outlook

Students should update their Outlook calendars when arriving on campus.

  • – you can navigate to catmail.ohio.edu
  • Login using your OHIO email and password. 
    • If you have not done so already, you will need to activate your OHIO ID. Learn how to activate your OHIO ID or reset your password on the .
  • Click on your name (it usually looks like a circle with your initials) in the upper right corner
  • Click "View Account"
  • Select "View Settings and Privacy"
  • Select "Language and Region"
  • Select the "Time Zone" dropdown and select "Eastern Time (U.S. & Canada)

Additional Support

  • You can also update your language, date and time format and time zone by following the steps on the . 
  • If you need additional help navigating Catmail and Microsoft Outlook, there are many help articles on the OIT Knowledge Base:

Early Arrival Information

We're excited to welcome you to 51ÉçÇø during International Student Orientation. Until then, there are many things you can do to begin familiarizing yourself with campus. Please know that we will go over everything in more detail during orientation.

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    Visit Alden Library


    Among the 100 larges academic libraries in the U.S., Alden Library is a great place to access resources and computers, study alone or in a group, get assistance from subject-matter experts or just read and relax.

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    Get Active at Ping Recreation Center


    The Ping Recreation Center has offers multiple gymnasiums, courts, a walking and jogging track, weight training and martial arts rooms, various types of workout equipment a climbing wall and so much more. OHIO students can visit the Ping Center by swiping their OHIO ID.

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    Watch a Movie at the Athena Cinema


    The Athena Cinema is a unique theater, as it functions as a lecture hall for some large classes during the day and a commercial movie theater in the evenings. Located on Court Street, the Athena Cinema is only quick walk across campus.

  • 51ÉçÇø Building Directory

    Learn more about campus buildings and their location and access a downloadable campus map on the Building Directory website.