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Starting off right as Buckeyes

May 21, 2015

Thousands of new Buckeyes will visit Ohio State’s campus this summer for orientation. What will they discover?


Orientation 2014

Whether you agonized over where to go to college or always knew you were destined to come to Ohio State, preparing for your arrival on campus can be exciting and a bit nerve-wracking.

Have no fear! Attending orientation this summer will arm you with the information you need to be successful at Ohio State. You'll leave with the confidence you need to navigate life as a Buckeye.

After downloading the Ohio State Events app and finding the Ohio State Orientation Guide, be prepared to discover the following during your first stay on campus:


1. Buckeye pride is EVERYWHERE.

Traditions abound at Ohio State, from singing “Carmen Ohio” with 100,000 fellow Buckeyes on fall Saturdays to forming the perfect O-H-I-O, in any season.

Summer's heat or winter's cold
The seasons pass, the years will roll
Time and change will surely (truly) show
How firm thy friendship…O-hi-o!– "Carmen Ohio"

You will learn all of these things at orientation and possibly receive coupons for discounts on merchandise at the bookstore. (Parents: It’s wise to stock up on your own scarlet and gray fashion accessories, too!)

Wondering about the history and stories behind campus landmarks? Download the Ohio State app, and check out Buckeye Stroll for history and photos about major campus landmarks. You also can download fight song ringtones and screen savers to carry Buckeye spirit everywhere you go.


2. Help is all around.

Ohio State is a big place – and a friendly place. Buckeyes believe in helping each other succeed, and First Year Experience staffacademic advisors, Student Academic Services staff and fellow students are great resources.

You also can find a wealth of information online, including orientation preparation materials from every college to the First Things First blog, offering words of wisdom and videos from orientation leaders.


3. Lace up your sneakers – and connect to the bus schedule.

OSU MobileAt 1,777 acres, the Columbus campus is sprawling, and woe to the student
(or parent) whose footwear is more fashionable than functional.
But while Ohio State students walk a lot, campus is accessible.

Download the Ohio State app to put campus in your pocket. It’s the official app of Ohio State, and it's at your service with features like an interactive campus map and a real-time bus locator. After orientation, use it to access your class schedule, grades and BuckID data.


4. Discover hidden gems on campus.

Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens boasts quiet respite from the rest of campus.
The Knowlton School of Architecture offers great views of campus.
Whisper a secret to a confidante on the curved steps of the Wexner Center for the Arts on College Road.
Dine al fresco in Browning Amphitheatre on a beautiful day.
University Museum features Buckeye memorabilia and artifacts.

The beauty of campus isn’t limited to just the Oval. Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens offers quiet respite from the rest of campus, while the rooftop garden at the Knowlton School of Architecture boasts great views of campus. Whisper a secret to a confidante on the curved steps of the Wexner Center for the Arts on College Road, or dine al fresco in Browning Amphitheatre on a beautiful day.

Want to connect with the generations of students who have come before you on this campus? Stop by University Museum, located in the lobby of University Hall, for inspiration.


5. Columbus is not your typical college town.

Columbus enjoys cheering for its professional NHL team.
The Short North Arts District features fantastic gallery hops once a month.
Our local zookeeper is a celebrity conservationist.
Downtown Columbus

Columbus is the 15th largest city in the United States, brimming with diversity among the nearly 2 million people who live in the metropolitan area.

In addition to being the state capital, Columbus is headquarters for five Fortune 500 companies. Hometown brands – Wendy’sVictoria’s SecretNationwideDSW and more – are household names around the world.

Columbus enjoys cheering for the Buckeyes but also its professional soccer and NHL teams. The Short North Arts District just a few blocks south of campus features fantastic gallery hops once a month. Our local zookeeper is a celebrity conservationist, and our local science museum has been inspiring and wowing visitors for 50 years. (Living on a college student’s budget? Who isn’t? D-Tix, offering discounts for students to citywide events, will become your best friend.)

Students are wise to explore the city beyond their campus.


6. Be social.

Buckeye Nation buzzes on all kinds of social media channels, and joining the community is a fun way to connect with Ohio State students, faculty, fans and friends on campus and around the world.

Get connected early: Share your early experiences on campus with #new2OSU on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. During orientation and when you arrive on campus, be sure to follow @OhioStateFYE and check out the shared experiences of Buckeye Nation @OhioState. Like Ohio State on Facebook and check out our Instagram account for daily doses of Buckeye Pride.


7. Savor the special moments.

College is a magical time, and Ohio State is an incredible place. There will be moments in your time at Ohio State that are just plain jaw-dropping awesome, and you should stop and savor that “Buckeye moment,” whatever it is.

Your lifelong journey as a Buckeye starts now.

 

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#new2OSU

Through the years

Before there was #new2OSU, there was "Freshman Week" and fashion shows on what to wear to class. Experience orientation through the years with Ohio State Alumni magazine's interactive timeline.