In August, before classes begin in the fall, a two and a half day pre-orientation program, called New International Student Orientation (“NISO”), is held for new international and global nomad students.
For Spring Semester arrivals in January, before the start of the Spring Orientation, a pre-orientation program, called Spring NISO, is also held.
During both the fall and the spring NISO, new students are also assisted with opening bank accounts, getting their rooms in the residence halls, and the like. There is also a special program and a question/answer session just for parents/guardians. Parents and family are welcome and encouraged to attend. (Please see below for information about transportation, dining
NISO continues through the first half of the Fall Semester with UC 99, a .25 credit orientation course that meets one night per week. Many topics are covered in UC 99: including immigration rules, health insurance, the academic culture of the USA, what to expect from the weather, culture shock and local area transportation. For those arriving in the Spring Semester, UC 99 or scheduled meetings will be offered through February.
Please Note: New students are required to be fully immunized for COVID-19 with a WHO approved vaccination.
| EVENT | DATE |
|---|---|
| Student Health Insurance Coverage Begins (for those in the USA) | Saturday, 1 August |
| International / Global Nomad Arrival & Move-In Day | Monday, 15 August |
| New International Student Orientation (NISO) | Tuesday & Wednesday, 16 & 17 August |
| First Day of Classes | Wednesday, 24 August |
Information for accepted students, including students seeking a SEVIS Form I-20 and how to apply for an F-1 student visa, please go to the link, Admitted Students.
Resources and information for all new students can be found here: New Student Orientation.
Please note: International and US global nomad students who are admitted for a fall start date are expected to complete the on-line OWU Orientation in June. Pre-registration materials for course selection (and other information) will be sent to students during the summer and participation in the New International Student Orientation (NISO) is required.
For more comprehensive information, please see: NISO Pre-Arrival Guide
Students arriving at the airport: New international and global nomad students are met at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) on the designated arrival day by our New International Student Orientation Leaders (
All new incoming students must complete the new student arrival notification form which includes information about your intended arrival date/ time and allows us to coordinate shuttle service from the airport.
Students with F-1 visas are permitted to enter the USA up to 30 days prior to the program start date on their I-20; please note, though, that OWU's international student health insurance plan coverage starts on 1 August for fall semester and 1 January for Spring Semester.
Students arriving by car: If you are coming with family, please see VisitDelOhio.com, which includes information about local dining and accommodations. Parents cannot stay overnight in the rooms of new students. Families traveling with their students must make arrangements to rent a car at the airport upon arrival for the duration of their stay. Taxi and car share services within Delaware are limited, so too is public transit; few accommodations are within walking distance of OWU.