Your Student Life: A New Year Begins for Undergraduates
August 7, 2024
Happy New (Academic) Year!
It is good to have you on campus. Whether you are just starting your program or are returning, we hope you are excited about this coming year. The start of a new academic year is always special, no matter how long you’ve been taking classes.
Welcome Week gets underway as you get settled, whether you’re living in a residence hall, off-campus apartment or as a commuter student. The calendar is full of fun events and activities to get your semester off to a good start. While some are specifically for first-year students, many are intended for everyone, wherever you are in your academic journey.
Among the larger events, Sunday, August 18 is the Student Involvement Fair on the Oval and South Oval. From 4-7 p.m., you browse more than 800 tables of student organizations, campus departments, and local nonprofits. This is the biggest opportunity of the year to get involved!
The next day, Monday, August 19, is Buck-i-Frenzy. From noon-4 p.m. in and around the RPAC, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with local and national companies and check out their services, fashions, sounds, technologies, products and tastes. You don't want to miss four hours of friends, food and free stuff!
Buckeye Kickoff is an Ohio State tradition you won’t want to miss. Join your fellow Buckeyes in Ohio Stadium on Wednesday, August 21, 4:30-7 p.m. to enjoy and experience Buckeye Spirit. With many speakers, cheers and songs this event will be able to kick off your Ohio State experience. The program will feature athletes, The Ohio State University Marching Band and more. There will also be an opportunity for you to take photos on the field. You’ll need a valid BuckID to get in.
You can join fellow Buckeyes in a day of service for Pay it Forward’s 27th annual Community Commitment on Saturday, August 24. You can volunteer together with your student organization, a group of friends or get involved individually to give back to the city of Columbus through a morning of community service. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in 2-3 hours of community service with a local nonprofit around a variety of community issues.
There are plenty more events coming up, such as Wipe-Out in the McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion and an Esports Open House. Check out the Student Life calendar throughout the year for ideas and suggestions.
Our vision in the Office of Student Life is to help you engage, learn and thrive while at Ohio State. Our many departments and programs are designed to help you get the most out of your time at here.
Welcome (back) to campus. We’re happy you’re here!
Office of Student Life