We're excited to host you on campus. Read on for helpful information, including steps we're taking to keep you and all visitors safe and healthy.
Each student may bring two guests. Additional guests will not be permitted to enter the Undergraduate Admissions Welcome Center, nor will they be permitted to join a campus tour group once dismissed.
Registration is required; walk-in visitors cannot be accommodated.
At the beginning of each month, we post new visit dates two months ahead. For example, on February 1 we post new options for April.
We want all individuals to engage fully in our events, whether in person or online. If you need accommodations such as captioning or interpretation to participate, please indicate your request during registration, or contact us at visitday@osu.edu or 614-292-3980. We appreciate 14 days' notice, but we will make every effort to accommodate all requests.
For admissions visits on the Columbus campus, please park in the Union South Garage, located right next to the Ohio Union (where you’ll check in for your tour). The address for the Union South Garage is 1759 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43210. For departmental sessions, please visit CampusParc to find the nearest parking options for your visit location.
Undergraduate Admissions provides a reduced parking rate of $10.25 for guests attending an official in-person event or tour and parking in a designated garage. Guests taking a self-guided tour or solely visiting an academic or athletic department are not eligible for the reduced rate. Get information about parking on campus.
Admissions visits on the Columbus campus will start and end at the Undergraduate Admissions Welcome Center on the third floor of the Ohio Union, located at 1739 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210. You can begin to check in for your tour no more than 30 minutes before your scheduled start time. For departmental sessions, please follow directions to the location provided in your confirmation email and note that check-in for those sessions may not happen until close to the start time.
Your tour guide will share personal Ohio State experiences and talk about the academic experience, residential experience and campus community. They'll also take you inside the Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC), Thompson Library, and a residence hall. Please note that campus tours are not included in departmental sessions.
Select academic departments are offering in-person sessions; most are offering live online events as well. If you're on campus, be aware that staffing in our academic facilities varies, so we can't guarantee you'll be allowed to walk in or that you'll find staff available.
To cancel your visit, follow the instructions in your confirmation email. Each student and guest must cancel individually. To reschedule your visit, please cancel your existing visit, then register for a new date.
We will continue to offer plenty of virtual options for prospective students and admitted students. Additionally, you are welcome to take a self-guided tour of campus.
We will only sign or provide school excuse forms for students scheduled for an official guided tour. We cannot sign a school excuse form for students taking the self-guided tour. If you need proof of your visit to campus, we suggest a date-stamped photo or a dated parking receipt.
By registering, you're indicating that you have read and will follow Ohio State's campus visit guidelines. All visitors are required to follow university public health guidelines.
Masks remain optional in most indoor spaces on all Ohio State campuses. The university continues to require masks in clinical health care settings. Learn more at Safe and Healthy Buckeyes.
No matter the weather, safety is always the top priority. If the Columbus campus is open, we will conduct our scheduled visits and events, but we may make modifications (for example, we might reduce the time spent outdoors).
If there is a university closure, Undergraduate Admissions and academic visits and events will be cancelled. We will email registered guests (and/or send a text to those opted in to texting) to let you know.
Ohio State's regional campuses may have different criteria for closures or modifications. Please contact the specific campus to confirm your visit status.
The Buckeye Alert System is Ohio State's emergency notification system, and a great way to hear about severe weather, traffic closures or emergencies while you're on the Columbus campus. To receive Buckeye Alerts for 24 hours, text “OSUGuest” to 67283. To receive Buckeye Alerts for 48 hours, text “OSUGuest2” to 67283.
Want to grab a meal or coffee before or after your program? Most of our campus dining locations are open to the public, and there’s something for everyone.
Don’t leave campus without something to remember your Buckeye experience! Visit Barnes & Noble – The Ohio State University Bookstore at the Gateway. There are also two convenient satellite locations at the Ohio Union and near the Tuttle Garage. All locations offer a great selection of t-shirts, hoodies, gifts and more.
Looking for a place to stay, unique restaurants or fun activities while you’re in the 614? Explore everything you need to plan a visit to our incredible city.
We're happy to help! Contact us.