Aug 06, 2025   |  INCOMING FAMILIES

I'm counting down the days until the start of our semester! The next time you hear from me, your student will likely already be on their way here.

Before students arrive, they can explore the hundreds of student organizations around campus, see which group fitness classes will fit in their schedule, or look for student employment options. As they start their journey here, they'll find countless opportunities for growth and meeting new Bobcats. Encourage them to attend Welcome Week events, find at least one student organization they might be interested in and say yes to new things!

It might not have set in yet, but your student is about to do something big. Anticipating changes in location, relationships, education and even just their daily schedule can be intimidating. As a parent, I know it can be hard to say goodbye too. We're here to connect you and your student with whatever resource you might need to adjust. 

If you're helping your student move in, I'll see you in just three weeks!

Kathy A Fahl, MSW
Associate Vice President & Dean of Students

Students can find their academic college on social to stay up-to-date with info specific to their major! 

Parents and families can stay connected too through the official Parent and Family Facebook page!

Does your student need to speak to a counselor? Are they just looking for a place to start improving their mental health? Counseling and Psychological Services has so many resources whether they want one-on-one or couples counseling, group conversation, self-guided therapy, events for your well-being, or more. Students can get started whenever they need to.

At OHIO, students will find a vibrant Sorority and Fraternity Life (SFL) community with 30 active chapters — and three more joining this year! SFL offers leadership, service, friendship and a sense of belonging. Students can connect with SFL during Welcome Week events or just stop by their office in Baker 330. Learn how to join.

Whether living with a roommate is a new experience or something your student has done before, they will find that sharing a room with another person requires open and honest communication, cooperation, compromise, flexibility and respect.

For students living on campus, all residents are required to complete Living Agreements via Roompact within the first few days of arriving. Students can review some tips for mutual expectations in the last dropdown of the Bobcat Living Experience webpage.

Each Green has its own mail room for letter mail and package pickup. When sending mail to students living on campus, do not use the mail room address. Instead, always use their hall address formatted like this:

FULL STUDENT NAME
HALL NAME and ROOM NUMBER
HALL ADDRESS
ATHENS, OH 45701

Find their specific hall address and mailroom hours and more details. Off-campus students can use the USPS location in Baker Center as well as shipping services drop boxes outside of the fourth floor.

Eight out of ten students prefer having a job on their own campus instead of seeking employment elsewhere. Employment on campus will result in more than just financial gains. 

1. Research shows that having a job helps improve your leadership skills and your grades.

2. Working on campus will introduce you to new friendships and professional connections.

3. Having a financial income can help reduce anxiety and can help you cover the cost of college.

As you prepare to help your student move in, on or off campus, be aware that construction projects are underway throughout campus and on nearby roads. These improvements may cause delays or changes to both vehicle and pedestrian routes.

A temporary traffic pattern change will be in effect for outbound traffic on Stimson Avenue due to ongoing construction August 20-24. Motorists are asked to follow all posted directional signage and should detour onto East State Street when traveling out of Athens. 

 →  More traffic info

OhioHealth Campus Care is Ohio University’s student health center – located in the Hudson Health Center in Hudson Hall. They offer a wide range of health services. All Ohio University undergraduate, graduate and medical students who are enrolled for one or more credit hours are eligible to use the services. Students do not have to be enrolled in the University Student Health Insurance to use the services. 

 →  Curious if your insurance is accepted? Find out. 

August 21-31

The semester kicks off with an activity-filled week as we gather in Athens! Welcome Week is open to all students regardless of their year or whether they live on campus.

 →  View all the events

One-Stop Resources

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