Ohio State is it's own small world. Once you get involved, which is a must, you cannot walk across campus without seeing someone you know. From academics to sports, Ohio State is an excellent school with long standing tradition.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
If you don't have a career in mind, join the exploration major. They work well with their students, and try to match your interests to a major and career. Always remember to get involved in something, as well, since it help create a small circle in such a big school.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Some programs are more rigorous than others. The sciences, most notably architecture, engineering, and chemistry, tend to have the most rigorous classes and class work. The chemistry and math general education classes are known for being notoriously hard. However, some classes, such as some comparative studies and theatre classes, are much easier. It depends on your program of study.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Ohio State's main campus dorm life is split into three areas: North, South, and West.
North campus is mostly comprised of upperclassmen (sophomores through graduate students), and has quad style housing. North dorm rooms are comprised of three rooms: a bedroom with up to two bunks, housing a maximum of four people, a common room with chairs, desks, a mini-fridge, and microwave, and a bathroom with a small shower, toilet, and sink. Students are responsible for cleaning their bathrooms, and the floors are co-ed, with each quad belonging to one gender. North dorms also have the added comfort of air conditioning in addition to heat, which every dorm has. Each floor has one RA. Campus wise, North dorms are closest to most of the core' classes on campus, with the engineering, physics, and chemistry buildings less than a five minute walk. However, the medical center and agricultural classes are a bit of a walk.
South dorms are your typical college dorms. These are your doubles, one room to two people, with a corridor shower. Corridor showers are cleaned daily by staff, and are shared by half of the floor. Some dorms have all-girl or all-boy floors, but most have half and half. There are two RA's, or resident advisors, per gender. If a floor is half girls, half boys, then there is a boy and girl RA on the floor. There is heating in these dorms, but save the new dorms opening, they do not have air conditioning, and in early fall semester and late spring semester, the dorms are known to reach the mid to high 80's. The neat things about the South Dorms is that they are mostly connected by underground tunnels, easily leading from one dorm to the next. South dorms a bit of a farther walk to most of the core classes, but is closer to the medical campus. The agricultural campus is still a bit of a walk.
West Campus is comprised of the two large towers, Morrill and Lincoln. These dorms have suite style rooms. you enter each hexagonal room to find a common room. Through...
Describe the food and dining at your college.
It's college food. Some places are better than others. There are two main food plans. Traditional food plans are your scheduled, three meals a day, at certain locations, with unlimited food. There commons also accept the alternate food plan, swipes (or, now as they're called, blocks). One swipe is worth x amount of money, but one meal at traditions is one swipe. Swipes are available to use at all on campus meal locations. Most locations open at 6:30 or 7:00 in the morning and close around 8:00 pm on week days. The exceptions are Burrito's Noches, located on North campus, between North Dorms, and is open until 2:00 am. The other place open late is Sloopy's Diner, which is open until 2:30 am on weekdays and 3:30 on weekends. The food is okay, not the best, but not the worst. Also, Kennedy Commons is excellent for allergies. You tell them what you are allergic to, and they make exactly what you want, how you can have it, in front of you. Both North Commons and Kennedy Commons have gluten free and allergy sensitive food. Although you can get things cooked how you want in most food places, Kennedy Commons and North Commons take care of allergies the best.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
The best thing to do for fun is join a club or organization. Ohio State has over 900 clubs, and if you don't find one you like or that you want to join, make your own! Anything from joining the on campus athletic bands (plays for multiple sports) to greek life (there is a sorority or fraternity for almost anything, academic, service, or social) to anything in between (we have a BBQ Club, a Pokemon club, engineering club, equestrian clubs, almost anything), clubs are the best way to meet people like you and have fun.
For the most social people, bands come all year to a venue right in front of the student union. Bars and clubs also line High Street opposite of High Street.
Of course, the Ohio State experience wouldn't be complete without going to a few sporting events. Ohio State has 36 sports to watch. Not a fan of football or basketball? That's okay. Want to watch Olympic calibre fencing? You can do that, too. Even if you don't like sports, it's a great time to go and experience one football game with your friends.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
For in-state students, it is definitely a steal. Ohio State far less expensive than most high end schools, but has the same opportunities as most big name schools. There is no larger alumni network in the world. It is quite expensive for out of state and international students, and scholarships are quite competitive.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Ohio State traditions are closely associated with our rich football history, since we've been playing since the 1800's. In fact, game day Saturdays is a tradition in and of itself.
Two hours before every home football game, the Ohio State University Marching Band performs a hybrid pep-rally/rehearsal that is free to the public in St. John's Arena across from the Horse Shoe. It's called a Skull Session. Since the band memorizes a different show every week, it's their last chance to focus on the music while envisioning the marching maneuvers before they preform pre-game in front of a crowd of 105,000. Often times, there are guest band, either from the opposing school or local high schools, and they perform a couple of songs.
The marching band, itself, is an Ohio State tradition as well. Often called TBDBITL (The Best Damn Band In The Land), the OSUMB is a 225 piece all brass and percussion marching band, designed after a british brass band. It is a highly competitive band, and only 195 march per game.
During pre-game, the marching band performs the Incomparable Script Ohio. It is a follow the leader drill, where, from a block O, where the band forms the word Ohio in a scripted font. While the idea is taken from the University of Michigan's rendition long ago, it is a different, more difficult and dangerous, drill. As the final O is closed up, the Drum Major leads a 4th year (as in that member has been in the band 4 years, not that they are in their 4th year at Ohio State) sousaphone major to dot the I. This is a prestigious achievement, as only a few people have ever dotted the I.
As other universities, Ohio State has songs that are strongly tied to the University. The Alma Mater, Carmen Ohio, was written by a football player on the train back to Columbus after a demoralizing loss to that team up north. Now, it is sung after many sporting events, and is best known for being sung by the football team after each game, win or loss. The school's fight s...
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Is great for students who are adventurous. It doesn't matter if someone is extroverted or introverted, you have to have a sense of adventure. Ohio State is great for social students and people who have a broad range of interests. It is also the best for students who have tolerance or want to learn about different types of people. It is not for people who are afraid of the city or large numbers.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
As explained above, there is something for anyone on or around campus. There is something to do at all times, from free athletic events to clubs of any and every kind, it is hard to not get involved. It can be academic or social, service or fun, it doesn't matter. If you are interested, chances are, there's a club. In addition to all of those resources and activities, the Ohio Union Activities Board (OUAB), brings in all types of speakers and entertainment. Within a week, both Bill Nye the Science Guy and Tim Gunn spoke to the students of Ohio State for free.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Greek life at Ohio State is not as predominant as in other schools. There is a large number of sororities and fraternities, but they are not the largest forces on campus. It is easy enough to find members of greek life in all areas of the school, but they are self sufficient and inclusive.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
I have to say, I never had any problems with safety on campus. There are blue call boxes all over campus. Ohio State has it's own police department and SWAT team, as well as a student escort service that can pick up and drop students off until early in the morning for free on and close to campus. I've walked across campus at all hours of the night, and never ran into anyone overly suspicious (a few drunk people, a couple high, but nothing dangerous or scary). Be smart, though, and always carry pepper spray or some form of self defense on you, just in case.
Ohio State is it's own small world. Once you get involved, which is a must, you cannot walk across campus without seeing someone you know. From academics to sports, Ohio State is an excellent school with long standing tradition.
If you don't have a career in mind, join the exploration major. They work well with their students, and try to match your interests to a major and career. Always remember to get involved in something, as well, since it help create a small circle in such a big school.
Some programs are more rigorous than others. The sciences, most notably architecture, engineering, and chemistry, tend to have the most rigorous classes and class work. The chemistry and math general education classes are known for being notoriously hard. However, some classes, such as some comparative studies and theatre classes, are much easier. It depends on your program of study.
Ohio State's main campus dorm life is split into three areas: North, South, and West. North campus is mostly comprised of upperclassmen (sophomores through graduate students), and has quad style housing. North dorm rooms are comprised of three rooms: a bedroom with up to two bunks, housing a maximum of four people, a common room with chairs, desks, a mini-fridge, and microwave, and a bathroom with a small shower, toilet, and sink. Students are responsible for cleaning their bathrooms, and the floors are co-ed, with each quad belonging to one gender. North dorms also have the added comfort of air conditioning in addition to heat, which every dorm has. Each floor has one RA. Campus wise, North dorms are closest to most of the core' classes on campus, with the engineering, physics, and chemistry buildings less than a five minute walk. However, the medical center and agricultural classes are a bit of a walk. South dorms are your typical college dorms. These are your doubles, one room to two people, with a corridor shower. Corridor showers are cleaned daily by staff, and are shared by half of the floor. Some dorms have all-girl or all-boy floors, but most have half and half. There are two RA's, or resident advisors, per gender. If a floor is half girls, half boys, then there is a boy and girl RA on the floor. There is heating in these dorms, but save the new dorms opening, they do not have air conditioning, and in early fall semester and late spring semester, the dorms are known to reach the mid to high 80's. The neat things about the South Dorms is that they are mostly connected by underground tunnels, easily leading from one dorm to the next. South dorms a bit of a farther walk to most of the core classes, but is closer to the medical campus. The agricultural campus is still a bit of a walk. West Campus is comprised of the two large towers, Morrill and Lincoln. These dorms have suite style rooms. you enter each hexagonal room to find a common room. Through...
It's college food. Some places are better than others. There are two main food plans. Traditional food plans are your scheduled, three meals a day, at certain locations, with unlimited food. There commons also accept the alternate food plan, swipes (or, now as they're called, blocks). One swipe is worth x amount of money, but one meal at traditions is one swipe. Swipes are available to use at all on campus meal locations. Most locations open at 6:30 or 7:00 in the morning and close around 8:00 pm on week days. The exceptions are Burrito's Noches, located on North campus, between North Dorms, and is open until 2:00 am. The other place open late is Sloopy's Diner, which is open until 2:30 am on weekdays and 3:30 on weekends. The food is okay, not the best, but not the worst. Also, Kennedy Commons is excellent for allergies. You tell them what you are allergic to, and they make exactly what you want, how you can have it, in front of you. Both North Commons and Kennedy Commons have gluten free and allergy sensitive food. Although you can get things cooked how you want in most food places, Kennedy Commons and North Commons take care of allergies the best.
The best thing to do for fun is join a club or organization. Ohio State has over 900 clubs, and if you don't find one you like or that you want to join, make your own! Anything from joining the on campus athletic bands (plays for multiple sports) to greek life (there is a sorority or fraternity for almost anything, academic, service, or social) to anything in between (we have a BBQ Club, a Pokemon club, engineering club, equestrian clubs, almost anything), clubs are the best way to meet people like you and have fun. For the most social people, bands come all year to a venue right in front of the student union. Bars and clubs also line High Street opposite of High Street. Of course, the Ohio State experience wouldn't be complete without going to a few sporting events. Ohio State has 36 sports to watch. Not a fan of football or basketball? That's okay. Want to watch Olympic calibre fencing? You can do that, too. Even if you don't like sports, it's a great time to go and experience one football game with your friends.
For in-state students, it is definitely a steal. Ohio State far less expensive than most high end schools, but has the same opportunities as most big name schools. There is no larger alumni network in the world. It is quite expensive for out of state and international students, and scholarships are quite competitive.
Ohio State traditions are closely associated with our rich football history, since we've been playing since the 1800's. In fact, game day Saturdays is a tradition in and of itself. Two hours before every home football game, the Ohio State University Marching Band performs a hybrid pep-rally/rehearsal that is free to the public in St. John's Arena across from the Horse Shoe. It's called a Skull Session. Since the band memorizes a different show every week, it's their last chance to focus on the music while envisioning the marching maneuvers before they preform pre-game in front of a crowd of 105,000. Often times, there are guest band, either from the opposing school or local high schools, and they perform a couple of songs. The marching band, itself, is an Ohio State tradition as well. Often called TBDBITL (The Best Damn Band In The Land), the OSUMB is a 225 piece all brass and percussion marching band, designed after a british brass band. It is a highly competitive band, and only 195 march per game. During pre-game, the marching band performs the Incomparable Script Ohio. It is a follow the leader drill, where, from a block O, where the band forms the word Ohio in a scripted font. While the idea is taken from the University of Michigan's rendition long ago, it is a different, more difficult and dangerous, drill. As the final O is closed up, the Drum Major leads a 4th year (as in that member has been in the band 4 years, not that they are in their 4th year at Ohio State) sousaphone major to dot the I. This is a prestigious achievement, as only a few people have ever dotted the I. As other universities, Ohio State has songs that are strongly tied to the University. The Alma Mater, Carmen Ohio, was written by a football player on the train back to Columbus after a demoralizing loss to that team up north. Now, it is sung after many sporting events, and is best known for being sung by the football team after each game, win or loss. The school's fight s...
Is great for students who are adventurous. It doesn't matter if someone is extroverted or introverted, you have to have a sense of adventure. Ohio State is great for social students and people who have a broad range of interests. It is also the best for students who have tolerance or want to learn about different types of people. It is not for people who are afraid of the city or large numbers.
As explained above, there is something for anyone on or around campus. There is something to do at all times, from free athletic events to clubs of any and every kind, it is hard to not get involved. It can be academic or social, service or fun, it doesn't matter. If you are interested, chances are, there's a club. In addition to all of those resources and activities, the Ohio Union Activities Board (OUAB), brings in all types of speakers and entertainment. Within a week, both Bill Nye the Science Guy and Tim Gunn spoke to the students of Ohio State for free.
Greek life at Ohio State is not as predominant as in other schools. There is a large number of sororities and fraternities, but they are not the largest forces on campus. It is easy enough to find members of greek life in all areas of the school, but they are self sufficient and inclusive.
I have to say, I never had any problems with safety on campus. There are blue call boxes all over campus. Ohio State has it's own police department and SWAT team, as well as a student escort service that can pick up and drop students off until early in the morning for free on and close to campus. I've walked across campus at all hours of the night, and never ran into anyone overly suspicious (a few drunk people, a couple high, but nothing dangerous or scary). Be smart, though, and always carry pepper spray or some form of self defense on you, just in case.