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noalakoala
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Dining

My student is an incoming freshman to Ohio State’s main campus and we’re a bit confused by the meal plan options, especially how swipes work and where they can be used. They expect to eat about 1–2 meals per day

As an incoming freshman at Ohio State University, understanding meal plans is crucial for managing your dining needs effectively. The Gray 10 meal plan is particularly designed for students who anticipate consuming 1–2 meals daily.

Meal Plan Overview

  • Gray 10 Plan: Offers 10 weekly Visits (swipes), $200 in Dining Dollars, and $150 BuckID Cash. This plan is ideal for students who will eat about 1–2 meals per day.
  • Scarlet 14 Plan: Provides 14 weekly Visits, suitable for those who might eat 2-3 meals on weekdays.
  • Traditions Plan: Best for students eating 3+ meals daily, featuring unlimited dine-in Visits.
Understanding Swipes
  • Swipes reset weekly every Saturday at 3:00 a.m. and do not roll over.
  • You can exchange a swipe for $8.00 at retail dining locations or $5.00 at convenience stores (C-Stores).
  • Dining Dollars can supplement purchases if the total exceeds the swipe value.
Where to Use Swipes
  • Dining Halls: Use swipes at buffet-style locations like Scott, Kennedy, and Morrill.
  • Retail Locations: Nearly 30 spots on campus accept swipes and Dining Dollars, including Curl Market and Sloopy’s Diner.
  • Off-Campus: Dining Dollars and BuckID Cash can be used via Grubhub at participating locations.
Next Steps

Monitor your meal plan usage through the Ohio State app and consider adjusting your plan if necessary by the second Friday of classes each semester. For more detailed information, visit the official dining plans page.

Recent questions at Ohio State University

Broxton634
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Housing

Are students able to stay over in the dorms if they are doing summer school rather than being forced to moveout?

Students enrolled in summer sessions at The Ohio State University are permitted to reside in campus housing, and in fact, most undergraduate students are required to live on campus unless they qualify for an exemption.

Housing Arrangement Steps

To secure summer housing, students must take the following steps:

  • Request a Contract: Unlike the academic year, students must proactively contact Housing and Residence Education to request a summer contract.
  • Contact Methods: Reach them by phone at 614-292-8266 or via email at housing@osu.edu.
  • Select Your Session: Specify which summer session you will attend (e.g., 4-week, 6-week, 8-week, or the full 12-week term).
  • Complete the Application: After receiving the contract, complete it through the OSU Housing Portal.
Summer Housing Details
  • Location: Summer housing is centrally located at Busch House on the Columbus campus.
  • Room Type: Rooms typically feature two-person occupancy with semi-private baths and air conditioning.
  • Meal Plans: Summer residents are not required to have a meal plan but can choose to add one if desired.
For more information, please refer to the Ohio State University Housing.
Anonymous
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Housing

How do we request Special Residence Arrangements or medical housing for next year before the March 31 deadline

To request Special Residence Arrangements or medical housing for the 2026-2027 academic year at Ohio State University, you must follow distinct processes based on whether your request is for a disability accommodation or a non-disability special consideration.

Disability or Medical Accommodation

If your request is due to a medical condition or disability, you must register with Student Life Disability Services (SLDS). The priority deadline for returning students is January 30, 2026. After this date, requests will be reviewed on an "as available" basis. The process includes:

  • Submit Application: Complete the Housing Accommodation Request Form on the SLDS website.
  • Provide Documentation: Upload a completed Provider Housing Letter from your healthcare provider and answer the Student Housing Questions.
  • Welcome Meeting: After document review, you will be invited via Buckeye Mail to schedule a mandatory meeting with an Access Specialist to finalize your needs.
Special Residence Arrangements (Non-Disability)

For requests not related to a disability, such as financial hardship, you must submit your request by March 31 of your first academic year. The process involves:

  • Written Request: Send your request and all supporting documentation to Housing and Residence Education at housing@osu.edu.
  • OSU Housing Portal: Complete any required administrative forms for your specific renewal or exemption request.
For more information, refer to the OSU Housing Policies and the SLDS Housing Accommodations page.

AlexisB
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Academics

Does the university's optional tuition insurance cover a partial withdrawal for mental health reasons, or must the student withdraw from all courses for the semester to trigger a claim

Ohio State University's optional tuition insurance, provided through GradGuard, does not cover partial withdrawals for mental health reasons. Students must withdraw from all courses in order to be eligible for a claim.

Withdrawal Requirements

  • Full Withdrawal: To trigger a claim, students must complete a full withdrawal from the semester. Partial withdrawals, such as dropping one or two classes while remaining enrolled, are not covered.
  • Covered Reasons: Claims can be made for serious conditions, including mental health issues like stress, depression, or severe anxiety, but only if the student withdraws entirely.
  • Documentation Needed: Students must provide medical documentation from a healthcare professional to support their claim.
Next Steps

Students considering withdrawal should:

  • Officially withdraw through the Student Advocacy Center by filing a Withdrawal Petition.
  • Gather necessary documentation, including a personal statement and medical records.
  • After approval, file the claim through GradGuard for reimbursement of tuition costs related to the withdrawal due to mental health reasons.

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