<p>My DS graduated from OSU this past fall and we are from California. There were plenty of OOS at OSU. You will have no problem fitting in due to being OOS especially since the in-state students like getting to know OOS students and where they are from. My DS had friends locally and from international places. In-state students were very friendly and invited my DS home for holidays like Thanksgiving and Easter. </p>
<p>OSU has an organization or program called “Buckeyes and Beyond” devoted to making the OOS feel comfortable and welcomed. Here is the link: <a href=“First Year Experience > Office of Undergraduate Education > The Ohio State University”>https://fye.osu.edu/buckeyesbeyondohio.html</a> During our family weekend in the fall they had a very nice formal lunch for all the OOS students and their parents. Also be sure to attend the local send-off in your area. You will meet more OOS heading to OSU from your area. </p>
<p>A couple other suggestions which my DS found very helpful:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Sign up for Camp Buckeye. Here is the link-<a href=“https://fye.osu.edu/campbuckeye.html”>https://fye.osu.edu/campbuckeye.html</a> it is a special program that is part of the First Year Experience where they take around 160 students out to the wilderness for fun and an awesome zipline course. It gives you a great opportunity to meet students (your fellow freshmen) in a smaller setting. Plus you can move into your dorm early which is nice because you can get settled in earlier before the large freshmen group arrives. </p></li>
<li><p>Apply to be an OWL “Ohio Welcome Leader.” who are freshmen who come a few days early to campus and help other freshmen move into their dorms. There is a special orientation program for OWLs and something my Ds really felt was worthwhile. He got to operate the elevator and the then president of OSU rode the elevator with him for 15 minutes. The friends he made during OWL were his best friends all of his years at OSU and remain his best friends. </p></li>
<li><p>Join an fraternity. My DS never thought he would be in one but he joined and really loved it. The fraternities in the midwest are pretty reasonably priced so my DS could be in one. It really was a brotherhood for him and </p></li>
</ol>
<p>I wouldn’t worry too much about being an OOS. Midwesterners are very welcoming and friendly. </p>