Preparing for the Summer

The end of the semester is coming fast, and we wish our Buckeyes all the best with your last couple of weeks of classes and finals! As you are wrapping up your classes, it is important for you to start preparing now for your summer departure plans. Review these reminders and tips to start your summer off in a safe and healthy way.

Spring Semester Closing and Move Out

Ohio State’s residence halls and apartment communities will close for the spring semester on May 1, 2021, at noon. To facilitate a physically distanced move-out process, students must schedule a move-out date and time. 

Move Out Process 

  • Students can schedule their departure day and time by accessing the Housing Portal. Move-out will take place between Friday, April 23 – Saturday, May 1. This will limit the number of people on campus at any one time while allowing you to collect your belongings.  

  • It is important students and their families adhere to their chosen schedule. Families are asked to not enter the building and, instead, pick up their students at the scheduled time. We also ask that your move-out be completed within 60 minutes of your scheduled time in order to accommodate your fellow Buckeyes.  

  • Students will need to check-out at their residence hall front desk prior to leaving campus.  

Test Out Process 

  • Before heading home for the summer, Columbus campus students should schedule and complete COVID-19 testing 24-48 hours prior to leaving campus. 

  • Students on the regional campuses students should continue with their weekly COVID-19 testing process before heading home.  

  • Students are strongly recommended to sequester as much as possible after their final test and act as though they are positive until their results are received. Sequestering means staying in your residence as much as possible and limiting exposure to any other person.  

  • Students are encouraged to leave for their summer destination as soon as possible after receiving a negative result.  

Summer Accommodations 

If you are unable to return to your permanent residence or an alternative housing arrangement by the spring semester closing date, you can submit a petition for an exception through the Housing Portal to remain on campus beyond the closing date of Saturday, May 1, 2021. You must provide a clear explanation as to why you are unable to vacate university housing before that date. Approved students will need to relocate to a designated late stay residence hall on May 1, 2021, between 8 and 11 a.m. and pay a $35 per day late stay fee upon notification of approval. 

Vaccine Availability

Students are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible prior to heading to their summer destination. Students near Columbus can schedule a vaccine appointment at the Schottenstein Center prior to heading home. Appointments are available in MyChart and the university is providing a shuttle to the Schottenstein Center for students who have vaccine appointments. 

Any student who receives the two-dose vaccine will need to return to Columbus at the 21-day point to receive the second dose. If you are unable to return to Columbus, please check with the local vaccine providers at your summer destination before getting your first dose to make sure you are able to schedule your second dose there.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, please visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Information webpage.

Practice Safe and Healthy Behaviors

Though you may head home with a negative test result, your COVID-19 status could change as you are interacting with others over the summer. Buckeyes are encouraged to follow the safe and healthy guidelines to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This includes keeping gatherings small, physically distant and outside, sticking with the same small group and wearing masks (over your nose, mouth and chin) when not eating or drinking. If you begin to experience symptoms, sequester yourself from family members and others, and get tested.  

Thank you for doing your part to help keep our campus community, and your friends and loved ones safe and healthy!