The late summer air in Columbus is thick with humidity, and the sprawling campus of Ohio State buzzes with energy.

Scarlet and gray banners ripple in the warm breeze, proudly showing off the Buckeye spirit.

Across the dorm parking lot, cars are lined up with parents unloading minifridges, suitcases, and stacks of cardboard boxes.

Student volunteers in bright “WELCOME WEEK” t-shirts wave and shout directions, their voices half-drowned out by the hum of cicadas and the occasional cheer of “O-H!” answered back with an “I-O!”

Your family’s car just pulled away, leaving you standing on the sidewalk outside one of the massive brick dorms.

The air smells faintly of fresh-cut grass and food from a nearby food truck. Students push past with arms full of pillows and posters, rushing to elevators or laughing nervously with new roommates.

For a moment, you stand with your bag at your side, heart racing equal parts excitement and uncertainty.

This is the beginning of your Ohio State journey, and the campus feels alive with possibility.