Before the first day of classes, the College of Medicine requires first-year students to participate in an orientation program. The program includes an official welcome, an overview of the curriculum, introduction to members of the administration, faculty and staff, student life, and the learning communities. General information is given about the College of Medicine and The Ohio State University. Plus, various social activities give students opportunities to get to know their classmates and form friendships early on.

Prior to orientation, new students receive a variety of information to make their registration easier, including course registration information, online computer system registration, request for medical history and immunizations, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), Infection Control training, and self-disclosure forms.