We are excited to invite you to OSU Hillel’s third annual FreshFEST, our exclusive welcome program with opportunities to explore campus, Columbus, and meet your fellow incoming Jewish Buckeyes! With outings around Columbus, behind the scenes campus tours, and an exclusive tour of Ohio Stadium, you will start your OSU experience feeling like a National Champion.
For $180, your FreshFEST package will include all the aforementioned activities, delicious kosher meals from the Hillel Bagel Cafe, Shabbat at Hillel, opportunities to build community with fellow first years, and of course lots of swag. Registration will be open until August 1.
We are excited to invite you to OSU Hillel’s third annual FreshFEST, our exclusive welcome program with opportunities to explore campus, Columbus, and meet your fellow incoming Jewish Buckeyes! With outings around Columbus, behind the scenes campus tours, and an exclusive tour of Ohio Stadium, you will start your OSU experience feeling like a National Champion.
For $180, your FreshFEST package will include all the aforementioned activities, delicious kosher meals from the Hillel Bagel Cafe, Shabbat at Hillel, opportunities to build community with fellow first years, and of course lots of swag. Registration will be open until August 1.
FreshFEST programming will commence in the afternoon, Wednesday, August 19th, and programming will continue through Shabbat. Programming will be concentrated either in the morning or evening of each day to give you time to explore campus with your new friends and get acclimated on your own as well. We advise that you try to move in the morning of August 19th, but we will work to accommodate those who can’t move in before the program begins.
Wednesday, August 19 -
Saturday, August 22, 2026
timing TBD
OSU Hillel
$180, which covers all meals and outings
Sign up by August 1, 2026
FreshFEST programming will commence in the afternoon, Wednesday, August 19th, and programming will continue through Shabbat. Programming will be concentrated either in the morning or evening of each day to give you time to explore campus with your new friends and get acclimated on your own as well. We advise that you try to move in the morning of August 19th, but we will work to accommodate those who can’t move in before the program begins.
Wednesday, August 19 -
Saturday, August 22, 2026
timing TBD
OSU Hillel
$180, which covers all meals and outings
Sign up by August 1, 2026*
What is FreshFEST?
FreshFEST at OSU Hillel is a freshman arrival program designed to help first-year Jewish students adjust to campus life and connect with their Jewish community.
When is FreshFEST?
August 19-22, 2026
How do I sign up?
Click the button on this page to be taken to the sign-up form
When is the deadline to sign up?
August 1, 2026
Who attends FreshFEST?
Jewish Freshman, the OSU Hillel Student Board, and OSU Hillel staff
How much will this cost?
$180, which includes a VIP Shoe tour, Hillel swag, all the FreshFEST 2026 experiences, and made-in-house Kosher meals.
What will we be doing?
More details to come on specifics, but past highlights include an exclusive VIP tour of the Shoe, a baseball game, Shabbat services/dinner, and a havdalah bonfire.
Is there an option for early move-in through this program?
This option is not offered as a part of FreshFEST. However, early move-in can be coordinated through the OSU Housing Portal, and is typically subject to a $38 daily early arrival fee.
Please email sadie@osuhillel.org with any additional questions. We can’t wait to welcome all our new Jewish Buckeyes to campus so soon!
First Year Students of Hillel is a student-driven group that strives to elevate the first year experience for Jewish Buckeyes. Some examples of FYSH programs and initiatives:
FreshFEST
Ohio State Jewmate Finder
Social events and outings exclusively for first years
What is FreshFEST?
FreshFEST at OSU Hillel is a freshman arrival program designed to help first-year Jewish students adjust to campus life and connect with their Jewish community.
When is FreshFEST?
August 19-22, 2026
How do I sign up?
Click the button on this page to be taken to the sign-up form
When is the deadline to sign up?
August 1, 2026
Who attends FreshFEST?
Jewish Freshman, the OSU Hillel Student Board, and OSU Hillel staff
How much will this cost?
$180, which includes a VIP Shoe tour, Hillel swag, all the FreshFEST 2026 experiences, and made-in-house Kosher meals.
What will we be doing?
More details to come on specifics, but past highlights include an exclusive VIP tour of the Shoe, a baseball game, Shabbat services/dinner, and a havdalah bonfire.
Is there an option for early move-in through this program?
This option is not offered as a part of FreshFEST. However, early move-in can be coordinated through the OSU Housing Portal, and is typically subject to a $38 daily early arrival fee.
Please email sadie@osuhillel.org with any additional questions. We can’t wait to welcome all our new Jewish Buckeyes to campus so soon!
First Year Students of Hillel is a student-driven group that strives to elevate the first year experience for Jewish Buckeyes. Some examples of FYSH programs and initiatives:
FreshFEST
Ohio State Jewmate Finder
Social events and outings exclusively for first years