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Welcome Home

All students belong at Otterbein

Otterbein University considers diversity a source of innovation, creativity, and human flourishing.

Serving a greater good

Otterbein will nurture, inspire, and challenge you to find your calling and understand your potential to do good.

Creating Otterbein pride through academic and athletic excellence

Want to join the ‘Bein Squad? It’s easy to connect with a coach. Fill out the recruit form and they’ll be in touch.

It’s easy to get involved

Otterbein won’t let you sit on the sidelines. In fact, we’re counting on you to become a part of this place.

Your new address

You’ll find Otterbein is filled with new friends, spaces to hang out, study, and learn more about yourself.

WE ARE a family…

Relax in the shadow of Towers Hall, not only beautiful but a National Historic Building, visit one of our on-campus galleries, or be inspired in our state-of-the-art buildings. Otterbein has a place for everyone! Check out our Residence Life page for more information.

How to Make Otterbein Home 

Top Places to Hang Out on Campus

More than a Pretty Face 

What’s for Dinner?

Whether you are the early bird or the night owl, there is plenty to go around. There’s no pecking order, just swipe your Cardinal Card at these locations and help yourself! Check out our Dining Options page for more information.

The Cardinal's Nest

An all-you-can-eat buffet with eight food stations and options for most dietary needs — the Nest is one of the main dining and socializing spots on campus. Learn more >

OtterDen 

Made-to-order grill food available at the swipe of your Cardinal Card. Plus, enjoy a mini-mart of student favorites available to grab and go. Learn more >

Café at The Point

Whether you’re looking to grab a salad, sandwich, coffee, or a quick meal in between classes or during a study session, The Café at the Point offers convenience and plenty of comfortable spots to fuel up. Learn more >

Otter Bean

If you start to get hungry or lose energy while you’re studying, you can grab a pastry, wrap, bowl of fruit, or Starbucks coffee in the Otter Bean, without even leaving the library! Learn more >

WE ARE the perfect location.

Where big-city excitement meets small-town community, whatever you’re looking for, you’ll feel right at home.

Outdoor Fun

Attractions

Shopping

Athletics

Art Scene

Health and Safety

Outdoor Fun

Attractions

Shopping

Athletics

Art Scene

Health and Safety

WE ARE as involved as we are multi-talented.

When it comes to getting involved at Otterbein, there are so many ways for you to make a difference and make friends. Explore which clubs and organizations might match your personality. We’re counting on you to become a part of this place – whether you start a new club, volunteer, join the Marching Band, or take the intramural championship!

There are more than 100 clubs, organizations, and ways to get involved at Otterbein. Don’t see what you were looking for? Start a new club yourself! Check out the complete list of student organizations. >

Leader

Whether you are a natural leader or not, these groups will help you develop leadership skills and give you the confidence to lead in the classroom and the real world!

Creative

It doesn’t matter if you are a dancer, poet, actor, or all of the above, these clubs will inspire you and help you find your creative sparkle.

Golden Heart

The campus at Otterbein is full of people who want to put others before themselves. We have many organizations on campus filled with the best of those people.

Adrenaline Junkie

Whether you thrive when your competitive juices are going or you just want to make friends and play some sports or games, we have the right club for you.

Take our Get Involved Quiz to find your club style!

WE ARE excited for your first year of fun, friendships, and Otterbein experiences.

First Flight. New Student Convocation. Service Plunge. Homecoming. Tree Lighting. Schneider’s doughnut runs. This might not mean much now — but just wait. These traditions and the memories you’ll make will mean an incredible first year for you at Otterbein. We can’t wait.

You can follow a day in the life of any of the Cardinals below. From athletes to artists, leaders to scholars, and so much more — you can check out what students with all kinds of majors, interests, and involvement do on a typical day at Otterbein.
Be sure to check out more of these student stories in our #TuesdayTakeovers >

WE ARE a safe and caring place to live…

Your health, safety, and well-being matter to everyone here. Students will tell you there aren’t many places as caring or as involved in your life as Otterbein.

Student Health at Otterbein

At Otterbein, we believe in helping you stay healthy. That’s why we have partnered with Mount Carmel Health to help you stay fit and well. Mount Carmel provides virtual care and in-person visit options through their local Westerville healthcare providers, who offer more flexible hours and appointment options, routine consults like flu shots, gynecological exams, counseling for contraceptives, and an expanded array of healthcare services beyond the basics.

Learn more about student health & wellness for Otterbein students >

Otterbein Counseling Center

Our trained professionals are experienced in working with college students and understanding their unique needs. If you are feeling lost, lacking energy, or are struggling with a mental illness, you can get the help and support you need right here on campus. Schedule an appointment here!

Learn more about Otterbein Counseling Center >

Otterbein Police Department

Open 24/7, OPD operates on a ‘Community Approach to Safety.’ This means they take a proactive approach to public safety, offering educational programs, emergency management, and law enforcement. OPD will be helping you during your whole time at Otterbein, starting on move-in day! They even jump batteries and change tires, so you don’t have to call home and admit you don’t know how!

View the map of our around-the-clock monitored emergency telephones >

IT’S EASY TO BECOME A CARDINAL!