The Ultimate 2024-2025 Guide to OSU Follow Me Printing: Costs, Locations, and 5 Must-Know Steps

The Ultimate 2024-2025 Guide To OSU Follow Me Printing: Costs, Locations, And 5 Must-Know Steps

The Ultimate 2024-2025 Guide to OSU Follow Me Printing: Costs, Locations, and 5 Must-Know Steps

Navigating the Ohio State University (OSU) campus printing system is a rite of passage for every student, and the "Follow Me Printing" service is the backbone of that system. As of December 17, 2025, this centralized service remains the most efficient way to send a document from your laptop, phone, or a campus computer and securely release it at any one of the hundreds of designated printers across campus. Understanding the current pricing structure, the simple submission process, and the critical campus locations can save you time, money, and the stress of a last-minute printing crisis before an exam.

The core concept of Follow Me Printing is simple: your print job "follows" you. Instead of being tied to a single, specific printer, your document is held securely in a central queue until you physically swipe your BuckID at any UniPrint-enabled machine. This guide provides the most up-to-date, essential information for the 2024-2025 academic year, including the official per-page costs, a step-by-step mobile printing walkthrough, and a list of key locations to ensure you're never left without ink.

The Definitive 2024-2025 OSU Follow Me Printing Price List

One of the most common questions students have is about cost. Unlike some universities, The Ohio State University's UniPrint system operates on a clear, per-page fee structure. All payments for printing are exclusively handled through your BuckID, which must have sufficient funds loaded for the transaction to complete. The following costs are the official rates for standard self-service printing as of the current academic year.

Official UniPrint Follow Me Printing Costs (2024-2025)

Paper Size Print Type Cost Per Page (Single-Sided)
8.5 x 11 (Standard Letter) Black and White $0.06
8.5 x 11 (Standard Letter) Color $0.20
11 x 17 (Tabloid) Black and White $0.20
11 x 17 (Tabloid) Color $0.50
Scanned Copy (Any Size) Digital File $0.01 (To email or USB)

BuckID: Your Only Payment Method

The BuckID is the sole method of payment for all Follow Me Printing jobs. You cannot use cash, credit cards, or other forms of payment at the self-service kiosks. To ensure you can print when you need to, you must load funds onto your BuckID account. This can be done quickly online through the official BuckID website or the Ohio State mobile app.

The 5-Step Guide to Using Follow Me Printing at Ohio State

Whether you're using a personal device or a campus computer, the process for sending and releasing a print job is streamlined. The most popular method for students is using the web portal, often referred to as MobilePrint.

  1. Access the UniPrint Web Portal: Open your web browser and navigate directly to followmeprinting.osu.edu or use the shortcut go.osu.edu/MobilePrint.
  2. Log In with Your Name.#: Use your standard OSU credentials (your name.# and password) to log into the system. This connects your print job directly to your BuckID account.
  3. Upload and Configure Your Job: Select the "Upload" option and choose the file you wish to print. After uploading, you will be prompted to select your settings, including:
    • Black and White or Color
    • Single-sided or Double-sided (Duplex)
    • Number of Copies
    • Paper Size (8.5 x 11 is the default)
  4. Send to the Follow Me Queue: Once you confirm the settings, the job will be sent to the central Follow Me Printing queue. The system will hold the job securely for 24 hours. If you do not release it within this time, it will be automatically deleted.
  5. Release Your Print Job: Go to any UniPrint-enabled printer on campus. Swipe your BuckID at the card reader attached to the machine. Your queued jobs will appear on the screen. Select the job(s) you want to print and press "Print." The cost will be instantly deducted from your BuckID funds.

Essential Locations and Troubleshooting Tips for OSU Students

The beauty of Follow Me Printing is the sheer number of release stations available. You are not limited to a single building. The printers are strategically placed in high-traffic academic areas, including all major libraries and many dedicated computer labs, often managed by OTDI Classroom Services or the Digital Unions.

Key Follow Me Printing Locations

While the network is vast, certain locations are known for their accessibility and high number of machines, making them reliable choices, especially during peak times like finals week:

  • Thompson Library: As the main library, it hosts numerous printers on multiple floors.
  • Prior Health Sciences Library: A reliable location with several machines, often less crowded than the main library.
  • Orton Memorial Library of Geology: A quieter, dependable option for students near the Oval.
  • Scott Laboratory: Printers are available in rooms 200, 203, and 205, serving the engineering and science colleges.
  • Digital Unions: These computer labs across campus, such as those in the Ohio Union or various department buildings, always feature Follow Me Printers.

Troubleshooting Common Follow Me Printing Issues

Even with a robust system like UniPrint, issues can arise. Knowing how to quickly address them can prevent missing a deadline.

1. Job Stuck on "Processing"

This is a common frustration reported by students, especially when uploading complex or very large files.

  • The Fix: The system may be struggling with the file format or size. Try converting your document to a PDF file before uploading. PDFs are universally recognized and tend to process much faster and more reliably than other formats like Microsoft Word or PowerPoint.

2. BuckID Swipe Not Working

If the BuckID reader is unresponsive, the issue is usually with the card or the reader itself.

  • The Fix: First, ensure your card is clean and the magnetic strip is intact. If the reader is still unresponsive, try a different printer in the same location. If the issue persists across multiple machines, you may need to visit the BuckID office to verify your card's functionality.

3. No Funds Available

The most common reason for a failed print job is insufficient funds on your BuckID.

  • The Fix: Immediately load more funds online using the BuckID website or the OSU app. Remember that this process is instant, allowing you to return to the printer and release your job right away.

4. Planned Outages and Maintenance

UniPrint occasionally schedules planned maintenance, which can result in intermittent service outages. For example, a planned outage was scheduled for December 22 from 7 - 9 p.m.

  • The Fix: Always check the official UniPrint News page on the OSU website before a critical print job, especially late at night or during breaks, to avoid system downtime.

Beyond Standard Printing: Poster and Large Format Services

While Follow Me Printing is excellent for standard 8.5 x 11 and 11 x 17 documents, Ohio State also offers specialized services for larger needs. For students requiring academic posters or large-format prints, UniPrint has services that are often tied into the same BuckID payment system. An update in October 2024 highlighted options for lower-cost poster printing, making large-format assignments more accessible. These services are typically located in specialized labs or through the main UniPrint service center, offering sizes up to Arch E (36” x 48”) for presentation needs. Utilizing these dedicated services, rather than trying to force a large job through the standard Follow Me queue, is highly recommended for quality and cost efficiency.

By keeping this guide handy, you can master the Follow Me Printing system, manage your BuckID funds effectively, and ensure your documents are ready when you need them, making your academic life at The Ohio State University significantly smoother.

The Ultimate 2024-2025 Guide to OSU Follow Me Printing: Costs, Locations, and 5 Must-Know Steps
The Ultimate 2024-2025 Guide to OSU Follow Me Printing: Costs, Locations, and 5 Must-Know Steps

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