Akron Global Concierge
Resource Directory
The Akron Global Concierge was originally created to assist international students, and researchers arriving in the Akron area is a ‘soft’ landing for their stay. It evolved into a resource directory for our First Weeker program as well as the go-to guide for international flair in the downtown area.
As we further update our resources with all that makes Akron global, if you have any suggestions, would like to make sure your business is listed, or wish to help sponsor an event for inbound internationals, please contact globaltiesakron@gmail.com.
Summit County is the fourth largest county in Ohio with a population of 541,781 as of 2010. It is so named because it was the highest point of the Ohio and Erie Canal, which linked Lake Erie to the Akron area. A large portion of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located in the northern part of the county, with many walking, biking and hiking trails available. Additionally, the Summit County Metroparks offer many of the same amenities.
There are 167 properties located on the National Register of Historic Places in Summit County, 3 of which are National Historic Landmarks.
Akron is the seat of Summit county and the fifth-largest city in Ohio. As of the 2010 census, the population was 199,110. It is home to The University of Akron, the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, and the Akron RubberDucks, a minor league baseball team. Historically, Akron has been a very influential area. Sojourner Truth delivered her famous “Ain’t I a Woman” speech at the 1851 Women’s Convention, the rubber industry was virtually founded, and the Ohio and Erie Canal was created, linking Lake Erie to Akron.
Today, Akron is a center for innovation and invention. The Goodyear Polymer Center at The University of Akron focuses on research and development for many different polymer materials. Additionally, Newsweek ranked Akron fifth of ten high tech havens in 2001.
Only a short drive to Cleveland, Canton and Youngstown, Akron is centrally located for many different entertainment and educational activities.
In the event of an emergency, please use these numbers. It may be helpful to print this list and hang it somewhere convenient.
Emergency & Medical Phone Numbers:
| Police/Fire/Paramedic Emergency | 911 |
| University of Akron Police Department | (330) 972-2911 |
| Fire/Paramedic non-emergency | (330) 375-2101 |
| Police non-emergency | (330) 375-2181 |
| Summit County Sheriff | (330) 643-2154 |
| State Highway Patrol | (330) 433-6200 |
| Victim Assistance | (330) 376-0040 |
| Suicide Helpline | 1-800-273-TALK 1-888-434-8878 (330) 434-9144 |
| InfoLine | (330) 376-6660 |
Hospital & Clinics:
| Akron City Hospital/Summa Care Akron | (330) 375-3000 |
| General Medical Cent | (330) 344-6000 |
| Summa Barberton Hospital | (330) 615-3000 |
| Summa St. Thomas Hospital | (330) 375-3000 |
| Summa Western Reserve Hospital | (330) 971-7000 |
Upon arrival, there are steps you need to take to establish yourself. If you plan to stay in the United States for an extended period of time, you will want to obtain a Social Security Number.
Social Security Number
Getting a Social Security Number (SSN) is one of the first things you’ll want to do, they will require it in almost everything you do as you get settled in.
For this, you have to go to the Federal Building located Downtown on Main Street. When you get there, they will instruct you to go to the second floor where you will get a number and wait as your turn comes up.
You will have to take the following documents with you:
- Passport, with American Visa
- I-94
- DS-2019, or its equivalent
- Letter of acceptance from the University of Akron
- If you are on a scholarship, be sure to ask your sponsoring institution to extend you a letter addressed to the Social Security, explaining the reason why you are here, and the need for a SSN. This will make the process much easier.
- An address where you can receive your Social Security card (likely your host family address).
They will mail your Social Security card to you in approximately 7 days or less. After you get your card, keep it in a safe place since that number represents you in the United States.
You can find more information on the process here.
State Identification Card
To avoid carrying your passport with you all the time and identify yourself in the city, be sure to go to the License Bureau and get a State ID card.
Before coming to Akron:
- Contact Global Ties Akron to reserve a host family stay for your first week for a minimal fee.
- If you know friends who attend the University of Akron, check on housing situations with them prior to arriving.
- You may wish to reserve a spot at a local apartment prior to your arrival. Make sure that you understand the deposit and/or cancellation policy before reserving housing.
- The university has a list of available off-campus housing options, located here.
Once in Akron:
- Search websites for apartments, rentals and roommates in the area.
- Here are some commonly used websites:
- You may also want to ask your host family or Orientation Leaders about possible places to stay as it pertains to safety, distance, compatible roommates, proximity to grocery stores, etc.
- Walking around the neighborhood would give you an idea about whether you want to live there or not.
- You may wish to consider apartments within the Akron area that are accessible by bus, such as the Highland Square neighborhood.