Where do most Ohio State students live?

Most first and second-year Ohio State students live in residence, while the rest live in off-campus apartments near OSU. OSU is surrounded by the following student-friendly neighborhoods: - University District : The University District directly surrounds OSU, so it’s the ideal neighborhood for students with 8 a.m. classes! Housing ranges from apartment complexes to subdivided homes. When not on campus, residents can enjoy diverse entertainment options, including Buckeye Football at Ohio Stadium. - Short North : Conveniently located just south of campus, the hip Short North area is filled with converted warehouses. During off hours, students can enjoy cheap eats and visit one of many nearby vintage clothing or album stores. - Arena District : The Arena District is a newer development filled with modern, trendy apartments. While it’s a short transit ride to campus, the neighborhood is within walking distance of many professional sports and music venues.

How much does it cost to live off-campus at OSU?

Off-campus living expenses vary student to student. For housing, rent depends on – Location and proximity to school – Number of roommates – Building and neighborhood amenities The median rent in Columbus , depending on apartment size, is: - 1BR : $1,108/month - 2BR : $1,327/month Students also have to factor in the cost of food and transportation. The total cost of living for an OSU student ranges between $630 and $2,000/month .

Is it cheaper to live in a dorm or an off-campus apartment?

This depends on your lifestyle. A student living alone and enjoying takeout will pay more than someone in residence with a campus meal plan. When it comes to expenses, it’s best to set a budget and stick to it, no matter where you live.

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Apartments for Rent near Ohio State University-Main Campus

243 rentals available

1485 N 6th Street
$1,595
1485 North 6th Street, Columbus, OH 43201
(513) 848-4862
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Pet friendly, Recently renovated, and Stainless steel
Recently updated units
466 East Oakland Avenue
$1,295
466 East Oakland Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(205) 644-0234
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking, and Air conditioning
Recently updated units
464 East Oakland Avenue
$1,025
464 East Oakland Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(205) 644-0234
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking, and Air conditioning
Recently updated units
1475 Cordell Avenue
$1,495
1475 Cordell Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
(205) 644-0234
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
Pet friendly, Garage, Air conditioning, Internet access, Carpet, and Range
Recently updated units
1085 E 16th Ave
$1,300
1085 East 16th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
(614) 800-8083
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Hardwood floors, Pet friendly, Parking, Extra storage, and Range
Recently updated units
5 BEDROOMS + 2.5 BATHROOMS + 3 FREE OFF-STREET Parking Spaces SINGLE FAMILY HOUSE! Available August 20, 2026! Schedule to see it today!
$3,475
1348 Summit Street, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 928-3000
1 unit available
5 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Dishwasher, 24hr maintenance, Parking + more
Recently updated units
BRAND NEW BUILD- 6 BEDROOMS + 5.5 BATHS + 6 FREE Off-street parking spots HOUSE -Under construction, lease TODAY
$4,770
101 East Patterson Avenue, Columbus, OH 43202
(614) 928-3000
1 unit available
6 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, 24hr maintenance, Parking, and Air conditioning
Recently updated units
6 BEDROOMS + 3.5 FULL BATHROOMS Single Family House
$5,934
131 East Northwood Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 928-3000
1 unit available
6 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, 24hr maintenance + more
Recently updated units
1418 Cordell Ave.
Ask for price
1418 Cordell Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
(330) 632-3482
Contact for Availability
Amenities
W/D hookup, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Parking, Gym, and Fireplace
1084 E 16Th Ave
$1,745
1084 East 16th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
(330) 632-3482
1 unit available
6 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Recently renovated, Gym, Air conditioning, Extra storage, and Range
Recently updated units
967 Duxberry Ave
$1,175
967 Duxberry Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Patio / balcony, Dogs allowed, Garage, Recently renovated, and Range
Recently updated units
726 Kerr Street
$2,200
726 Kerr Street, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 450-0082
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Recently renovated, Fireplace + more
Recently updated units
1367 E 18th Ave
$1,050
1367 East 18th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
(330) 632-3482
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Pet friendly, Parking, and Ceiling fan
Recently updated units
1365 E 18th Ave
$1,050
1365 East 18th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
(330) 632-3482
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Pet friendly, Ceiling fan, and Fireplace
Recently updated units
1343 Ida Ave
$1,250
1343 Ida Avenue, Columbus, OH 43212
(614) 488-0644
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Recently renovated, and Air conditioning
Recently updated units
109 E Arcadia Avenue
$1,275
109 East Arcadia Avenue, Columbus, OH 43202
(614) 395-0454
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Recently renovated, Fireplace, Range + more
Recently updated units

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Finding Apartments Near Ohio State University

Congratulations on joining the more than 65,000 students enrolled at Ohio State University! Founded in 1873, OSU is one of the best public universities in Ohio and boasts the 3rd largest university campus in the U.S.

Students enjoy a vibrant academic community in the heart of Columbus. OSU hosts more than 1,000 clubs, 10 libraries, and — of course — Buckeye’s football. The walkable campus is home to notable historic buildings, recreational facilities, and outdoor attractions like Chadwick Arboretum and Mirror Lake. With so much to do, finding an apartment near Ohio State University is key not only to a successful college career but an active social life.

With 32% of students living in Ohio State campus housing, finding apartments near OSU is a top concern for social enrollees. Thankfully for students at OSU, Columbus housing is diverse and affordable, with great options for frosh and first-time renters.

Apartment List is the perfect tool to find affordable student housing near Ohio State University. Download the app to your phone from Google Play or the App Store, then complete the Renter Quiz. Our powerful AI will curate a list of off-campus housing near OSU based on filters like budget, neighborhoods, and transit options. Whether you’re looking for an in-home rental or an apartment complex near OSU, you’ll find a safe place to crash in no time — one that puts student necessities like coffee shops and grocery stores within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Most first and second-year Ohio State students live in residence, while the rest live in off-campus apartments near OSU.
OSU is surrounded by the following student-friendly neighborhoods:
- - University District: The University District directly surrounds OSU, so it’s the ideal neighborhood for students with 8 a.m. classes! Housing ranges from apartment complexes to subdivided homes. When not on campus, residents can enjoy diverse entertainment options, including Buckeye Football at Ohio Stadium.
- - Short North: Conveniently located just south of campus, the hip Short North area is filled with converted warehouses. During off hours, students can enjoy cheap eats and visit one of many nearby vintage clothing or album stores.
- - Arena District: The Arena District is a newer development filled with modern, trendy apartments. While it’s a short transit ride to campus, the neighborhood is within walking distance of many professional sports and music venues.
Off-campus living expenses vary student to student. For housing, rent depends on
- – Location and proximity to school
- – Number of roommates
- – Building and neighborhood amenities
The median rent in Columbus, depending on apartment size, is:
- - 1BR: $1,108/month
- - 2BR: $1,327/month
Students also have to factor in the cost of food and transportation. The total cost of living for an OSU student ranges between $630 and $2,000/month.