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

261 rentals available

114 West Starr Avenue
$3,950
114 West Starr Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 398-2068
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Recently renovated + more
Recently updated units
1408 Haines Ave
$1,725
1408 Haines Avenue, Grandview Heights, OH 43212
(614) 486-2933
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Dishwasher, Cats allowed, Parking, Air conditioning, and Microwave
Recently updated units
1090 Highland Street
$1,700
1090 Highland Street, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 572-6967
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Air conditioning, and Internet access
Recently updated units
118 West Starr Avenue
$4,050
118 West Starr Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 398-2068
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Recently updated units
1900 N 4th St
$745
1900 North 4th Street, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 486-2933
1 unit available
1 bed
Amenities
On-site laundry, Parking, Range, and Refrigerator
Recently updated units
1452 Summit Street
$2,000
1452 Summit Street, Columbus, OH 43201
(380) 800-5443
1 unit available
5 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Parking, Recently renovated, Coffee bar + more
Recently updated units
2710 Dayton Avenue unit: 2712
$1,800
2710 Dayton Avenue, Columbus, OH 43202
(614) 565-6858
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Hardwood floors, Gym, and Fireplace
Recently updated units
2027 N 4th Street
$2,300
2027 North 4th Street, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 282-7912
1 unit available
5 bed
Amenities
Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Garage, Recently renovated, Fireplace, Extra storage + more
Recently updated units
1533 Elmwood Avenue
$1,195
1533 Elmwood Avenue, Columbus, OH 43212
(614) 557-1340
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Parking, Air conditioning, and Range
Recently updated units
793 E Starr Ave
$1,350
793 East Starr Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 502-2619
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Pet friendly, Recently renovated, Range, and Refrigerator
Recently updated units
Italian Village home with Huge Yard
$2,400
109 East 4th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 299-4110
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking + more
Recently updated units
381 Alden Ave
$2,600
381 Alden Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 469-6069
1 unit available
5 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking + more
Recently updated units
933 Pullman Place
$5,825
933 Pullman Place, Grandview Heights, OH 43212
(614) 398-2068
1 unit available
5 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Recently renovated + more
Recently updated units
Beautiful 4 Bedroom in Short North
$2,950
1230 Forsythe Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 745-4864
1 unit available
4 bed
Amenities
Granite counters, Pet friendly, Parking, Stainless steel, and Furnished
Recently updated units
241 E Kelso Rd
$2,500
241 East Kelso Road, Columbus, OH 43202
(800) 508-6821
1 unit available
4 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Recently updated units
526 Riverfront Ln
$5,250
526 Riverfront Lane, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 398-2068
1 unit available
4 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Garage, Stainless steel, Gym + 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.