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

207 rentals available

1 of 20
The Normandy
$1,000
315 East Long Street, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 412-3598
Rent Savings
26 units available
Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Luxury Amenities
Downtown luxury with unmatched amenities and convenience.
The Normandy offers a luxurious living experience in the heart of Downtown Columbus' Discovery District. The property features stunning amenities like a resort-style pool, multiple rooftop lounges, and spacious apartments with modern finishes. Its prime location provides easy access to top restaurants, nightlife, and shopping, all just steps away.
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King Avenue Apartments
$970
1428 King Avenue, Columbus, OH 43212
(513) 650-7958
2 units available
1 bed
Amenities
On-site laundry, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Parking, Recently renovated + more
Vibrant Convenience
Modern living near vibrant Grandview scene.
King Avenue Apartments offers modern living with updated interiors and is just steps away from the lively Grandview area. Residents appreciate the quick access to restaurants, cafes, and shops, along with the proximity to OSU and downtown Columbus. Cats are welcomed, providing a pet-friendly community for feline lovers.
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Station 324
$1,162
324 East Second Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(380) 777-5663
Rent Savings
18 units available
1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance + more
Luxurious Living
Prime location in Italian Village near vibrant Short North.
Station 324 offers luxury living in Columbus's renowned Italian Village. With a prime spot near Short North, residents enjoy proximity to dining, shopping, and entertainment. Cats and dogs are welcomed, and spacious units feature modern designs and high-end finishes for an excellent lifestyle.
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Legacy at Jeffrey Park
773 Waldron St., Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 683-5198
$1,390+ moTotal price12-mo lease
26 units available
1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Pet Paradise
Luxurious living in heart of Italian Village.
Located in vibrant Italian Village, Legacy at Jeffrey Park offers a luxurious living experience with modern design and high-quality finishes. Residents love the convenient proximity to diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Enjoy the community's extensive amenities and pet-friendly atmosphere, perfect for both cats and dogs.
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The Patent
$1,281
301 Dickenson Street, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 285-7915
15 units available
Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Garage, Gym, Pool + more
Luxury Living
Experience upscale comfort in Italian Village, Columbus.
The Patent at Jeffrey Park offers a luxurious living experience with modern design and high-end finishes. Nestled in the heart of Italian Village, residents enjoy easy access to Columbus's finest restaurants and shops. Cats and dogs are welcome, creating a welcoming home for pet owners.
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Large House w/ off-street parking & 3 BATHROOMS!
$3,000
2005 Summit Street, Columbus, OH 43201
(380) 333-4353
1 unit available
7 bed
Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking + more
Spacious Living
Convenience Central Near Campus
This expansive home in the Iuka Ravine area combines convenience with charm. Ideally situated close to central campus, it offers easy access to numerous amenities and transportation options. Enjoy a stunning living environment complete with hardwood floors and a pet-friendly policy.
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1460 Grant
1460 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(628) 210-8006
$1,270 moTotal price12-mo lease
Rent Savings
19 units available
1 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, New construction + more
Prime Location
Modern design, granite counters, and prime urban location.
1460 Grant boasts modern design, highlighted by granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Residents appreciate the convenient in-unit laundry and pet-friendly environment. Located close to parks, restaurants, and entertainment, it's perfect for those seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle.
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5 Bedroom House - Walking distance from Central Campus
$3,000
2015 Summit Street, Columbus, OH 43201
(380) 888-2681
1 unit available
5 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking, and Range
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Student Housing - Luxe Belle
$1,239
1529 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43201
(740) 299-1971
Rent Savings
student
9 units available
1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance + more
Convenient Living
Prime student housing near Ohio State University
Luxe Belle, situated near Ohio State University, offers the ultimate in student living. Residents enjoy sleek, modern apartments filled with natural light and a vibrant setting. Amenities like the fitness center, coffee bar, and spacious study rooms enhance the overall experience, paired with rave reviews for the convenient location and welcoming management.
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The Pembroke
$1,450
195 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
(380) 267-4791
80 units available
1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance + more
Luxury Living
Downtown elegance meets exceptional amenities.
The Pembroke offers an unparalleled living experience in Downtown Columbus, surrounded by top dining and entertainment options. Residents adore the rooftop pool, lounge area, and pet-friendly amenities like the paw spa. The elegant apartments feature gourmet kitchens and modern finishes, making every moment at home a pleasure.
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The City
2875 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43202
(205) 880-6071
$1,335+ moTotal price13-mo lease
10 units available
Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Luxury Living
Smart Home Features Near Ohio State
The City offers a luxurious living experience with its modern amenities like Smart Home Technology and a heated, resort-style pool. Located only minutes from The Ohio State University, this residence combines comfort and convenience. Residents are fond of the property's welcoming atmosphere and well-maintained gym.
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The Guild
303 East Sixth Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(380) 220-6579
$1,163+ moTotal price7-mo lease
Rent Savings
153 units available
Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Stainless steel, Walk in closets, Gym + more
Prime Location
Heart of Columbus, Vibrant Living Awaits
Guild offers a superb blend of historical charm and modern convenience, nestled in Columbus’s vibrant Weinland Park. Residents enjoy easy access to Downton, the Short North, and Italian Village, plus nearby Goodale Park and Olentangy Trail for nature lovers. The property welcomes both dogs and cats, and boasts amenities like a gym, pool, and a stylish game room.
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Founder's Park
555 West 5th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 666-6765
$1,630+ moTotal price12-mo lease
7 units available
1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Luxurious Living
Prime location with high-end amenities and modern living.
Founder's Park in Harrison West offers a luxurious lifestyle. With modern apartments featuring high-end finishes and appliances, residents are ensured a comfortable living experience. Cats and dogs are welcome, making it a perfect home for everyone. The property's prime location provides easy access to parks, restaurants, and entertainment.
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The Reach on Goodale
$1,295
644 Chlois Ln, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 992-7946
15 units available
1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Parking, Recently renovated, Stainless steel + more
Vibrant Locale
Resort-Style Pool in Popular Downtown
The Reach on Goodale features a vibrant location in Downtown Columbus, offering residents easy access to Short North and Grandview. The community shines with its resort-style pool, perfect for leisure and social interactions. Spacious apartments, combined with a large dog park, make it an ideal choice for pet lovers.
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River House
$1,445
891 Ingleside Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 618-3677
Rent Savings
14 units available
1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Parking + more
Scenic Access
Direct access to Olentangy River Trail.
River House in Columbus offers a beautiful living environment, highlighted by its direct access to the Olentangy Recreational Trail—perfect for biking and walking enthusiasts. This vibrant community features amenities like a European-style pool and a well-maintained fitness center. Cats and dogs are welcomed in this pet-friendly residence, and residents rave about the spacious apartments with high ceilings and large windows.
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Iron Works at Jeffrey Park
772 N. Fourth St., Columbus, OH 43215
(380) 333-9478
$1,216+ moTotal price12-mo lease
5 units available
1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Parking + more
Vibrant Living
Experience modernity in Columbus's Italian Village.
Iron Works at Jeffrey Park offers a prime location in the Italian Village, allowing renters to enjoy a vibrant, modern community with easy access to local parks, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Residents rave about the helpful team and fast maintenance service. With premium amenities like a pool, 24-hour gym, and pet-friendly policies, living here is both convenient and luxurious.
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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.