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

Legacy at Jeffrey Park
$1,248
773 Waldron St., Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 683-5198
Rent Savings
24 units available
1 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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River House
$1,244
891 Ingleside Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 618-3677
Rent Savings
17 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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The Normandy
$1,100
315 East Long Street, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 412-3598
Rent Savings
27 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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The Diplomat
$1,795
9 Buttles Avenue Apt 307, Columbus, OH 43215
(224) 435-5369
3 units available
1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Pet friendly, Garage, Stainless steel, Gym, Key fob access + more
Modern Elegance
Sophisticated living in vibrant Columbus neighborhood.
The Diplomat offers a beautifully designed space in Columbus's Short North area. Residents enjoy a gourmet kitchen and in-unit laundry. With both cats and dogs allowed, it's a pet-friendly haven. The vibrant local scene is highlighted by an abundance of nearby restaurants, parks, and schools.
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The Reach on Goodale
$1,245
644 Chlois Ln, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 992-7946
28 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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Iron Works at Jeffrey Park
$1,132
772 N. Fourth St., Columbus, OH 43215
(380) 333-9478
Rent Savings
8 units available
1 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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Station 324
$1,085
324 East Second Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(380) 777-5663
Rent Savings
23 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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Village West
$1,475
884 Thurber Dr W, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 407-8693
Rent Savings
5 units available
2 bed
Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Parking, Stainless steel, Walk in closets + more
Central Oasis
Spacious living near downtown Columbus fun.
Village West offers a prime location with convenient access to downtown Columbus, the Short North, and the Arena District. Residents enjoy spacious apartments with generous storage spaces, complimented by excellent management and maintenance. The property is perfect for pet lovers, featuring both a dedicated dog park and ample green spaces.
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1500 East 25th Avenue
$1,000
1500 East 25th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
(380) 324-4924
1 unit available
2 bed
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2203-2205 McGuffey Rd.
$1,225
2203 Mcguffey Road, Columbus, OH 43211
(380) 262-1318
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Parking, Air conditioning, Range, Oven, and Refrigerator
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692 N High Street
$1,245
692 North High Street - 306, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 683-2568
1 unit available
1 bed
Amenities
Pet friendly, Recently renovated, Stainless steel, and Range
Historic Charm
In the heart of Short North, vibrant lifestyle awaits.
Residents enjoy a prime location in Short North, surrounded by shopping, galleries, and dining. With beautifully renovated units featuring historic details like exposed brick and decorative fireplaces, this community exudes character. Bright and inviting spaces are enhanced by large windows, ideal for pets and outdoor lovers with nearby walkable areas.
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King Avenue Flats I - West
$995
1476 King Avenue, Columbus, OH 43212
(380) 262-6210
1 unit available
1 bed
Amenities
Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Garbage disposal, Range, Oven, and Refrigerator
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695 Riverview
$875
695 Riverview Drive, Columbus, OH 43202
(380) 205-2203
1 unit available
1 bed
Amenities
Range and Refrigerator
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2686-2688 Hibbert Avenue
$1,195
2686-2688 Hibbert Avenue, Columbus, OH 43202
(380) 256-2721
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
On-site laundry and Hardwood floors
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333-335 E Duncan Street
$1,595
333-335 East Duncan Street, Columbus, OH 43202
(380) 666-3345
2 units available
3 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, and Air conditioning
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Parkside on Pearl
$2,395
35 E Hubbard Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215
(380) 205-2998
1 unit available
1 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Stainless steel, Pool + more
Luxurious Living
Sophisticated Elegance in Italian Village
Parkside on Pearl offers luxurious living with a prime location just off High Street, only steps away from the dynamic atmosphere of the Short North. Residents adore the expansive living spaces, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Excellent amenities include a pool, gym, and pet-friendly policy for a comprehensive urban lifestyle.
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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.