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

218 rentals available

1 of 11
390 East Oakland Avenue
$1,300
390 East Oakland Avenue, Columbus, OH 43202
(614) 956-8564
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Parking, Recently renovated, and Air conditioning
Recently updated units
1 of 41
250 Daniel Burnham Square
$3,395
250 Daniel Burnham Square, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 266-9152
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Parking, Recently renovated + more
Recently updated units
1355 Ida Avenue
$1,395
1355 Ida Avenue, Columbus, OH 43212
(614) 330-4877
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Dishwasher, Parking, Stainless steel, Air conditioning, and Microwave
Recently updated units
1280 Neil Ave
$1,849
1280 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 304-1734
1 unit available
1 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Recently updated units
751 N 6th Street
$2,600
751 North 6th Street, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 450-0082
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, New construction, Parking, Walk in closets + more
Recently updated units
1377 Northwest Blvd - Apt B
$1,375
1377 Northwest Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43212
(614) 306-9878
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Carport, Stainless steel, Coffee bar + more
Prime Location
Convenience and comfort in Grandview Heights neighborhood.
Located in the popular Grandview Heights neighborhood, this charming apartment offers easy access to a host of dining, shopping, and leisure options. The apartment's cozy decorative fireplace and stainless steel kitchen add to its inviting atmosphere, ideal for comfort and convenience seekers. Enjoy the additional perks like ample storage, a dedicated carport, and the highly praised cozy interiors.
Recently updated units
1084 E 16Th Ave
$1,495
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, Range + more
Recently updated units
1267 N. 5th Street
$1,425
1267 North 5th Street, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 294-6097
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Pet friendly, Parking, and Air conditioning
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
1801 N 4th St
$850
1801 North 4th Street, Columbus, OH 43201
(380) 235-5090
1 unit available
1 bed
Amenities
Pet friendly
Recently updated units
319 W 2nd Avenue
$3,000
319 West 2nd Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 519-3472
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Garage + more
Recently updated units
1350 King Avenue
$950
1350 King Avenue, Columbus, OH 43212
(614) 486-1922
1 unit available
1 bed
Amenities
On-site laundry, Cats allowed, Parking, Some paid utils, Internet access, and Carpet
Recently updated units
1003 E 21st Ave
$1,200
1003 East 21st Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
(330) 632-3482
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Pet friendly, Recently renovated, and Ceiling fan
Recently updated units
MOVE-IN READY! 2BR Townhome in Clintonville near OSU – W/D, Parking, Pet Friendly
$1,845
3054 Dorris Avenue, Columbus, OH 43202
(380) 267-8421
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking, Stainless steel + more
Recently updated units
908 Thomas Road
$1,850
908 Thomas Road, Grandview Heights, OH 43212
(614) 581-1443
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Garage, Recently renovated + more
Recently updated units
1268 Michigan Avenue
$2,425
1268 Michigan Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201
(205) 644-0234
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Air conditioning, Ceiling fan + 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.