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 8
2530 Beulah Rd
$1,345
2530 Beulah Road, Columbus, OH 43211
(614) 486-2933
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Pet friendly, Parking, Air conditioning, Range, and Refrigerator
Recently updated units
1 of 7
1900 N 4th St
$750
1900 North 4th Street, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 486-2933
1 unit available
1 bed
Amenities
On-site laundry, Hardwood floors, Parking, Range, and Refrigerator
Recently updated units
1088 Perry St
$1,695
1088 Perry Street, Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 486-2933
1 unit available
1 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Dishwasher, Parking, Air conditioning, Range, and Refrigerator
Recently updated units
221 W 1st Ave
$3,895
221 West 1st Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215
(417) 389-1029
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Parking, Recently renovated, Stainless steel + more
Recently updated units
Renovated 2BR/1BA Home
$1,200
2942 Atwood Terrace, Columbus, OH 43224
(380) 267-8421
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Recently renovated, Air conditioning, and E-payments
Recently updated units
1038 14Th Ave.
$1,350
1038 East 14th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
(330) 632-3482
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Recently renovated, Stainless steel, and Microwave
Recently updated units
1042 E 14Th Ave.
$1,350
1042 East 14th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
(330) 632-3482
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Parking, Air conditioning, and Range
Recently updated units
820 Kerr Street
$2,574
820 Kerr Street, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 795-9111
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, and Parking
Recently updated units
1269 23rd Ave
$1,275
1269 East 23rd Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
(330) 632-3482
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Air conditioning, Fireplace, Extra storage + more
Recently updated units
Cozy Columbus Home with Yard and Convenient Location | FREE $500 ON YOUR FIRST MONTH!
$1,340
1482 Kingry Street, Columbus, OH 43211
(614) 310-4132
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
Pet friendly, Parking, Recently renovated, and Carpet
Recently updated units
1251 E 23rd Avenue
$1,000
1251 East 23rd Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
(330) 632-3482
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Pet friendly, Recently renovated, Air conditioning, Ceiling fan, and Fireplace
Recently updated units
921 Thomas Rd
$1,800
921 Thomas Road, Grandview Heights, OH 43212
(380) 800-5443
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance + more
Recently updated units
2080 Bancroft Street
$1,850
2080 Bancroft Street, Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 678-3114
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Pet friendly, Garage, Air conditioning, Accessible, and Range
Spacious Comfort
Spacious, accessible home with generous amenities.
2080 Bancroft Street offers a welcoming three-bedroom layout with accessibility features, ideal for a comfortable lifestyle. Residents love the large fenced-in yard for relaxation, paired with a garage and additional storage space. Tenants appreciate the thoughtful amenities, making it a perfect home to suit various needs.
Recently updated units
1044 E 16th Ave
$1,200
1044 East 16th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
(380) 235-5090
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry and Pet friendly
Central Convenience
Ideal location near downtown and OSU
Nestled in Columbus, the property offers excellent proximity to OSU, downtown, and the interstate. With modern new flooring and a cozy kitchen, it delivers both style and comfort. The basement's washer and dryer hookups provide added functionality for everyday living.
Recently updated units
920 E 17th Avenue
$1,250
920 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
(614) 255-6452
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Patio / balcony, Recently renovated, Fireplace, Range, and Refrigerator
Recently updated units
726 North High Street
$1,100
726 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 636-6681
1 unit available
1 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Hardwood floors, Parking, Recently renovated, Ceiling fan, Fireplace + 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.