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Off-Campus Housing Near OSU
About Off-Campus Housing Near Ohio State University-Main Campus
The Ohio State University packs about 61,369 students into Columbus, one of the largest single campuses in the country and the heart of a fast-growing capital city. The center of it all is the Oval, the grassy quad students cross between classes, where legend says stepping on the bronze seal brings bad luck. Campus runs right into the University District, and the Short North arts corridor stretches south toward downtown with galleries and a monthly gallery hop. Game days at the stadium turn the whole city scarlet and gray, and the COTA bus system plus a walkable core mean plenty of students skip the car. Beyond campus you've got the riverfront, Goodale Park, and a downtown that keeps adding to itself.
Ohio State University-Main Campus Housing Requirements
Freshman Live-On Requirement
Most first-years and second-years at Ohio State must live on campus, a two-year requirement that runs stricter than many schools. The rule is administered by Housing and Residence Education, which reviews any request to live elsewhere.
Off-Campus Eligibility
Exemptions are approved by Housing and Residence Education and include living with a parent or close relative within 25 miles of campus, being married, living in an approved Greek facility, or having completed at least four semesters of college after high school. Once you clear the requirement, you join a large off-campus scene packed into the University District and beyond. The rental process here is competitive and landlord-heavy, so expect applications, a security deposit, and often a co-signer if you lack credit history.
Lease Timing
Leases in Columbus typically run from early August to late July, so plan for a brief overlap or a storage gap when you move. Watch the lease for per-bedroom liability, since group houses sometimes hold everyone jointly responsible for the full rent. Confirm utility setup and parking before signing, since parking is tight and sometimes permit-only.