Are you looking at student housing apartments off-campus, but feel like there are just too many options?
As a student myself, I know that finding a student apartment near OSU can feel overwhelming. There are many things to consider, and student apartment buildings all seem to have unique offerings.
Read Next: How Much Does it Cost to live near The Ohio State University?
At Rambler Columbus, our leasing team has helped hundreds of students sign leases, and understand that building out your budget is an important part of the process.
To help you understand what’s covered by your rental rate at most student apartments, we have put together a list of what most apartments in the off-campus neighborhoods include in their monthly rental rate.
5 Things Typically Included in Rent at OSU Off Campus Apartments
1. Furniture
Most student housing complexes come equipped with complete furnishings, sparing students the need to buy significant items like beds, dressers, or desks—they’re already provided upon move-in.
Nearly all the newly constructed student housing units come fully furnished, a critical aspect when tallying up living expenses between student apartments and more traditional options.
These furnished units not only alleviate furniture expenses but also eliminate the hassle of shopping for and transporting furniture. This means if you’re considering studying abroad or taking up an out-of-town internship, you likely won’t require a storage unit for your belongings.
Typically, a fully furnished apartment covers the essential furniture for both the bedroom and communal areas, including:
- Bed
- Dresser or Shelves
- Desk
- Couch
- TV
- Chairs and/or Bar Stools
- Washer and Dryer
You’ll likely want to personalize your bedroom and common area to your liking, but with a fully furnished apartment, the staple items are already covered.
2. Basic Utilities
Essential services within an apartment typically include electricity, high-speed internet, cable TV, laundry facilities, water, gas, sewage and waste disposal.
The majority of student housing complexes include high-speed internet, cable TV, washer/dryer units, gas and sewage in the monthly rental cost.
Garbage disposal might be included in some apartments, yet it’s not uniform, and several places might charge a monthly fee for this service. If garbage collection incurs an additional charge, it commonly ranges from $5 to $25 per month. Additionally, most apartments will bill an extra monthly fee covering water and electricity.
Read Next: How Much Do Utilities Cost at a Student Apartment in Columbus?
Average utility prices vary greatly, so it is best to ask what utility rates typically cost each month before signing a lease. Additionally, since there is a lot of variance in what utilities are included by each apartment complex, you will want to ask your landlord which utilities are included in your monthly rent.
3. Access to Community Amenities
To remain competitive, the majority of student housing complexes provide a range of amenities.
At the very least, these usually comprise a pool, gym and study areas. However, newer developments go the extra mile, offering students extravagant facilities such as movie theaters, outdoor grilling spots, spas, studios for content creation, golf simulators and additional luxuries.
Amenities serve as a prime method for distinguishing new student housing projects from others in the market, so it’s essential to explore your options. Typically, access to these amenities is included as part of being a tenant and doesn’t incur additional charges for residents.
4. Year-Round Housing
While on-campus accommodations at Ohio State run on a 9-month lease, this length differs for off-campus student housing.
Opting for a student housing apartment usually involves signing a 12-month lease. These leases commonly start in early August and conclude at the end of July, though specific dates vary among apartment complexes. It’s crucial to ask about these specifics before finalizing your lease.
With a year-long lease, you secure a reliable housing option if you plan to stay in Columbus during the summer or winter break—no need to stress about subleasing or hunting for short-term accommodations.
5. Security
Security stands as a pivotal concern in any living situation, particularly for student apartments off-campus.
Although security measures vary among apartment complexes, most student housing apartments provide controlled access alongside secure parking.
Typically, access control involves a fob system equipped with electronic key locks for individual units and various amenities within the complex. Additional security measures might include comprehensive video surveillance across the premises and the presence of onsite security personnel or patrol officers.
It’s advisable to inquire with the student apartments you’re considering to understand the specific security protocols they implement.
We hope this article has offered insight into the usual inclusions within the monthly rent for student housing apartments near OSU in Columbus.
To learn more about what is included in a specific student apartment, you should tour each complex and ask thoughtful questions. Read this article to get an idea of what questions you should be asking: 15 Questions You Should Ask When Touring a Student Apartment in Columbus, Ohio
Should you have inquiries about living off-campus or seek further information about Rambler Columbus, feel free to reach out to our leasing team. They’re eager to assist and address any questions you may have while navigating your search for student housing.
