Are you wondering whether to bring your car to Ohio State University? Unsure about the parking commitments you’ll need to secure before the school year even begins? In this article, we will explore the key benefits and potential drawbacks of having a car on campus.
Read Next: Ultimate Guide to Parking Near Ohio State University
From understanding parking options to managing the associated costs, we have created a comprehensive list of pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Should I bring my car to Ohio State University?
First, it is important to note that first-year students living on-campus are not permitted to bring cars or purchase a parking permit. However, exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances.
If you are not a first-year student and considering bringing a car to OSU’s campus, let’s look at the pros and cons.
Pro: Access to the Rest of Columbus
One pro of bringing a car to campus is the ability to easily explore Columbus. With plenty of dining, shopping and entertainment, there are endless activities throughout Columbus and the surrounding areas. Having a car removes the need for long walks or rideshares.
Read Next: Top 10 Things to Do Near Ohio State University’s Campus
Con: Limited Parking
A con for many students is the limited availability of parking on-campus, at many student-housing buildings and in Columbus in general. Finding parking on campus or off-campus, leading many students to prefer walking or using rideshares.
Con: Pricey Parking Passes
Along with limited parking availability, the cost of parking passes can be quite high. Both on-campus and off-campus parking passes are competitively priced. As of publication in January 2025, costs range from $720 per year on-campus to up to $200 per month at off-campus locations.
Pro: Ability to Live Further Off Campus
If you are considering off-campus living, you may be looking at apartments and housing further from campus. A car can help ease the commute if your living arrangement is far from your classes and other on campus activities.
Read Next: Where to Live If You Do Not Want to Live on Campus
Pro: Transportation Home
For students from Ohio or nearby areas, having a car on campus provides the convenience of spontaneous trips home whenever you have a free weekend. You won’t need to rely on friends or family for a ride, nor will you have to stay on campus for the entire weekend. Additionally, you have the freedom to easily bring things to and from home
Con: Limited Need for Car on Campus
Finally, there is limited need for a car at Ohio State University. The campus features pedestrian-friendly pathways, numerous bike racks, and easy access to public transportation, making it accessible without a car. Many students walk, bike, or utilize the Buck-ID bus pass! Additionally, nearby hotspots such as German village and downtown are only a 20-minute bus ride from campus. If you don’t have a strong reason to bring a car to campus, you don’t really need one to be able to get everywhere you need to go on campus.
Campus Transportation Options:
- CABS: The Campus Area Bus System is free for anyone to use on campus.
- COTA: The Central Ohio bus system is free for students with their BuckID.
- Rideshares/carpooling: Neighborhood Services and Collaboration and Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement’s student-only system for rides to and from campus.
We hope this article helps you consider the advantages and disadvantages of having a car at Ohio State University. For further details on parking options, check out our Ultimate Guide to Parking Near Ohio State University or reach out to our leasing office today!
