Looking for student housing near Ohio State University but have no idea where to begin?
At Rambler Columbus, we understand that finding student housing can be a challenging process for OSU students.
For this reason, we have created a guide to help you understand what the process is about, and how to best approach it. To have a smooth apartment search, follow these eight steps to find the perfect place for you.
8 Steps to Finding the Perfect Apartment as an Ohio State Student
Step 1: Pick Your Ideal Location
So, you’ve decided that you’re ready to start looking for an apartment – now what?
Your apartment search should begin by picking the right location. The neighborhood where you live will greatly impact your daily life and social life, so it’s important to explore your options and find the neighborhood that’s best for you.
The most popular areas include:
North Campus
Location: Perry St to Summit St, Lane Ave to Patterson Ave.
OSU students often choose to live in the North Campus neighborhood because it is close to campus. North Campus’ social scene draws in many students and is home to a variety of coffee shops, recreation centers, restaurants, and bars.
Read Next: Top X Things to Do in North Campus
In North Campus, you will find a variety of student apartments that offer luxury amenities like rooftop pool decks, saunas, gyms and much more. These apartments, like Rambler, were built with the OSU student lifestyle in mind, which is why many offer private study rooms and group workspaces.
Apartments located on North Campus typically range in price depending mainly on their location and amenities. However, since they are a popular option, you can find apartments near OSU at a variety of price ranges. The overall determinant of price per apartment in this area will depend on your number of roommates and the floor plan you select.
University District/Central Campus
Location: North of Chittenden Ave to South of Lane Ave, W 11th Ave to W Lane Ave
Sometimes referred to as Central Campus, the University District neighborhood is a great option for undergrad students. This neighborhood is famously home to several sorority and fraternity houses, making it a social hub for many OSU students. If you wish to be close to the action but avoid living in a Greek house, the University District is the right place.
In addition to apartments and Greek Life Houses, there are also many off-campus houses located in the University District for students who would like to consider other housing options than apartment living.
If you have a car at school or don’t mind taking public transportation, North Campus may be a great fit for you.
South Campus
Location: North of 5th Ave to South of 11th Ave, East of 11th Ave to Neil Ave
South Campus is situated just south of the Ohio State University campus, making it an easy and convenient trip to class, whether you choose to walk, bike, or take the bus. For students seeking to reduce their commute time and devote more energy to their studies and extracurriculars, this location is ideal.
Students looking for affordable housing will find this neighborhood appealing, especially when considering the comparatively high costs of other popular student areas around Columbus. The diverse housing options, ranging from apartments to traditional houses, cater to students’ varying needs and budgets.
Residents of apartments or houses in this area will either have a private parking lot or street parking passes. For those who need to park on South Campus, it is advisable to arrive early in the day or on weekdays to secure a spot.
To gather more information on some of the most popular living locations, read our article on where OSU students live.
Once you are aware of the different areas near OSU’s campus, you can weigh your options based on your likes and dislikes of each location to narrow down your list.
When weighing your options, it is important to consider certain things including:
- How long will it take you to get to campus? Will you walk, drive, or ride the bus?
- Do I like the area?
- Am I close to restaurants and grocery stores?
- What stores, restaurants, and shops will I be located near?
Step 2: Determine Whether or Not You’ll Have a Roommate
After finding the perfect location to suit your lifestyle, the next step is to decide whether you want to share your living space with a roommate or roommates. If so, you will need to determine who they will be.
Unsure about having a roommate? Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- Affordability – Having a roommate can significantly reduce your living expenses, allowing you to save money on rent, utilities, and other shared costs.
- Social – With roommates around, you will always have a live-in friend and companion to explore Columbus with.
- Community – Especially if it’s your first time living away from home, roommates can ease the transition and provide a sense of community.
Cons
- Distraction – While roommates can be fun to have around, they can also be a distraction, especially when it comes to focusing on your studies or having downtime.
- Reduced Privacy – If you highly value personal space, living on your own may be your best option to maximize privacy.
If you have decided that you don’t wish to have a roommate, you are ready to move on to step three.
However, if you decide that you do want a roommate, it is time to find the right match!
If you don’t have someone in mind, no worries – most apartment complexes located near OSU offer roommate matching. A good place to start is by reading our article on how to find roommates at the Ohio State University. Also, many student housing complexes in Columbus offer roommate matching.
Step 3: Decide Which Amenities You Value
Once you’ve settled on an ideal location and determined whether or not you want roommates, you will have to decide on amenities. Think about your daily routine and how specific amenities will enhance your living experience. Prioritize the features that are important to you, distinguishing between in-unit amenities and those offered by the apartment complex.
Here are some common amenities to consider:
In-Unit Amenities
- Fully furnished
- Washer/dryer
- Wi-Fi
- Cable TV
Community Amenities
- Pool and hot tub
- Fitness center
- Coffee bar on-site
- Yoga studio
- Study rooms
- Movie theater
- On-site concierge
- 24-hour security
- Package lockers
While the two lists above provide a lot of amenities to consider, they are not all-encompassing – we recommend looking at your potential apartment website to determine which amenities they might have that are not on these lists.
Read Next: 6 Coolest Student Apartment Amenities near Ohio State
Step 4: Determine Your Price Range
Before embarking on your apartment search, it is crucial to establish a clear budget. Determine the maximum amount you are comfortable spending on rent each month. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid wasting time touring apartments that are beyond your financial reach.
There are a variety of costs that can influence the end price of your unit. These may include:
- Parking Fees – Almost all apartments offer parking options, but many of them are offered at an additional cost.
- Pet Fees – If you have a pet, be aware of potential extra charges like pet rent or deposits.
- Utilities – Understand what utilities are included and what you’ll need to pay extra for.
- Renter’s insurance – Some apartments require renters to have insurance, either provided by them for a fee or through a third party.
For more information on additional costs and fees, we have put together a list of 9 Additional Costs to Consider When Looking for Student Apartments in Columbus, Ohio.
After considering the price of additional fees, you will be able to set a budget that works best for your housing needs.
If you’d like more information on the cost of living near Ohio State, read our article, How Much Does it Cost to Live Near Ohio State?, to learn more about various factors that can affect the total cost of living near Ohio State University in Columbus.
Step 5: Make a List of Places to Tour
With your budget, amenities wishlist, and desired location in mind, it’s time to narrow down your apartment search. Begin by searching online listings for properties that align with your criteria.
Once you’ve identified a handful of promising options, find their contact page and book a tour online or by calling their leasing office. Explore your options, and be sure not to settle if the apartment complex does not meet your desired criteria.
Step 6: Go on Property Tours
Once you have determined which apartments meet your living needs, it is time for the exciting part – you are finally ready to tour your potential new homes!
When touring an apartment complex, it is important to keep in mind:
- Review utility fees to understand which are included in the rent
- Prioritize amenities that matter most to you, such as in-unit laundry and high-speed internet.
- Choose a floor plan that suits your lifestyle and space needs.
- Consider bed and bath arrangements based on your preferences.
- Assess natural lighting and window size.
- Inquire about views if this is part of your wishlist and you don’t mind spending an extra dollar for it.
And, most importantly, be sure to ask questions! It is best to have the answers to your questions ahead of time before you begin the process of signing your lease.
To be sure you have everything accounted for, we have put together a list of 15 Questions You Should Ask When Touring a Student Apartment in Columbus, Ohio.
Step 7: Fill Out an Application
After touring properties, you have now found an apartment that you’re interested in –
it’s time to apply!
Filling out an application at a student housing apartment is generally a 15-20 minute process. For the majority of properties near Ohio State, you can expect to fill these forms out online.
To apply, you will need to answer basic information, such as your driver’s license information, emergency contact, pet information, current residence, etc. You will also likely fill out a roommate questionnaire if you’re looking to be roommate-matched so that the leasing office can start the matching process.
You will have to pay an application fee to finish your application. These fees usually range from $50 to $100 and cover the cost of the apartment to run a background check.
Once your application is approved, you will be ready for your last step – signing a lease!
Step 8: Sign Your Lease!
Last but not least, it is time to sign your lease!
A lease is a legally binding contract between a tenant and a landlord, typically ranging from 30 to 50 pages in length. It outlines the terms and conditions under which the tenant occupies the property.
Carefully review each page of the lease to fully grasp your obligations and entitlements. It’s essential to understand the contents of this document, as it serves as a legally enforceable agreement between you and the landlord.
You will want to pay close attention to dates and fees and take note of when you will pay rent each month, when your lease term ends, etc. Leases are generally 12 months, but make sure to ask before you sign! Shorter leases are available at some properties but are often priced higher per month leases that are a year-long or greater.
If you are a full-time student who does not work or only works part-time, you will likely need a guarantor to secure an apartment in Columbus. Most Columbus landlords require undergraduate students to have a guarantor, a person who co-signs the lease and is legally responsible for paying rent if the tenant fails to do so.
Both you and your guarantor should gather your bank account statements, pay stubs, and Social Security numbers for the landlord to run a credit check.
While it can seem stressful at first, once it is broken down into steps, finding an apartment can be a simple process.
If you need additional help in your search, feel free to reach out to the Rambler Columbus leasing team who are happy to answer any questions you might have regarding your search for student housing.
We hope that these steps have helped you understand the process of finding a student housing apartment. By following these eight steps, you will be well on your way to finding the perfect apartment for you near Ohio State University!
