WHAT’s IT LIKE TO LIVE ON NORTH CAMPUS AS A STUDENT AT OSU?

North Campus at OSU is right by most main academic buildings, making it a hot spot for student living. It’s also super close to The Shoe, OSU’s football stadium. Living here, you’re just steps away from campus and the social scene on High Street and Lane Avenue. Along Lane Avenue and High Street you can find:

+ Iconic entertainment venues like The Schottenstein Center and Newport Music Hall
+ Restaurants such as Varsity Club and Buckeye Donuts
+ Popular social spots like The Horseshoe Country Bar, Little Bar and Out-R-Inn
+ Stores like Clothing Underground and Rally House

Read Next: Where to Live near Ohio State if You Don’t Want to Live on Campus

DO I NEED A CAR IF I LIVE OFF CAMPUS?

Whether or not you choose to bring your car is up to where you choose to live and your personal preference of how you like to get around. Many students who choose to live near campus do not find a car necessary. However, if you choose to live anywhere else in Columbus such as Downtown or The Short North, a car is the primary way to get around.

Walking or biking to campus is also very common for students. However, keep in mind that Columbus doesn’t have bike lanes.

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) runs many routes around and through campus from all different areas of the city, making it easier for students to live off-campus. The COTA is free for students when they use their student ID. The university also has a bus system that runs mainly on campus and parts of the University District. Most off-campus apartments have easy access to either the bus system or offer their own shuttle services. However, getting to places such as the grocery store using the bus might not be as easy or convenient as getting to campus.

Additionally, OSU has partnered with Lyft to create the Ride Smart Program. This enables students to get discounted on Lyft standard or XL rides seven days a week from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

If I choose not to live in a student apartment, what are my other options and how much do they cost?

UNIVERSITY HOUSING

+ Nine-month lease (following the OSU academic calendar). You will not have access to your dorm during school breaks or over the summer.
+ Dorm rates range from $3,815 to $4,899 per semester, depending on factors including location, room type and amenities. Learn more about on-campus housing rates here.
+ Rates include internet service, utilities (water, electricity, gas, and trash), study rooms, laundry access, mail services, and all dorms come fully- furnished.
+ Meal plans at Ohio State range from $2,237 to $2,730 per semester.
+ OSU Dining Services has a six-step process to help you decide which plan is best for you.
+ Option to live in a double, triple, quad, eightperson suite or apartment style accommodation.

TRADITIONAL HOUSE

+ One- to two-year leases.
+ Monthly rates typically fall between $650 to $950 per person.
+ Roommates divide rent amongst themselves to pay the landlord. There is shared responsibility for all payments and damages.
+ Internet and utilities are not included in base rent and are additional fees each month.
+ Come unfurnished and lack the amenities that many apartments in Columbus offer.
+ Option to live alone or with up to twelve roommates.
+ Living styles vary. Some houses will not have the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms, meaning you may share a bathroom with a roommate or two.
+ Usually include in-unit washer/dryer.

TRADITIONAL APARTMENTS

+ Offer traditional one-year leases.
+ Monthly rates range from around $913 to $1,421 per month depending on a number of factors such as amenities, location and floor plan.
+ Do not have the same luxury amenities as student housing options, and will usually offer a small amenity package at best.
+ Internet and other utilities are typically not included in base rent and are additional monthly fees.
+ Option to live alone or with roommates
+ Typically have a private bedroom and bathroom and in-unit washer/dryer.

GREEK HOUSING

+ Nine-month lease (following the OSU academic year). You will most likely not have access to your Greek house during school breaks and over the summer.
+ The average cost per semester is $3,000 to $6,000 depending on location and amenities. Internet and all utilities are included in the base rent and are not additional fees.
+ This price includes dues for the semester and a meal plan, so these will not be additional costs.
+ Option to live alone or with up to four roommates, but in a dorm-style house with communal spaces (including bathrooms) shared with other members.
+ Shared laundry room access.

Should I move to a new apartment or should I renew my current lease?

PROS OF MOVING TO A NEW APARTMENT

+ New amenities
+ Updated living space
+ New experience but with familiarity of the same roommates
+ New community and opportunities

CONS OF MOVING TO A NEW APARTMENT

+ Cost & time required to move
+ Likely increase in rent

If your apartment still meets your needs and you value staying in the same place, you may want to consider renewing your lease. If you are tired of living in your apartment and are looking for newer amenities and features, you may want to consider moving to a new property in Columbus.

Read Next: Moving to a New Property vs. Renewing: Which is Right for Me?

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I START LOOKING FOR A PLACE?

Students will start to secure housing for the next academic year as early as September. You should sign a lease by March at the latest. New developments may start taking leases up to 18 months before their delivery date.

What are the benefits of signing my lease early?

1. Best rates

Many student housing properties use a tier system during the leasing process. When leasing first opens, rates will usually be at their lowest, also called first tier rates. Then, as units decrease in availability, rates will typically be raised per month, per person.

2. Parking

If you are planning to park at your apartment complex, you should consider signing your lease early to increase your chances of securing a spot as space is often limited and can go quickly as the leasing season progresses.

3. Roommate choice

By signing your lease early, you will have more options when it comes to roommates. As time goes on, more and more people have secured their living situation, so you will have a smaller pool of potential roommates over time.

4. Choice of apartment & room

Most developments have a limited number of units with special features such as balconies and specific views. If having these amenities is important to you, you should consider leasing early to increase your chances of securing one of these units.

5. Peace of mind

By signing your lease early, you gain the feeling of security on your housing decision. It is one more thing that has already been taken care of and you won’t find yourself scrambling at the last minute to find a place to live in subsequent years.

Read Next: 6 Benefits of Signing Your Lease Early at The Ohio State University

What are the benefits of moving into a newly constructed apartment?

1. MODERN design

A big incentive to live in a new construction are the modern designs and finishes. Many new developments have a sleek design with bigger windows, new technology, and furniture packages that set them apart from an older student apartments. New buildings near OSU are often decked out with upscale designs and trendy features that make you excited to come home after a long day of classes.

2. yOU are the first

Living in a new development means that you are the first person to use your shower, cook on your stove, and live in your space! The entire building is brand new, making you one of the first people to enter the lobby, use the gym, and take a dip in the pool! You get to be the first person to call the space home, and it creates the perfect fresh start while living in Columbus.

3. updated amenities

Modern, up-to-date amenities are one of the top selling points for a new apartment. Having updated amenities under one roof makes living in a newly built apartment extremely convenient. Your new home could be a onestop-shop for your morning coffee, your daily workout and an all-night study session. Also, it is important to remember that all the costs associated with these updated amenities are factored into your monthly rate. You may think that it costs less to live at an older development with less amenities, but when you factor in all your other daily costs, such as a gym membership, you will find that paying more for a new development and amenities is the most cost effective!

4. sense of community

Hundreds of new residents moving into a new development can sound hectic, but it makes for a fun move-in experience. This is when you can meet your neighbors who are also moving into your complex.

Everyone is having a similar experience; they’re excited about their new apartment and can’t wait to meet everyone! This creates a tight-knit community as everyone explores their new home.

Many new complexes also offer community events where you can meet new friends, participate in the free activities, and enjoy some free food! These are a great perk that brings the community together.

5. UNEXPECTED PERKS

In a new development near the The Ohio State University, you’ll find many bonuses that most people don’t normally think of during their housing search. For example, many new buildings typically offer added security with controlled access points and 24/7 surveillance cameras throughout the property. New construction also tends to emphasize customer service. While older buildings already have an established reputation, a brand new community relies heavily on the satisfaction of its residents to maintain its name. This typically leads to a friendly, attentive staff that is happy to assist you.

Read Next: 5 Benefits of Living in a New Student Apartment in Columbus Near OSU

HOW DO I DECIDE WHICH FLOORPLAN IS RIGHT FOR ME?

The first step to answering this question is to determine if you will be living alone or with roommates. There are different benefits and reasons to live in each floorplan, as well as features specific to the property you are looking at. It’s helpful to ask a leasing staff member about features like balconies, views, bathrooms, and layouts that might be available in a floorplan you’re thinking about. These features might affect your base rent, but knowing what’s important to you can help you decide what you need to make sure you feel at home in your space. The more you start to look at and tour apartments, the more easily you will be able to determine which space is best for you.

How Do I Apply for an Apartment?

Most applications can be completed online. You can also fill out your application at the leasing office after your tour. Filling out an application is generally a 10-20 minute process. You will need to answer basic information, such as your driver’s license information, emergency contact, pet information, current residence, etc. Make sure you bring your driver’s license or government ID for this step.

An application might also ask you for your guarantor information. A guarantor is someone, typically a parent or guardian, who qualifies you to sign a lease. Most OSU students don’t qualify on their own from their monthly income and credit score, so your guarantor is taking on the liability of the rental rate for you. A guarantor typically needs to make at least three times the price of monthly rent in income each month.

Before starting your application, talk to your guarantor and let them know to expect an email with their portion to complete. This will typically include pay stubs, bank account information, and their Social Security Number so that the leasing office can run a background and credit check.

What is a Guarantor Responsible for?

By guaranteeing your lease, the guarantor is taking on the liability of rent for the entire duration of the lease, plus any damages. If you do not pay your rent, they will be responsible for payment.

In an individual lease, which is what you will sign at a student apartment, both you and your guarantor are only signing for your bed space. This means that your guarantor is not responsible for any of your roommates’ bedrooms. They will sign a separate lease and likely have a guarantor of their own.

Read Next: What Is a Guarantor? Everything You Need to Know as an OSU Student

What’s included in a lease agreement?

A lease agreement will include your rent rate, terms of the lease, and important dates. A lease is a legally binding contract. Make sure to read each page thoroughly to understand the terms of your lease and know what you’re getting into. Pay close attention to dates and fees, and take note of when you will pay rent each month, when your lease term ends, etc.

At a student apartment, you and your guarantor are the only ones responsible for upholding your lease. If you choose to sign roommates, they will sign their own lease that they will be responsible for.

Read Next: How to Sign an Apartment Lease: Step-by-Step for OSU Students

What fees will I incur when signing a lease and moving to a new apartment?

Depending on the property, the following fees might be due when you sign your lease or on move-in day.

Admin fee: Admin fees tend to range between $50 to $300. They are used to cover the price of administration, billing, bill auditing, overhead, and similar expenses. Admin fees are typically nonrefundable, so make sure to confirm with your apartment if you’ll be reimbursed if you decide not to sign a lease.

Security Deposit: Security deposits usually range from around $100 to the equivalent of one month’s rent. A security deposit is a refundable fee held for the duration of your lease term. Security deposits are typically due at the time of move-in and refundable at the end of your lease term, as long as there are no damages to the apartment beyond typical wear.

What Are Some of the Costs I Can Anticipate for Moving?

When moving in or out of an apartment, there are often unexpected fees to consider. These may include costs for storage space, cleaning services, and moving services. Depending on your needs, these expenses can range from less than $50 to over $500.

Read Next: 9 Additional Costs to Consider When Looking for Apartments near Ohio State

CLEANING SERVICE

When moving out of a student apartment, it’s important to leave the space clean to avoid additional charges. Hiring a cleaning service can cost around $100 to over $400, depending on the extent of the cleaning needed. Some residents also opt to hire a cleaning service when moving in, particularly at older properties. Generally, student apartment cleaning services fall on the lower end of this cost range.

Free Download: Cleaning Checklist

MOVING SERVICE

Hiring movers can also add to your moving costs, with fees typically ranging from $25 to $50 per hour for each professional and an additional $20 to $50 per hour for the moving vehicle. Some apartment complexes provide movers to assist new residents on move-in day, but you should consider these costs when creating your housing budget.

STORAGE SPACE

If you have a gap between leases, you might need a storage unit near OSU to hold your belongings. Off-site self-storage options typically range from $40 to $500 per month based on unit size.

Need Storage? Check out our guide to self storage options in Columbus.

How Much Does it Cost to Live at Rambler?

Rent starts at $1,008 depending on the floorplan you choose and when you sign. In addition to your monthly rental rate, all residents are responsible for the following monthly fees:

+ Rental insurance: If you choose not to purchase renter’s insurance, you are automatically enrolled in Cardinal Protect, our liability waiver program managed through Foxen. You will be charged a fee of $15 per month, which you will see in your resident portal. You can opt out of the liability waiver by providing proof of coverage by a third-party renter’s insurance. This should have a minimum of $100,000 of liability coverage and will range from $10 to $30 per month. For more information, read our article on the difference between renter’s insurance vs. liability waiver programs.
+ Utilities (electricity and water): These are sub-metered utilities, so the cost will vary by usage each month. The amount of electricity and water your apartment uses for that month will be split amongst you and your roommates evenly, or based on each roommate’s usage, depending on the unit. Utilities will be billed monthly via Conservice.
+ Trash fee: $5 per month
You can also opt in to these features for an additional charge:
+ Parking: Standard parking starts at $75 per month, and reserved parking starts at $95 per month. This price is subject to change based on availability.
+ Pet rent: $35 per month plus a one-time, nonrefundable pet deposit of $300

What one-time fees will I be charged?

+ Application Fee (non-refundable): $50 – This fee covers the cost of the background checks we run in order to approve your application, including the screening of one guarantor. This fee is due upon submission of your electronic application.
+ Admin Fee (non-refundable): $200 – Residents will be charged a one-time service fee for administration, billing, bill auditing, overhead and similar expenses and charges to be incurred by the Landlord for the Term of this Lease.
+ Security Deposit (refundable): $100 – This fee is due upon move-in and is refundable at the end of your lease term as long as there are no repairs required for your unit after moving out.
+ Utility Setup Fee (non-refundable): $60 – This is an annual registration fee billed by Conservice to set up your utilities, and is not due until you move in.

Rambler seems like the right fit for me. What should I do next?

We hope that this guide has helped simplify the process of finding a place to live in Columbus as a student at the The Ohio State University. By following this guide, you will be well on your way to finding the perfect place for you and your needs!

If you need any additional help during this process, contact the Rambler Leasing Team or send us an email at [email protected]. We are happy to help answer any questions you might have regarding your housing search or living at Rambler.

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