Columbus State Off-Campus Housing

Columbus Apartments and Houses For Rent

When To Search

Columbus State Community College students who are looking to live Downtown near campus start looking for housing a year in advance. August is the primary move-in date for the majority of rental companies in the Columbus area, and after moving in, many students immediately begin searching for their next August move. Off-campus housing searches in Columbus tend to peak during September and October, with ambitious students signing a lease in November for the next fall. Students who are late to the party sign their leases in December through February. Downtown, you’ll find a mix of students and conventional families primarily living in apartments. If you travel a few miles away, that’s when you’ll find cheaper, more affordable houses.

Rent in Columbus, OH

Rent prices in Columbus are fairly affordable, especially if you look in advance and round up a roommate or two. Three bedroom units have been the cheapest per person over the last few years, but generally speaking, the more roommates you have, the cheaper your rent will be. If you prefer to live alone, you’ll have to fork over more money each month starting around 600 dollars. Being that Columbus State Community College is located downtown, you might have to dish out a little more cash for the prime downtown location. To save a few bucks, students can consider getting a house or apartment a few miles away from the downtown area and closer to the Ohio State University campus.

Here’s a breakdown of Columbus apartments and houses average rents per person, per bedroom:

Dining/Bars

From neighborhood dives to upscale establishments, Columbus is a large city stacked with tons of bars and restaurants to check out! High Street isn’t just for the OSU students; everyone in the city heads here to grab a bite or pint on any given day. Downtown Columbus has no shortage of great places to fuel up and party the night away. Make sure to check these places out during your time in Columbus.

Best Restaurants:

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

Momo Ghar

The Pearl

Hot Chicken Takeover

Brassica

Best Bars:

16-Bit Bar + Arcade

Char Bar

Blind Lady Tavern

Curio at Harvest

Pins Mechanical Company

Outdoor/Recreation

To work off the stresses of class, Columbus State Community College students can take full advantage of the free fitness center at Delaware Hall. Locker rooms are provided, and students can use the free weights and exercise equipment.

Columbus is a large city full of outdoor and recreational activities. Some popular activities include ziplining at ZipZone Outdoor Adventures or practicing for you NASCAR debut at the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience. If you aren’t that daring, take a stroll through the gardens at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, as mentioned above. Columbus is also home to several parks, like Hayden Falls, where you can hike, bike, and throw a frisbee around during your downtime.

College Life in Columbus, OH

Things to do

Being located in Downtown Columbus and just on the edge of the  Short North (the arts district) gives Columbus State Community College students easy access to numerous activities both on and off-campus! On campus, students really like getting involved in clubs, participating in intramural sports, and going to on-campus events like the pizza social or theater performances. Each year students also look forward to events like Winter Welcome or “Halloweek,” a carnival themed party with food, games, costumes, and more!

Students head to the nearby Ohio State campus for parties and especially for OSU football games. Columbus State students go to the Arena District or Short North to visit the bars, restaurants, and shops. Heading to a concert at Express Live, Newport, or the Basement is another favorite among Columbus State Students.  To soak up the Columbus culture, consider checking out the Center of Science and Industry or the Columbus Museum of Art. Spend a day outdoors at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, or take a trip to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.  

Highlights include:

• Checking out the art in the Short North
• Catching a concert at Newport
• Visiting the Center of Science and Industry
• Spending a day the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium