Emerson Park, Westerville

Westerville has many student housing options to fit various needs, budgets, and lifestyles. Whether you want complete privacy or enjoy a shared living setup, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a simple breakdown of the most popular room types available in Westerville:

1. Ensuite Rooms

Ensuite rooms come with a private bedroom and attached bathroom. You share the kitchen and living area with other students. This setup is great for those who want privacy but also enjoy a social atmosphere.

2. Non-Ensuite Rooms

These are private bedrooms without an attached bathroom. You’ll share the bathroom, kitchen, and lounge with others. It’s a budget-friendly option and perfect for students who don’t mind sharing common spaces.

3. Studio Apartments

Studio apartments are fully private and self-contained. They include a bedroom, bathroom, and a small kitchen. You don’t have to share anything. This option is best for students who prefer peace, privacy, and full control over their space.

4. 1-Bed and 2-Bed Apartments

These apartments come with one or two bedrooms, and the kitchen, bathroom, and lounge are shared between the roommates. They offer more space and are ideal for students who want to live with a close friend or have more room to study and relax.

5. Shared Apartments

In shared apartments, each student gets a private bedroom while common areas like the kitchen and living room are shared. These are perfect for students who like living with others and making new friends.

6. Private Rooms in Shared Flats

These rooms offer personal space within a shared flat. You get your own room, but you share the kitchen and bathroom with others. It’s a balanced choice that combines independence with a sense of community.

Understanding the cost of living in Westerville is important for students planning their budget. While costs can vary based on lifestyle, students should plan for basics like food, utilities, transport, and social activities. Westerville is generally affordable compared to larger cities in the U.S., and many student discounts are available locally. Whether you're living in a shared apartment or a private studio, having a monthly budget will help you manage your expenses wisely. Here's a quick look at the average monthly costs (excluding rent) to help you get started:

1. Groceries: $200–$300/month
2. Utilities (Gas, Electricity, Water): $50–$90/month
3. Internet & Mobile Plan: $40–$60/month
4. Transportation (Bus or Student Pass): $30–$50/month
5. Dining Out: $60–$120/month
6. Laundry: $15–$25/month
7. Stationery & Textbooks: $30–$50/month
8. Clothing: $40–$80/month

Getting around Westerville is easy and convenient for students, with multiple transport options and affordable passes available. Whether you're heading to university, grabbing groceries, or planning a weekend trip to Columbus, Westerville has a reliable and student-friendly travel system. Here’s a guide to student travel in Westerville:

1. Buses
Westerville is well-served by the COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) bus network, which connects the city to major areas like Uptown, Polaris, and Columbus. Buses run frequently, and popular routes like 1 and 102 link student neighborhoods with shopping centers and university campuses. Students can save money using a COTA Semester Pass, which offers unlimited travel for around $225 per term. Regular weekly travel costs range from $12 to $15, making buses a budget-friendly option.

2. Cycling
Cycling is a popular mode of travel in Westerville, especially during the warmer months. The city features well-maintained bike lanes and trails like the Westerville B&W Bike Path. Many student housing in Westerville offers secure bike storage, and students can also access city bike-sharing programs. Rentals cost about $5 to $8 per week, while monthly memberships are available for frequent riders.

3. Rideshare
Uber and Lyft are commonly used in Westerville for quick, flexible travel. These services are especially helpful for students needing late-night transport or traveling to nearby areas like Columbus. Weekly rideshare costs average between $20 and $40, depending on usage. Carpooling apps also offer affordable ride options for budget-conscious students.

4. Walking
The Westerville Walkway System links key areas of the city. It connects Otterbein University, Uptown Westerville, and Heritage Park. This system provides safe and well-lit paths for pedestrians. This network is great in winter. Some parts are indoors or protected, so walking feels nice all year. Students can safely walk around the city thanks to sidewalks and crosswalks.

Westerville blends academics and fun. It's a comfortable and enjoyable place for students to live. After class, you can explore local cafés, events, nature trails, and cozy bookshops. There’s always something new to discover! Here's a look at what student life in Westerville has to offer:

1. Dining & Nightlife

Westerville has a great selection of student-friendly restaurants and casual hangout spots. Try Northstar Cafe for healthy meals or Old Bag of Nails Pub for classic American food. Students also enjoy grabbing coffee at Java Central, a local café known for its cozy vibe and open mic nights. Though nightlife is quiet, nearby Columbus offers more options for clubs and late-night fun.

2. Cultural Events & Festivals

The city hosts events like Fourth Fridays in Uptown, a monthly street fair with live music, food trucks, and local vendors. The Westerville Music & Arts Festival is another big event, where students can enjoy local art, crafts, and performances. These festivals are great ways to meet people and experience local culture.

3. Adventure & Green Spaces

Westerville has lots of parks and green trails. Inniswood Metro Gardens is a peaceful spot for weekend walks. Hoover Reservoir Park is ideal for kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing by the water. Students can also enjoy bike rides along the Westerville B&W Trail, which runs through the city.

4. Shopping

Students can shop at Polaris Fashion Place, a large mall just 15 minutes away with top brands and food courts. Uptown Westerville has small shops, bookstores, and thrift stores. They’re great for student budgets, especially in a country where some of the most expensive colleges in the US are located. It's also a great area to unwind after a long study session.

Westerville is an excellent city for students. It has strong academic programs and a calm setting for studying and personal growth. Westerville has many universities for you. No matter if you're into business, healthcare, education, or the arts, you'll discover excellent choices here. Here are the top universities in Westerville:

1. University of Dayton

About an hour away from Westerville, the University of Dayton is a private Catholic research university known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and law. Students seeking a more traditional campus experience often explore housing options in Dayton or commute from nearby cities.

2. Ohio State University (Columbus Campus)

The Ohio State University is just a 20-minute drive from Westerville. It is one of the largest and most famous universities in the U.S. It offers top-ranked programs in engineering, law, medicine, and business. Many students in Westerville commute to OSU. They like affordable student housing in Westerville and quiet neighborhoods.

3. Franklin University

Franklin University, located in Columbus, is known for its flexible programs and online learning. It’s a great choice for students who are working or prefer part-time study. The school caters to adult learners. It offers degrees in technology, management, and healthcare. These universities are near many student-friendly places to stay in Westerville. This makes it easy to balance studying and daily life.