Columbus is one of the most welcoming cities when it comes to providing quality education. It has become a popular choice for international students. One of the key factors that attracts students is the city being 7% cheaper than the national average. Key institutes in the region include the Ohio State University (OSU), Capital University, Columbus State Comm College, and Franklin University. OSU alone has 6,000 international students, making it an inclusive space for everyone.
Student housing in Columbus has a fresh supply of options for students, including off-campus student apartments and purpose-built student housing (PBSA). These are especially useful as on-campus Ohio student housing fills up quickly and has limited space. Amber provides affordable and flexible leases to students, ensuring that you find the right fit for you. Among the top properties in Columbia are Normandy and The Abigail.
Amber provides easy bookings for Ohio State University off-campus housing. You can check out properties with verified reviews and take a virtual tour.
You can view the student apartment in Columbus with the virtual tour and detailed photos. If you're unable to travel to the property, do not fret - amber also provides a walkthrough with a video.
Finding Columbus off-campus housing can be time-consuming. Ideally, you should start looking for accommodation 6-9 months before the beginning of your academic term. This will give you ample time to find the right fit.
The top student housing Columbus Ohio, includes various safety features. Typically, there is gated access, surveillance cameras, secure locks, and on-site management for added security. Be sure to verify these during tours.
There are quite a few neighborhoods that can be considered the most affordable suburbs of Columbus OH. Among them are Whitehall, University Village, University District, and Obetz. Other popular neighborhoods include North Campus, South Campus, Short North, and Clintonville.
To extend your stay in your student apartments in Columbus, contact amber to check availability and sort out the details. Please note that extensions are subject to availability and may incur additional charges at student apartments in Ohio.
When booking student apartments in Columbus, check the location's proximity to your campus. Also, check the included amenities (such as internet and utilities), the terms of the lease, and the reviews of previous tenants. Also one more important factor to consider is proximity to the university, as many student-oriented apartments are within walking or biking distance to campus. Verify the condition of the student apartments in Columbus OH and the reliability of the landlord or management.
Multiple payment options like net banking and debit cards are available. Our payment portal assists students with the procedure to find the best student apartments in Columbus OH. For a detailed explanation, watch our video on how to pay for student accommodation when you choose to book your top student apartments in Columbus OH.
The rent in most private student apartments in Columbus Ohio, typically covers housing costs. It may or may not include utilities like water, electricity, and internet. A deposit is usually required to secure the student apartments in Columbus and is refundable at the end of your lease, subject to conditions.
Most off-campus Columbus student apartments have different pet policies, so make sure you check the property policies carefully before you rent the place out.
Columbus is one of United State's fastest growing cities. It currently houses over 946,000 residents, including over 150,000 students. The average age in the city is around 33-years, making it quite a young and youthful place to be in. It is home to OSU, which is one of the most prestigious public universities in the country. Students have a lot of scope in Columbia as the unemployment rate is only 4.5% – 4.6%. In 2026, it saw an employment growth of 0.7%.
Aside from the universities, the city offers a lot in art, culture, music, and sports. For example, the Short North Arts District is known for its lively music scene and galleries. If you are a museum lover, then you would find the COSI (Center of Science and Industry) museum a place of interest. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy cheering at Ohio Stadium, which is home to the Ohio State Buckeyes football team.
The best student housing in Columbus offers a mix of privacy and connection to the social scene. Amber makes your search for off campus student housing in Columbus easy. The variety of student housing it provides not only shows its range, but also displays the understanding that it has about students’ needs. Their platform lets you filter options based on what matters most to you. Also, you can filter according to your needs, as many newer off-campus student apartments include utilities like internet and electricity in the rent. Many student apartments in Columbus are fully furnished, and the average rent for student apartments in Columbus ranges from $650.00 to $4300.00.
You can find the best studios, private, and shared apartments with amber. These living choices help students understand what they want, so that they can find their home away from home! You’ll see verified listings with real photos and reviews from actual students. Here are some of the best student housing in Columbus options:
| Student Housing in Columbus | Amenities | Nearest University |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Lofts | Fitness Center, Complementary Coffee Bar, Attached Parking Garage | The Ohio State University |
| 80 On The Commons | Fitness Center, Resident Lounge, 24-hour Emergency Maintenance | Franklin University |
| Luxe At The Highlands | Outdoor Lounge, Pet Friendly, Fitness Center with Techno Fitness and Peloton Bikes | The Ohio State University |
| Steel House | Free Wi-Fi, Starbucks Coffee Bar, Resort-style Pool | The Ohio State University |
| Tribeca | Computer Lounge, Fitness Center, Resort-Style Pool | The Ohio State University |
Renting off-campus apartments in Columbus provides greater independence and privacy compared to dorms. Columbus student apartments often include modern facilities such as communal lounge areas, study rooms, and gyms. You can find affordable flats without draining your wallet or relying on student loans. Columbus offers many affordable student housing in Columbus options. Amber helps you find the best Columbus student apartments. You can sort by price using filters. The listings are clear, so you know exactly what you get for your money. Here are some options for affordable Columbus student housing:
| Student Housing in Columbus | Amenities | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lumen On Ninth | High-Speed Internet, Gaming Area, Secured Parking Garage | $929 |
| Uncommon Columbus | On site Management Team, 24-Hour Fitness Center, Swimming Pool | $914 |
| The Griff | Swimming Pool, 24-Hour Computer Lab, 24-Hour Fitness Center with Cardio and Weightlifting Equipment | $870 |
| The View On Pavey Square | Fitness On Demand, 24-Hour Fitness Center, Secure Parking Garage | $829 |
| StateHouse Highline | Outdoor Courtyard With Grilling Stations, Resort-Style Pool With Sundeck, Yoga Studio | $849 |
Finding the right off campus student housing in Ohio can be a daunting task. Researching the local area's safety reputation and crime statistics is important when choosing a neighborhood. There are various universities such as Ohio Dominican University, The Ohio State University (OSU), Franklin University, and Capital University, located in this bustling city. Neighborhoods like North Campus offers modern apartments with amenities like pools, gyms, and study rooms, often catering to the student lifestyle. Students need to choose the right neighborhood which is a contributing key to a great student experience. Here are some of the top areas in the city for student living, helping you navigate your ideal home for rent search efficiently.
1. Short North: Short North is a cultural hub for Columbus. If you're a museum hopper, then places like the Columbus Museum of Art are within a short distance. It includes eateries like Short North Pint House and Skully's Music-Diner. Most of these places are within walking distance. In fact, the neighborhood has an excellent walk score of 95 and has an overall D+ crime grade. Lumen On Ninth is one of the properties you can check out.
2. German Village: It is one of Columbus's historic neighborhoods featuring brick houses and cobblestone. It can be considered a walker's paradise as it has a solid walk score in the low 90s. It has shown safer crime rates, as it usually falls under a B+ to A- rating. Bookworms will find the Book Loft of German Village to be a hotspot. If you want to try out German food, then the Schmidt's Sausage Haus has been a staple in these parts. One of the top-rated properties in the area is the Steel House.
3. Clintonville: Clintonville is located in the north of downtown Columbus. It is best described as a nature-friendly neighborhood. Boasting a solid walk score of 77 and a crime grade (A-), this area is one of the preferred locations for student housing in Columbus OH. Local hotspots include Park of Roses, Whetstone Prairie, and Pattycake Bakery. If you're searching for housing here, the Tribeca is a good option.
Columbus OH offers a variety of student living options. Among these, PBSAs are the most popular and in-demand ones. These properties will typically include various useful amenities such as in-house gyms, rooftop terrace, resort-style pool, private study rooms, study desks, high speed wifi, and communal lounges. Amber offers 24/7 assistance if you're looking to book student housing in Columbus.
| Room Type | Best For | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Private Rooms | Those who prefer privacy | $750 – $1,200 |
| Studio Apartments | For those who prefer independence. It comes with a private bedroom, a private bathroom, and a compact kitchen | $850 – $1,400+ |
| Shared Apartments | Those who prefer a shared space | $600 – $1,350 |
| 1-Bed or 2-Bed Apartments | This is ideal for those who want private rooms with a shared common space | $900 - $2,100 |
| 3-Bed or 4-Bedroom Apartments | This is for big groups of three or four. It comes with private rooms and shared kitchens, bathrooms, and more | $1,300 - $3,500 |
Columbus Ohio provides a welcoming atmosphere for students to grow and pursue their academic journeys. However, managing expenses can be a challenging task. The monthly cost of living in Columbus is roughly between $1,000 and $1,500. You can read about a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in the USA, including groceries and miscellaneous expenses, in this comprehensive Cost of Living Guide in the USA. Here is a summary of the expenses that you'll encounter:
1. Off-campus housing: $900 - $1,900 per month
2. Food and Groceries: $300 - $500 per month
3. Transportation: $100 - $150 per month
4. Utilities (including internet): $150 - $200 per month
5. Sports and Leisure: $50 - $100 per month
6. Clothes: $50 - $100 per month
Columbus Ohio has great connectivity and transportation for students. It includes bus and shuttle services and great biking lanes. The following are some of the primary modes of transport you can avail:
| Mode of Transport | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | Single ride starts at $3. Passes cost $25 | You can avail passes from COTA - Central Ohio Transit Authority |
| Cabs/Shuttle | Free | Campus Area Bus Service (CABS) free service to students, faculty, and staff of OSU |
| Biking | Free | Columbus has over 200 miles of bikeable roads and lanes |
Columbus Ohio offers a well-rounded lifestyle combining academic fervor and liveliness. It is considered a thriving college town, as it houses the OSU. Aside from high quality education, the city offers hangout spots, including Fox in the Snow Café and Stauf’s Coffee Roasters. Other affordable options include Lavash Café, Mikey’s Late Night Slice, and North Market.
Nature lovers appreciate the Scioto Mile and the Scioto River. It is ideal for walking, cycling, or relaxing. Other notable spots include Goodale Park and Schiller Park. If you're an art lover, then you can explore the Wexner Center for the Arts. The Palace Theatre and Southern Theatre offer entertainment options. Columbus also hosts annual cultural events like ComFest, Asian Festival, and Pride Parade. With over 200 sunny days per year and easy access to nearby cities like Cincinnati and Cleveland, Columbus is a great base for students who want a balance of academics, creativity, and adventure.
Columbus has some of the best universities in the USA. With its charming atmosphere and a significant student population, Columbus has become an attractive destination for higher education. Having excellent universities around the city brings in a lot of students from various parts of the country. Students attending these universities can enjoy the convenience of safe and comfortable accommodation. Here are some of the top universities in the city:
1. Ohio State University(OSU): It is a top-ranked research institution with renowned programs in Engineering, Business, Medicine, and Political Science. Also Most properties listed for rent in Columbus are located very close to OSU, making the university a popular choice for the students.
2. Capital University: The institution offers standout programs in Law, Music, and Nursing, with its Conservatory of Music and Law School drawing nationwide recognition. Capital University also provides furnished apartments for upperclassmen located near campus, featuring shared living spaces and a common room. The only drawback is that they provide less privacy and independence.
3. Ohio Dominican University: The university is known for programs in Business, Education, and Health Sciences, particularly its accelerated nursing and MBA tracks.