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 the key academic and cultural hubs in the United States. The city has over 946,000 residents. This includes over 150,000 students. The city generally has a youthful vibe, as the average age is just 33. One of the key academic attractions in the city is the Ohio State University (OSU). The academic potential of the city also translates to employment. Columbus' unemployment rate is only 4.5% – 4.6% - a growth of 0.7% from the previous year.
Academics aside, the city has a lot to give in fields of art, culture, music, and sports. Spots like the Short North Arts District is ideal for those seeking a lively music scene and galleries. There are museums too. For example, the COSI (Center of Science and Industry) was recently declared as the #1 Science Museum in the Nation. If you're a sports enthusiast, you can visit the Ohio Stadium where the Ohio State Buckeyes football team plays.
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.
Amber helps you get the best and verified studios, private, and shared apartments in Columbus. You can browse live photos and reviews before making a decision. Below is a list of the best student housing in Columbus:
| 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 |
While on-campus options are a great option since it provides excellent access to the university, it also fills up fast. Off-campus apartments in Columbus give you a lot more choices. Students can pick and choose according to their budgets and preferred amenities. Through Amber, you'll get a curated list of housing options. You can also sort by pricing and other filter options. Here are some options for affordable Columbus student housing:
| Student Housing in Columbus | Amenities | Monthly 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 |
Before searching for off campus student housing in Ohio, students need to research a good area to move into. A lot of factors go into deciding whether the area is good or not. The local area's safety reputation, crime statistics, and distance to the major universities are among the key factors to consider. While some areas are made for families, some provide independent living. Below are some of the best areas for students:
| Neighborhood | Walk Score | Known For | Best Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short North | 95 | Columbus Museum of Art, Short North Pint House, Skully's Music-Diner | Lumen On Ninth |
| German Village | Low 90s | Schmidt's Sausage Haus, historic brick houses, and cobblestone lanes | Steel House |
| Clintonville | 77 | Whetstone Park, Columbus Park of Roses, Pattycake Bakery | Tribeca |
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 |
If you're moving to Columbus, expect a well-rounded lifestyle. House to the popular Ohio State University Campus, it is known to be a college town providing high-quality education. Besides education, the city features top eateries such as Fox in the Snow Café and Stauf’s Coffee Roasters. Affordable options include Mikey’s Late Night Slice and North Market. Sports are also popular in the city. You can watch soccer (Columbus Crew), ice hockey (Columbus Blue Jackets), and women's basketball.
There are a lot of green spaces as well. Notable spots such as Goodale Park, Schiller Park, Scioto Mile, and the Scioto River are ideal for walking, cycling, or relaxing. For art and theater lovers, the Wexner Center for the Arts, Palace Theatre, and Southern Theatre are points of interest. Columbus also hosts annual cultural events like ComFest, Asian Festival, and Pride Parade. If you want short one-day trips, then cities like Cincinnati and Cleveland are within a 3-hour drive.
Columbus is known for having a promising college life, as it features some of the best universities in the USA. It is an attractive destination for students with aspirations in fields of IT, Law, Arts, Education, healthcare, and more. Amber provides safe and comfortable housing near all these institutions. Here are some of the top universities in the city:
| Name of University | QS World Rankings (2026) | Best Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University (OSU) | #190 | Research, Medicine, Engineering, Sports |
| Capital University | Not Ranked Globally | Music, Law, Nursing |
| Franklin University | Not Ranked Globally | Business, Cybersecurity, Online Programs |
| Columbus College of Art & Design | Not Ranked Globally | Animation, Fashion Design, Fine Arts |