Questions about OSU/Short North/Areas close to campus (high school, to work)

[MG626]

Don't worry too much about class sizes, they're not really that big. I had a few giant lectures (like, 200+), but they were all GECs (general education curriculum). Once you get into the classes for your major, they're smaller (at least for my degree). And, the university, for being one of the biggest in the world, is really pretty homey. It's really only as big as you make it.

As for safety, well, I hate to say it, but most of the crime happens to the people who are asking for it. Don't leave your windows unlocked on the first floor, with a huge tv in front of them. Don't leave valuables in your car (as someone else mentioned), or leave it unlocked, 'cause it WILL get ransacked! Don't go running late at night by yourself. Central campus itself is fairly safe, since OSU cops are all over the place. The surrounding neighborhoods can be dodgy, as there are a lot of homeless, and the campus is right smack in the middle of the city. Just be mindful of your surroundings, and you'll be fine.

Having a car can be tricky if you plan to live in the campus area, but I did it for all 5 years that I was there. I hiked it to class everyday, but loved having the wheels to get groceries and stuff. Parking can be a ***** if you don't have an off-street space assigned to you. You have to go downtown to get a city permit, provide proof of residence to the trolls at the office. And even if you do have a space reserved behind your building, well, let's just say that the towing companies make a killing off of naive freshmen who think they can park anywhere. But getting your car towed is almost like a rite of passage, so it would be wise to just set aside some money now to bail your baby out when the time comes . Oh, and don't forget to read the street sweeping signs very cafefully if you'd like to avoid it all together. That's what got me.

And as for where to live, well, you can find something affordable just about anywhere. But here's a brief rundown:

North Campus - North of Lane Ave, i.e. Norwich, Northwood, a lot of houses, not as many apartment buildings, so kinda plan for roomies in this area. I lived here less than a year, wasn't bad, but it was more of a walk to all the action.

Central Campus - Between Lane and 12th, more apartment buildings, Frat Row (15th), bars, stores I lived here for 4 years in a studio and loved it. It can be somewhat expensive, but you're paying for location.

South Campus - South of 12th, Gateway district, more restaurants, bars, shopping, I actually knew a lot art students who lived in this area. Def. most of the law and med students lived here. Again, a lot of houses, so plan for roomies. Nice neighborhood, but you're getting closer to the shadier areas, a little more crime.

The Short North is further down High St., is generally known as the art district. Housing here can be very pricey, but it's a great scene. If you can afford it, def. go for it! Transportation is no big deal, because your student ID is a free bus pass.

The further you get from campus, like west of 4th ave, the cheaper things will be, that's the general rule, so keep that in mind. I lived between High and Indianola (could see the Union from my front steps), and paid $535 for a studio efficiency.

If you're really thinking about it, I say go for it. I loved OSU and Columbus, and I think that it has something to offer everyone. Don't let anyone tell you it's jock school, or you have to be into football, or any of that crap. The perk of such a big school is that it has so much. Just don't get discouraged and jump ship during your first quarter there (and that's another thing you'll have to get used to, the 10 week quarters)! People in my freshman dorms were dropping like flies after the first quarter, and I was almost one of them.

Feel free to send me a message you need more info. I'll even give you my old landlady's number. She was awesome!

Good luck!!

[SteelersFan09]

Thanks a bunch. I sent you a PM with some info on the area I'm checking out.

[streetcreed]

South Campus - South of 12th, Gateway district, more restaurants, bars, shopping, I actually knew a lot art students who lived in this area. Def. most of the law and med students lived here. Again, a lot of houses, so plan for roomies. Nice neighborhood, but you're getting closer to the shadier areas, a little more crime.

All of this posters info. is very accurate. However, only the south campus portion east of high st. between 11th and about 6th ave. is shady or has a higher crime rate. I lived on the south campus area west of high st. and it was much more quiet than north campus, had many renovated one bedrooms that were huge and a hundred (or more) lower than you would pay in the short north. The south campus area south of the university and west of high is really great too cause you can walk or be in the short north and downtown (and get away from all the university culture) within just a few blocks.

Also, south campus has a kroger across the street and is right next to all of the development at the gateway (like a movie theater, barnes and noble, coffe shops, stores etc...)

[MG626]

Originally Posted by streetcreed

All of this posters info. is very accurate. However, only the south campus portion east of high st. between 11th and about 6th ave. is shady or has a higher crime rate. I lived on the south campus area west of high st. and it was much more quiet than north campus, had many renovated one bedrooms that were huge and a hundred (or more) lower than you would pay in the short north. The south campus area south of the university and west of high is really great too cause you can walk or be in the short north and downtown (and get away from all the university culture) within just a few blocks.

Also, south campus has a kroger across the street and is right next to all of the development at the gateway (like a movie theater, barnes and noble, coffe shops, stores etc...)

Yeah, you're right, I switched directions. Sorry 'bout that.

[SteelersFan09]

Originally Posted by MG626

Yeah, you're right, I switched directions. Sorry 'bout that.

So would you recommend south campus west of high over north campus west of high?

[davevbstar]

Oh, and Steelersfan, don't be at all ashamed of your allegiance. Whenever the fans of the Clowns or Bungles start giving you a hard time, just hold up five fingers and calmly point to each one in succession and say, "1975, 1976, 1979, 1980, 2006" and ask them how many fingers they can hold up (I'm sure you will get a good answer to that question).

[MG626]

Originally Posted by SteelersFan09

So would you recommend south campus west of high over north campus west of high?

No, not really, I'd still live north. I think it's a bit safer, no matter which side, east or west. The location you showed me was pretty nice.

[SteelersFan09]

Originally Posted by MG626

No, not really, I'd still live north. I think it's a bit safer, no matter which side, east or west. The location you showed me was pretty nice.

Okay, great. I'm driving out to see it saturday and sign the lease if I like it.

[streetcreed]

So would you recommend south campus west of high over north campus west of high?

I would simply because I like to get away from the university crowd and be among a little bit older, mature (post college) aged, young professionals like you find in the short north and downtown adjacent to south campus. North campus is very undergrad minded (shared single family housing.) It is, also, adjacent to the a nice neighborhood, Clintonville. However, that really isn't a young yuppie hang out either, its pretty middle of the road liberal, family minded.

Im just a downtown, city kind of guy and like the many amenities along the high st. portion of south/central campus and the short north.

[scottie]

Im going to be a student at OSU this coming fall and my sister goes to OSU also and lives near campus so I should be able to help.

1) Class sizes - If youre going to be an incoming junior, class sizes wont be near as large as is possible for a freshman or sophomore.
2) Safety - I wouldnt say Im going to put your fears to rest and say that almost all of the areas are fine if you just avoid the bad ones (ex. Chittenden) because thats not true. My sister lives in a very nice apartment complex on the corner on Olentangy rd. near the Med Center and her car was broken into and her stereo was stolen. Most people dont have a problem but its only realistic that there are going to be problems at one of the nations largest universtities that sits in one of the countries largest cities. Its pretty easy to see which sides of campus are going to be safer and nicer than others if you take a drive around campus
3) Finding a place to live - There are tons of nice complexes and places to live around campus but most may require a car and a commute to campus and classes