Home > College > Welcome to the Buckeye State: Experience Columbus on a Student Budget

Welcome to the Buckeye State: Experience Columbus on a Student Budget

Whether you’re heading back to Columbus for school or just learned you’ll be living off-campus this year, starting fresh in a new apartment is no small thing. You already know the rhythms of student life—but now you’re figuring out where to live, how to furnish it, and how to feel at home in a space that’s truly yours.

The good news? You don’t need to spend a lot to settle in comfortably.

Here’s how students living off campus are making the most of Columbus—without overspending.

Columbus on a Student Budget: Smart Ways to Explore Off-Campus

If your first year was mostly spent near campus, this time around opens up more of the city—and more control over how you experience it.

What do students actually do when they want to get out without spending much? According to real posts and videos from Columbus students, it’s less about partying and more about finding fun in the margins:

  • Franklinton Fridays bring free art, music, and murals in a warehouse district just west of downtown.
  • Franklin Park Cascades is a go-to for mental resets or quiet walks, especially at dusk.
  • German Village offers locally loved coffee shops, indie bookstores like The Book Loft, and picnic spots in Schiller Park.
  • COSI, local sports events, and public galleries pop up often in weekend recs.
@d1yapper15 pros and cons of ohio state!!! #ohiostate #college #decision #freshman #fyp ♬ original sound – yapfest

“I think what’s so great is that we have a lot of things to do if you’re not into the drinking scene… concerts, coffee shops, escape rooms, Blue Jackets games—literally anything you can think of.”
Student living in Columbus, via TikTok

Where Students Talk Honestly About Off-Campus Life

Some of the best advice about living off campus doesn’t come from university websites—it comes from other students. Forums like Reddit, Discord, or Facebook Groups for your year are full of real talk about what it’s actually like to make this transition.

Whether it’s posts about splitting rent, navigating public transportation, or dealing with landlord issues, these communities offer unfiltered support from people who’ve been there. It’s where students go to feel less alone in the process—and get practical tips that brochures don’t include.

Affording College Life: What Students Actually Say

One of the most consistent themes across student forums? Money stress is real. Rent, groceries, Wi-Fi, furniture—it adds up fast.

But even with limited budgets, students are finding creative ways to make it work:

  • Renting furniture instead of buying
  • Shopping at affordable grocery chains
  • Learning how to furnish apartments gradually
  • Prioritizing must-haves (like beds and desks) over aesthetics

That’s where services like CORT Furniture Rental come in. Whether you’re staying for a semester or a full year, renting helps you create a livable, welcoming space without committing to upfront purchases or reselling later.

Not Sure Where to Start? Let Columbus Surprise You

For returning students moving off-campus, finding the right apartment can feel overwhelming—but Columbus has a wide range of neighborhoods and housing options that fit student life. Whether your move is due to housing overflow or a personal choice, it helps to explore apartments in Columbus that understand the needs of student renters.

For a lot of students, comfort doesn’t come from having everything figured out. It comes from small discoveries: a new café on your walk home, a quiet reading spot, or a local event you found by accident.

You don’t need a full plan to explore Columbus. You just need a little curiosity—and a willingness to let the city show up for you.

From Dorms to Downtown: Finding Comfort in a New Setup

Living off campus is exciting—but it also means handling more on your own. You’re choosing furniture, navigating new routines, managing utilities, and making your apartment feel like home.

Small comforts matter. A real bed. A table to eat at. A couch that makes your living room feel welcoming. Those things help you reset after long days—and settle into the year ahead with more stability.

CORT Helps You Feel at Home—Even Before You Unpack

If your move-in timeline is uncertain—or your budget’s already stretched—you’re not alone. Many students are juggling late leases, mismatched furniture, and the infamous “air mattress for now” plan.

With CORT Furniture Rental, you can skip the guesswork. Rent what you need, for as long as you need it. Everything arrives move-in ready, so you can focus on school, not setup.

No trips to warehouse stores. No Facebook Marketplace stress. Just comfort from day one.

Posts You May Also Like