Life Outside of Campus in Columbus, Ohio
Many people immediately think of The Ohio State University when they hear Columbus, Ohio. This may be rightfully so as the university attracts roughly 60-70k students each year. However, the city and surrounding areas have a lot more to offer outside of the campus. As someone new to Columbus, my weekends and free time have consisted of exploring and checking out some of the city’s most popular spots.
The neighborhoods and small towns that surround the city of Columbus are each unique. Among the most popular are the German and Italian Villages, Dublin, The Short North, and Grandview Heights. Each one offers its own mix of restaurants, coffee shops, and stores that make them worth visiting.
If you’re into shopping, Easton and Polaris are two of the most popular and largest shopping centers in the state of Ohio. They have every store you could imagine or want and are just a short drive from campus.
For me personally, sports are one of the biggest attractions in the city. Columbus has two major league sports teams in the Columbus Crew of MLS (Major League Soccer) and Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL (National Hockey League). Additionally, the city has a minor league baseball team - the Columbus Clippers. All of these stadiums and arenas are located downtown in an area called the arena district. These venues are a perfect place to catch a game or see a concert if you ever get tired of watching the Ohio State football team win.
One of my favorite parts of Columbus so far has been the Olentangy River Trail. The trail spans 14 miles along the Olentangy River from Downtown to Worthington. Perfect for running, biking, or just taking a walk, it is a great place to reset and take a break after studying and classes.
Growing up in Cleveland, I was always familiar with OSU and Columbus, but I was slightly surprised to learn of all the activities and things to do. I have found that you can get to almost anywhere in Columbus in about 20 minutes, and as the city continues to attract new residents and companies, there are countless opportunities to launch your career and build connections. While the Ohio State University is an amazing place to grow and learn, the city of Columbus and surrounding areas are worth checking out too during your time as a Buckeye.
