<p>I just returned home from orientation, so I saw a ton of the campus (pretty much all of the main campus and parts of the business school), and I am at more ease with attending Ohio State. But I am wondering what current students and informed visitors can tell me about the surrounding neighborhoods. We entered campus across the bridge from the west, and came in through some very nice neighborhoods to the southwest of campus, but I also walked around the neighborhoods to the north and east of campus and was kind of underwhelmed. Obviously it is mostly residential, and it is mostly where students live, so it’s not going to be the nicest of areas, but I kind of felt that North High St. (where I did a lot of walking) was kind of dumpy. I didn’t explore all of it, so I didn’t see the gateway arch area, which could be much different. I saw mostly the blocks between 18th and Neil St. What can anyone tell me? Other than the surrounding area, I had a very good visit and would otherwise be very excited to start in the fall. </p>
<p>In exchange, if anyone has any questions about what I saw, i’d be happy to answer them.</p>
<p>I got my degree from OSU 25 years ago, and I admit I know very little about the surrounding neighborhoods.
All my time was spent on campus and High Street. I think now that OSU is encouraging the students to go into downtown Columbus for events.</p>
<p>Hey jack992,</p>
<p>I’m going to be a junior at OSU this fall and remember having the same thoughts as you freshman year. The surrounding areas to the east (from like 5th all the way up to Hudson) are underwhelming like you said. However, even though they might not look the best they are alot of fun and have some really good food, shops, bars, etc. I lived east of campus this year on 13th street in a split house and loved it. The “run down” look and atmosphere was relaxing to me and a nice change from being on campus. In addition, your surrounded by students and able to have a great time while not being worried about breaking dorm rules. </p>
<p>As you go north on high street and pass Lane avenue it gets somewhat dumpy like you said. But you really never need to go up there unless your going to a specific store or food place. If you head south you will run into “the gateway” just south of campus around 10th street I think. This is where students go to on the weekends since there is alot to do. The gateway is nicer looking and has a movie theater, restaurants, bars and more. </p>
<p>As you go past the gateway you will enter the “short north”. It’s basically just an area along high street for a couple miles. Here you will find some nicer restaurants and shops as you get closer to the center of Columbus. </p>
<p>Overall the surrounding areas at Ohio State are underwhelming to the eye but can be tons of fun once you learn more about them. If you stay in the right areas you are pretty safe. At night I go by the general rule of staying south of Lane Avenue, north of 10th street, and west of 4th avenue (this runs parallel to high street and is about the 3rd street east of high). </p>