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Life in Columbus

Ohio State University is located in the capital city of Columbus. In addition to being home to the University, Columbus is also a thriving, vibrant community of over 750,000 residents and over 1.7 million in the region. Columbus offers a myriad of opportunities, activities and events both on and off campus. Visit Columbus Alive, Experience Columbus, or Columbus Underground to learn more about our city, and read on to see why Ohio State offers more than just football tickets!

Arts & Culture

Columbus offers a number of opportunities to get involved in art and culturals events taking place all over the city. From museums to gallery hops, performances to theater, you can find it all here!

Columbus Museum of Art
Wexner Center for the Arts
Short North Gallery Hop
Kings Arts Complex
Ohio Theater
Palace Theater
Columbus Ballet Company
Contemporary American Theatre Company (CATCO)
Opera Columbus
Shakespeare in the Park

Music

For music lovers, Columbus attracts a wide variety of acts representing many different genres. Live shows are performed year round at a number of locations across the city, and The Ohio Union often sells discount tickets!

Newport Music Hall
Express Live!
Nationwide Arena
The Schottenstein Center
Columbus Symphony Orchestra
Columbus Jazz Orchestra

Sports

In addition to our Ohio State Buckeyes, Columbus can also boast to being home to the NHL's Blue Jackets, MLS's Columbus Crew, and the Columbus Clippers (the AAA affiliate of the Cleveland Indians). Discount tickets are often available through The Ohio Union.

Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Crew
Columbus Clippers
The Ohio State Buckeyes

Shopping

The Columbus area is home to three major shopping malls and several smaller retail stores within the city!

Easton Town Center
Polaris Fashion Place
The Mall at Tuttle Crossing

Food

Recently highlighted by the Washington Post as a "new destination for food lovers," Columbus is "a true food lover's town." Several of our unique restaurants and markets have been highlighted on the Food Network and Travel Channel. No matter your taste or budget, Columbus offers a variety large enough to satisfy any appetite.

Columbus Alive
Columbus Food Trucks

Neighborhoods

Columbus is an energetic mix of historic neighborhoods and new modern districts. From German Village, the nation's largest privately owned historic neighborhood, to the Short North, the SoHo of Columbus, this city offers several unique and dynamic neighborhoods that bring the city together. Community festivals are quite common in these areas, as well!

Short North
German Village
Brewery District
Arena District