Creating the Extraordinary Student Experience: Office of Student Life

  • Downtown Columbus Downtown Columbus

Columbus City Guide

What’s not to love about Columbus, Ohio?

With a growing population of 880,000 residents, Columbus is not only the state capital, but also the state’s largest and fastest-growing city in Ohio. The city offers an exciting blend of arts and culture; inspired culinary, fashion, music and entertainment scenes; exciting collegiate and professional sports; and an open, entrepreneurial spirit. 

Columbus can help you build a great career and a great life! Whether it's an internship with a Fortune 500 company, a career in state government or just the open and vibrant cultural scene, the role Columbus plays in a student’s education is immeasurable. Columbus is ranked as a top 5 city for new college graduates looking to start a career and has one of the best job markets in the Midwest! 

What’s going on? There’s always something to do and you won’t be able to resist exploring the diverse collection of neighborhoods including the Short North Arts District, historic and charming German Village with a hot dining scene and the industrial vibe of the rising Franklinton area. Ohio State programs like D-Tix give students the chance to experience life in Columbus on a budget. Restaurant Week offers 3-course meals at 90+ of Columbus’ best restaurants for a fraction of the cost! Festivals every weekend in the summer months and light displays throughout the city in the winter are just a couple ideas from the long list of things happening in Columbus!

LGBTQ friendly! Home to one of the largest Pride parades in the Midwest attracting more than 700,000 people, Columbus is a smart and open-minded city where people are free to be themselves and follow their passions.  

Fashion and Shopping! Columbus is rising as a fashion mecca and has become fashion's best kept secret with retail giants L Brands, Express, DSW Shoe Warehouse, Abercrombie & Fitch and more, all headquartered here in the city.

Interested in learning more about life in Columbus?  Check out Experience Columbus to find out more about what's happening around the city.