A heartfelt survival guide from someone who’s been there (and survived).
Here’s the thing about going to Ohio State: it’s huge. Like, small-city huge. The first time you walk across the Oval in August, you’ll wonder if you accidentally enrolled in a marathon instead of college. But here’s the other thing: OSU gets small really fast.
You will make friends. You will find your people. You will figure out how to get from Smith Lab to the Union without crying (probably). And yes, you will have moments where everything feels overwhelming. That’s part of the deal.
Take it from me. I went to OSU. I felt every high high and low low that you’re about to feel. And guess what? It’s all part of the experience. Let it happen.
One of the coolest things about this school is that it’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place. If you want to go out and party, you’ve got one of the biggest cities in the country right outside your dorm. If you want to grind at the gym, the RPAC is basically a fitness mall. Into student orgs? There are over a thousand of them (yes, even that niche thing you’re into). Want to stay in and play video games? You’ll find friends who do that too.
And once you get your footing, you’ll realize Columbus is not just the background — it’s part of the story. So here’s a guide to some places worth checking out, both on and off campus, to help you settle in and start making this place your own.
Late-Night Bites: Because You’re Going to Need Them
Mikey’s Late Night Slice (1839 N Pearl St)
The name says it all. A true Columbus institution. Greasy, cheesy, reliably delicious, and always there for you after a night out. Don’t skip the Slut Sauce.
Sicilia’s Fine Italian Specialties (22 Frambes Ave)
Attached to Out-R-Inn, this tiny pizza-by-the-slice joint becomes holy ground around 1 AM. It’s loud, chaotic, and you might see a raccoon eating a slice of pizza on the patio. Get the Honey Biscuits. I’m not joking.
Coffee Shops That’ll Become Your Second Home
Stauf’s Coffee (1334 Neil Ave)
It’s inside an old church. That’s the vibe. Big windows, comfy seats, and coffee that’ll wake you up before your 8 AM calc lecture.
Gata Mágica Café and Lounge (1762 N High St)
A newer spot with a magical vibe (hence the name), killer lattes, and an aesthetic that makes you feel like you’re studying inside a dream.
Study Spots That Don’t Suck
Thompson Library
Goated. There’s a reason it’s the main one. The Grand Reading Room is like stepping into Hogwarts, the 11th floor has incredible views of campus, and the 5th–10th floor stacks? Great if you want to hide from humanity for a few hours.
Orton Hall
Yes, the building that looks like a castle. It has its own geological museum and a library with serious old-school academic vibes. Quiet, a little spooky, and great for knocking out that paper you forgot about.
Keith B. Key Center for Student Leadership and Service (2nd Floor of the Union)
This is one of the most unknown parts of campus, and the student org hub. You can either rent private study rooms in the Resource Room, or you can grab a spot on a couch or rocking chair near the fireplace.
Places to Escape When Campus Gets a Bit Too… Campus
The Oval + Mirror Lake + South Oval
Three variations on “I need to lay in the grass and think about life for a minute.” Bring a blanket and some headphones and let your brain reset.
Take the COTA for free with your BuckID
Hop on and explore:
- Scioto Mile – riverfront views, parks, fountains, and a little peace and quiet
- German Village – cobblestone streets, cute homes, and amazing food
- COSI – one of the premier science museums if you want to feel like a kid again
- Short North – the nightlife and arts district that’s basically Columbus’ personality distilled into one walkable stretch
Actual Restaurants for When Your Parents Visit (Or When You Want to Feel Like a Real Person)
Marcella’s (615 N High St)
Trendy, tasty Italian that’ll impress your parents and let you pretend you’re thriving.
Adriatico’s (10th & Neil)
Classic campus pizza joint with a cool interior. The thick crust is legendary. Great for casual family hangouts.
HangOverEasy (11th & Neil)
Breakfast, brunch, and hangover cures all in one. You don’t have to be hungover to enjoy it, but it does hit harder when you are.
Brassica (Short North & Upper Arlington)
A fast-casual Mediterranean spot with incredible falafel, fresh toppings, and the kind of bowls you tell yourself are healthy even after loading up on sauce.
Ohio State Traditions You’ve Gotta Do at Least Once
- Rub the head of the William Oxley Thompson statue on your way into the library. It’s a tradition, and it’s supposed to bring you good luck on exams. Bonus points for hand sanitizer use during flu season.
- Go to a football game. Any game. Just go. Learn the chants. Take your shoes off and yell “AND TAKE HIS SHOOOEEEESSSS” like your life depends on it.
- Catch a Columbus Crew or Blue Jackets game. Even if you don’t care about soccer or hockey, the energy is unmatched.
- Try to eat 9 dime-a-dogs (one per inning) at a Clippers game. Do it for the story. And maybe the heartburn.
Final Advice from Someone Who’s Been There
You don’t have to have it all figured out right away. You don’t need to know your major, your best friends, or your career path in week one. You just need to show up. Explore. Be curious. Let yourself be uncomfortable… It means you’re growing.
Ohio State can feel overwhelming, but it’s also full of magic if you look for it. And Columbus? It’s way cooler than people give it credit for.
So welcome. You’ve got this.
And if you don’t? There’s a Honey Biscuit at Sicilia’s with your name on it.
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