<p>I’m looking at Ohio State and wondering if Columubs is a good college town?</p>
<p>Is it an exciting place with lot’s going on or not so much?</p>
<p>"oh goodness…I could talk forever about the Pro’s of Ohio State.</p>
<p>Just to start…let me tell you that I just graduated (Spring 2010) and the past four years have truly been the best four years of my life. OSU gives students endless opportunities…it is just up to the student to take advantage of them.</p>
<p>Pros:
- Endless involvement opportunities. Want to a join a club and get involved? …Good…because OSU has over 900 student organizations that you can join.
- Sports/Intramurals: You want it, we’ve got it. We have one of the biggest athletic budgets in the country and thus we have over 38 varsity sports you can go watch (all of free with your Buck-ID with the exception of Football and Men’s Basketball) and even more intramurals that you can participate in every quarter.
- The campus: Some people say it is too big…but I think you only think that until you’re actually on campus. I think it is the right size. It is really easy to navigate and most of your classes are in a clustered area anyway…and we have a great bus system (CABS) that can take you from one end to the other…there is also Columbus city buses (COTA) which are free for students and will take you up and down high street and around campus/columbus. Another great thing about campus is that there is really a lot of green space for being in the middle of a city. You know those scenes in college movies where there are a ton of people in a big green area on campus throwing footballs/laying out in bikinis? That is the oval during the spring at OSU. We call it Oval Beach…it’s one of the best times of the year.
- Spirit: I LOVE ohio state. If I could marry the university, I would…and if you think I am crazy and the only one that feels this way…well i’m not. The love for this place is infectious. Funny enough, GQ did a list of the 25 ‘douchiest’ colleges last year and OSU was on the list…the reason? Because of our insane school spirit and the fact that we wear OSU tshirts everywhere, everyday.</p>
<p>Those are just a few points…but basically, OSU has everything you could ever want. We have a brand new Union…it is state of the art and gorgeous (google OSU flash mob and you’ll see part of it)…our library was just renovated and we now have one of the largest (and by far most gorgeous) libraries in the country…you’ll actually WANT to go there…we have the RPAC, the largest and best recreation facility in the country…I could keep going. The bottom line is…you want it? OSU has it…and the best thing about OSU is that your experience will be like no one elses because of all of those unique opportunities.</p>
<p>Cons:
- It is a large school…but I will tell you this: I see people I know on campus every single day. Once you get involved…once you’re in your major…this place becomes much much smaller.
…is it bad that I can’t think of anymore cons? I don’t even think the size is a con because again, you make it as small as you want.</p>
<p>I hope this helps…if you have any questions please feel free to ask</p>
<p>-casey"</p>
<p>Source: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/ohio-state-university-columbus/458870-pros-cons-ohio-state.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/ohio-state-university-columbus/458870-pros-cons-ohio-state.html</a></p>
<hr>
<p>I personally think these roughly 20 video segments filmed by ‘Experience Columbus’ pretty much summed-up what TOSU and Columbus has to offer to the students. In short, the school does possess a well-maintained traditional campus district which is located roughly 2 miles away from downtown Columbus.</p>
<p>[YouTube</a> - ExperienceColumbus’s Channel](<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/user/ExperienceColumbus#p/u]YouTube”>http://www.youtube.com/user/ExperienceColumbus#p/u)</p>
<p>& Photos of newly renovated Main Library (William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library)/ Student Union (Ohio Union)</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.bfhstudios.com/blog/tag/the-ohio-state-university/[/url]”>http://www.bfhstudios.com/blog/tag/the-ohio-state-university/</a></p>
<p>Go Bucks!! lol</p>
<p>“…is it bad that I can’t think of anymore cons? I don’t even think the size is a con because again, you make it as small as you want”</p>
<p>Would you like some help with the cons part Sparkeye7? ;-)</p>
<p>^^ We live in a free society, rjk. So, be my guest if you feel the need to elaborate! :)</p>
<p>The fact of the matter is that I didn’t write that, rather, Casey (YeahItsCase) did and I thought she did a good job!!</p>
<p>To further answer OP’s thread title, TOSU campus is surrounded with numerous ethnic culture communities/town. For instance, the Victorian Village in the heart of artsy Short North District which also is located in Italian Village about 0.5 mile from the campus on High Street. Then of course, there are also German Village, Polish Town, Japanese Plaza, …etc. all located within 5 miles of the campus. Hope this helps a bit! </p>
<p>Victorian Village</p>
<p><a href=“Knowlton School Digital Library”>Knowlton School Digital Library;
<p>Short North (Italian Village)</p>
<p>[YouTube</a> - Columbus Neighborhoods: The Short North](<a href=“Columbus Neighborhoods: The Short North - YouTube”>Columbus Neighborhoods: The Short North - YouTube)</p>
<p>German Village</p>
<p>[YouTube</a> - Columbus Neighborhoods: German Village](<a href=“Columbus Neighborhoods: German Village - YouTube”>Columbus Neighborhoods: German Village - YouTube)</p>
<p>Go Bucks!! lol</p>
<p>^ You’re a good guy, sparkeye. Why do you always “lol” though when you say, “Go Bucks”? </p>
<p>I’m sure Columbus has its fair share of good qualities…and large women with tatoos. Just like my college town has its share of women sportin underarm hair. ;)</p>
<p>Even though Ohio State is a huge university and it’s in Columbus, I don’t think of Columbus as a “college town”. It’s a very nice, white-bread midwest city. It is SO typical that it is often used by consumer marketing companies to test-market products. There is plenty of good shopping, dining etc., but most of the city does not revolve around, or depend upon, the university. It lacks the three major professional sports, but who needs them when OSU is, basically, professional sports!</p>
<p>God Bless, UCBChemEGrad! :)</p>
<p>“Why do you always “lol” though when you say, “Go Bucks”?”</p>
<p>Because I always say it with conviction!! Go Bucks!! lol</p>
<p>[YouTube</a> - What it means to be a Buckeye](<a href=“What it Means to be a Buckeye - YouTube”>What it Means to be a Buckeye - YouTube)</p>
<p>“I’m sure Columbus has its fair share of good qualities…and large women with tatoos. Just like my college town has its share of women sportin underarm hair.”</p>
<p>Not sure about large women with hairy armpits, but our top football players are currently plaqued with unforgiven tattoos (The infamous Tattoo-Gate)… </p>
<p>Seriously though, although diverse and good size in terms of population, I don’t think the social vibe of Columbus as a city is anywhere near as liberal as SF - the capital of LGBT & Hippies (I mean it in a good way). Afterall, it is still a moderate and somewhat conservative Midwestern city in general based on my experiences.</p>
<p>You will not be disappointed with Ohio State. When you want to party you can find a party. When you want to find a study group you can find a study group. If you have an interest you can find other students that share that same interest very easily. IIRC there are around 50,000 students. The campus is beautiful, the city is clean, there’s lots to do for students, I honestly wouldn’t choose any other place in the country to attend.</p>
<p>“The campus is beautiful.”</p>
<p>I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. lol</p>
<p>“It lacks the three major professional sports, but who needs them when OSU is, basically, professional sports!”</p>
<p>OSU football is a professional sport</p>
<p>^^“OSU football is a professional sport” +1 ;p</p>
<p>How about “Columbus Blue Jackets” @ Nationwide Arena - NHL</p>
<p>& “Columbus Crew” @ Columbus Crew Stadium - MLS.</p>
<p>Columbus has a population of 800,000. It is not a “college town”. To me a college town must have fewer than 300,000 inhabitants, one prominent college/university and a student: resident ratio no worse than 1:10 (preferably better than 1:5).</p>
<p>This said, the OSU is large enough to have a serious impact on the city of Columbus.</p>
<p>Indeed, the city of Columbus as a whole certainly does not qualify as a college town…! However, with roughly 780,000 population residing in a whopping “213 sq mile” area versus say… East Lansing of Michigan State University with roughly 45,000 population residing in a 11 sq mile area, the density of Columbus is calculated to be 3,556/sq mile vs that of 4,309/sq mile in East Lansing, in which Columbus actually has “lower population density” than that of E. Lansing (the quintessential college town imho) as a city. In fact, after lived and studied at both schools, I would have to say that in and around the “University District” or campus area in general actually feels rather similar between the two in terms of density, surrounding buildings on main streets, all reflected suburban feel. </p>
<p>*High Street - The main street on TOSU campus! The video is showing north bound from downtown Columbus into the University District. Campus is on the left hand side of the road in the video. 
</p>
<p><a href=“OSU- drive down High street - YouTube”>OSU- drive down High street - YouTube;
<hr>
<p>10 Biggest Small Town Colleges</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Michigan State University
With East Lansing’s population of 45,857 people, to the college’s 47,278 students, Michigan State could practically be its own city. Despite its large student population, East Lansing continues to represent a small college town in every sense of the word. There’s a fine balance between Michigan State and East Lansing that make this college town an enjoyable place to live for all.</p></li>
<li><p>Texas A&M University
You know you’re in “Aggieland” when you enter College Station, Texas, home of Texas A&M University. This city of approximately 93,400 residents is centered around the college in which it bears its name, and is supportive of the 48,039 students that go to A&M. It’s the down-home feel and student-centered attitude of College Station, that keeps students coming back for more.</p></li>
<li><p>University of Florida
It may seem like everyone in Gainesville, Florida, is a Gator, because almost half of them are. Ranking as one of the largest universities in the nation, the University of Florida has approximately 52,271 students in its college town of 114,916 people. Despite such national attention and a huge student population, Gainesville has stayed true to its small college town roots.</p></li>
<li><p>Pennsylvania State University
State College, Pennsylvania is another city that truly embodies the college-town atmosphere, while housing some 43,998 students. Falling a bit short of its university’s population size, State College has about 39,419 residents. State College’s residents are known to work for the university, attend Penn State games and are alumni who never left this fun-filled college town.</p></li>
<li><p>University of Missouri
With nicknames like “College Town USA” and “The Athens of Missouri,” it’s no wonder why Mizzou has a longstanding reputation of being a big small town college with about 31,314 students. Although Mizzou shares its home base with two other higher education institutions, most of the 100,733 residents are Missouri Tigers fans at heart. Columbia is a community of teachers and learners, which is represented in its continuous high marks as a highly educated city.</p></li>
<li><p>University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas, is a proud college town that is home to two higher education institutions, most notably, the University of Kansas. This college town is known for its rich culture, education and love for the Kansas Jayhawks. With approximately 90,520 people living in Lawrence and 30,004 students at KU, it’s no surprise Kansas made it on the big small town college list.</p></li>
<li><p>University of Michigan
While Ann Arbor, Michigan, is on the larger college town size with 114,386 residents, the University of Michigan’s 41,028 students keep it humble. Michigan ranks as one of the top public universities in the nation, and happens to be the state’s oldest university. Despite this kind of national attention, Ann Arbor remains a small college town that boasts some seriously influential graduates and professionals.</p></li>
<li><p>Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona, is relatively small in comparison to its neighboring cities, but it does have Arizona State, the largest university in the Grand Canyon State. Tempe’s population totals 175,523, but Arizona State’s student population comes in second with a whopping 68,064 undergraduates and graduate students. Despite the mass of students, Tempe’s down-to-earth residents make this medium-sized city feel like a small town.</p></li>
<li><p>University of North Carolina
Approximately 52,542 people reside in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where many people work at and cheer on the University of North Carolina and its 28,916 students. With its famous role as one of the three corners of the Research Triangle Park, a high-tech research and development center, UNC has both local and national appeal in the sciences. Although there are other big name colleges nearby, Chapel Hill residents rarely stray from their beloved Tar Heels.</p></li>
<li><p>University of Georgia
The Georgia Bulldogs is the team of choice in Athens, Georgia, where about 114,737 people call home. The University of Georgia is one of the oldest public universities in the nation, and is rapidly growing with a current enrollment of 34,885 students. While the city is on the larger size, Athens has always kept true to its college town roots and continues to make UGA its focal point.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Source: [10</a> Biggest Small Town Colleges | Online Universities](<a href=“http://www.onlineuniversities.com/rankings/10-biggest-small-town-colleges/]10”>http://www.onlineuniversities.com/rankings/10-biggest-small-town-colleges/)</p>
<p>“…the density of Columbus is calculated to be 3,556/sq mile vs that of 4,309/sq mile in East Lansing, in which Columbus actually has “lower population density” than that of E. Lansing…”</p>
<p>I’d say either city is about equally dense. :-)</p>
<p>" I’d say either city is about equally dense. "</p>
<p>Agreed!! </p>
<p>Keep in mind that Michigan State University has nation’s LARGEST dormitory system makes the two feel equal. Even though TOSU does have 6,000 more undergrad student body, a lot more students live off campus when compared to State.</p>
<p>There are of course minor differences between the two campuses. By that I mean MSU does plant way more trees thereby making E. Lansing campus park-like, whereas TOSU campus always feels full of energy with seemingly never ending major construction projects. Take away the few downtown skyscrapers and tall concrete buildings which are located 2 miles from both campuses (Capitals of Columbus and Lansing, respectively), both Midwestern campuses are pretty suburban or town-like imho based on the surrounding buildings. Moreover, both TOSU and MSU students do not travel to downtown on regular basis even though it is close-by. In fact, both university districts are large enough that the surrounding campus infrastructures are more than sufficient to provide students’ every day needs.</p>
<p>Also, the fact that visitors often would go home feeling that TOSU campus seems more densely populated or crowded than MSU due to the fact that major roads on campus such as the High Street, Lane Ave are less than ‘half the width’ compared to MSU’s Harrison, Grand River, Michigan Ave and that many of TOSU’s facilities are ‘double in scale’ when compared to MSU with less green space and trees on campus. Anyway, to answer OP’s question, TOSU with “3,469 acres of campus” located approximately 2.5 miles north of the city’s downtown, feels like a college town and if you still don’t agree with me, just step into the adjacent west campus on the other side of the Olentangy River Rd which is vastly undeveloped, surrounded by Chadwick Lake, Fredbeekman Park,…etc.</p>
<p><a href=“Google Maps”>Google Maps;
<p>Go Bucks!!! lol</p>
<p>I’m always impressed with google maps. They even appeared to get the color of the water in the Scioto and Olentangy Rivers correct! lol :-)</p>
<p>When people think of TOSU, they tend to only visit the vibrant central campus (east of Olentangy River Rd), when in fact, there is the ‘West Campus’ where the Department of Agricultures and high tech laboratories such as Nano Tech and Supercomputer Center are located. The area is actually quite large compared to the east of Olentangy River main campus based on the satellite image. Of course, only the students would know that there are also the university operated airport and golf courses that are located only a few miles from the campus as well.</p>
<p>See: <a href=“http://oncampus.osu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/big-idea-slides-469x475.jpg[/url]”>http://oncampus.osu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/big-idea-slides-469x475.jpg</a></p>
![http://oncampus.osu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/big-idea-slides-469x475.jpg[/url]](http://oncampus.osu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/big-idea-slides-469x475.jpg%5B/url%5D){kind=link}
<p>ok, gotta get ready for the service!! lol</p>