The Complete OSU
Off-Campus Housing Guide
Everything you need to find, lease, and live in the only mass timber student community in Columbus. Built from sustainably harvested American mass timber, designed around the science of how spaces shape the people inside them.
The search starts earlier than you think.
Timing, competition, and why most students start too late.
If you are planning to move off campus for fall semester, the process begins in September, a full year before move-in. At Ohio State, where tens of thousands of students compete for apartments within a mile or two of campus, the best units in the best buildings fill first. INTRO Columbus is the only mass timber student community in the market, which means demand for these floor plans is concentrated.
| September to October | Off-campus housing search begins. Properties open tours and start signing for the following fall. |
|---|---|
| November to December | Most competitive leasing window. Many premium floor plans at INTRO are gone by Thanksgiving. |
| January to February | Peak signing window for purpose-built student communities. Most popular plans claimed. |
| March to May | Remaining inventory available, but selection narrows. Specific floor plans may be unavailable. |
| After May | Options become scarce. You will still find places, just further from campus. |
Why lease early at INTRO
Signing early gives you three real advantages, not marketing language:
- Floor plan choice. Studios, 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedrooms do not all remain available through spring. Specific corner units and top-floor plans go first.
- Roommate coordination. Locking in your group on the same timeline is much easier than trying to align signatures in March.
- Best pricing. INTRO offers its strongest pricing earlier in the leasing season.
Set a reminder for September 1st to start your search, and another for November 1st as a decision deadline. If you are entering your sophomore year, start looking the September of your freshman year.
The only mass timber student community in Columbus. Grown and milled in the United States. Built to be felt.
INTRO's structural superstructure is American mass timber, grown and milled in the United States from sustainably managed forests. Every unit features 10-foot exposed timber ceilings, a standard no other Columbus competitor offers. Floor-to-ceiling low-emissivity windows pull natural light through every home from morning to evening. The result is a building that breathes, performs, and reads differently the moment you walk in.
Floor plans, leasing structures, and what fully furnished actually means.
Four floor plan categories. One ceiling height. Real furniture, not just a frame.
Floor plan types at INTRO Columbus
Every floor plan at INTRO sits beneath the same 10-foot exposed mass timber ceiling with floor-to-ceiling low-emissivity windows. Layouts are designed to feel open without sacrificing privacy.
Most Private
StudioCompact, fully furnished, total privacy. Full kitchen, one bath, exposed timber overhead.
Single Resident
1 BedroomSeparate bedroom from the living area. Ideal for graduate students or anyone who wants their own space.
Pairs & Friends
2 BedroomTwo private bedrooms, shared living and kitchen. By-the-bed leasing keeps you responsible only for your share.
Best Per-Person Value
3 BedroomThree private bedrooms. The most economical per-person option. Popular with friend groups locking in early.
By-the-bed leasing, and why it matters
Most traditional apartments use a whole-unit lease where all roommates share full responsibility for total rent. If one roommate does not pay, the others are liable. INTRO uses by-the-bed leasing, which protects you from that exposure.
| Each resident signs | Their own individual lease for their bedroom only. You are responsible only for your own rent. |
|---|---|
| What you pay for | Your bedroom plus your proportional share of common areas. |
| What you do not pay for | Anyone else's share, ever. |
| Biggest benefit | You do not need a roommate lined up before signing. INTRO's leasing team can match you with a compatible roommate. |
Fully furnished, in detail
"Furnished" means different things at different properties. At INTRO, every bedroom and common area arrives move-in ready with real furniture, not just a bed frame. The interior package was designed to complement the exposed timber, not compete with it.
| Living Area | Sofa, entertainment center, 55-inch Smart TV |
|---|---|
| Each Bedroom | Full-size bed with memory foam mattress, desk, chair, two dressers, side table |
| Kitchen | Stainless steel appliances (refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher), quartz countertops, kitchen island with bar seating, in-unit washer and dryer |
| Finishes | Exposed American mass timber ceilings, floor-to-ceiling low-emissivity windows, wood-style plank flooring, pendant lighting, luxe wood blinds |
| You Bring | Bedding, pillows, towels, dishware, clothing, personal items. That is it. |
Moving a full bedroom set from home to Columbus, or buying one new, typically costs $1,500 to $3,000 plus a truck rental. A furnished apartment eliminates that. For students flying in from out of state or internationally, this is not optional, it is essential.
Biophilic design is a core brand pillar, not a buzzword.
35% of college students are diagnosed with anxiety. 78% report moderate-to-high stress. INTRO was designed as a direct response. The materials, ceiling height, and natural light are not aesthetic preferences. They are research-backed design decisions.
Studies on biophilic interiors consistently show measurable reductions in stress markers when occupants are surrounded by visible natural wood.
Floor-to-ceiling low-emissivity windows deliver daylight throughout the unit. Research links this kind of exposure to a 7 to 18 percent improvement in academic performance.
The "cathedral effect" is well documented in environmental psychology. Taller ceilings shift cognition toward abstract and creative work, exactly what college demands.
78 percent report moderate-to-high stress. INTRO's biophilic design is a direct architectural response to a mental health context that defines this generation.
Rent, utilities, deposits, and the full monthly picture.
Headline rent rarely tells the whole story. Here is what is included and what is not.
What is included in rent at INTRO
| Included in Rent | Wi-Fi, trash service, recycling on every floor |
|---|---|
| Not Included | Electric, water, sewer. Billed monthly via the resident portal based on usage. |
| Furniture | Included. No additional charge. |
| 55-inch Smart TV | Included. |
| Washer and Dryer | In-unit. Included. |
| Parking | Reserved garage parking available. Contact the leasing office for current rates. |
| Renters Insurance | Required. Auto-enrolled in partner program, or bring your own policy. |
An apartment at $1,100 a month that does not include Wi-Fi, parking, or furniture may cost you more in total than a fully furnished apartment at $1,300 that includes all three. Compare total monthly cost, not headline rent.
Application and move-in costs
Before your first rent payment, you may encounter the following. INTRO periodically waives application and admin fees. Check current promotions when you apply.
| Application Fee | Contact leasing office. May be waived during promotions. |
|---|---|
| Admin Fee | Contact leasing office. May be waived during promotions. |
| Security Deposit | Equal to 2 months' rent. Not required if qualifying via guarantor or Guarantor Waiver Program. |
| Guarantor Waiver Fee | Approximately $70 per month. No upfront cost, added to monthly charges. |
| Pet Fee | One-time non-refundable fee plus monthly pet rent. Contact leasing for current amounts. |
Four ways to qualify. One designed for every situation.
Domestic, international, undergraduate, graduate, self-supporting. There is a path for each.
Option 1 · US Guarantor
A guarantor is typically a parent or guardian who co-signs your lease. This is the most common path for domestic students.
| Who Qualifies | US resident with a valid Social Security number |
|---|---|
| Credit Score | 600 or higher |
| Income Required | 3x the monthly base rent |
| Documents | Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or employer letter) |
| Background Check | Yes, including credit, background, rental history, and income screening |
Option 2 · Self-Qualification
If you have your own income and credit history, common for graduate students or working undergraduates, you can qualify without a guarantor.
| Credit Score | 600 or higher |
|---|---|
| Income Required | 3x the monthly base rent |
| Documents | Proof of income |
| Background Check | Yes |
Option 3 · Security Deposit
Available to anyone who prefers not to use a guarantor or the waiver program. Qualify by paying a deposit upfront.
| Amount | Equal to 2 months' rent |
|---|---|
| Timing | Paid at lease signing |
| Refundable | Yes, subject to standard move-out inspection |
Option 4 · Guarantor Waiver Program
INTRO's most flexible option. Offered through a third-party provider, this program eliminates the need for both a US guarantor and a security deposit. Particularly useful for students arriving from abroad.
| Monthly Fee | Approximately $70 per month, added to rent |
|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | None |
| Approval | Instant upon verification of student status |
| Key Advantage | No large upfront payment. Especially useful when arriving from abroad. |
You do not need a US credit score or a US Social Security number to qualify. Passport or visa documentation is sufficient ID to complete your application. You can sign your lease remotely via FaceTime or virtual tour, securing your apartment before arriving in Columbus. Apply as early as possible, ideally while the previous academic year is still in session.
The High Street corridor, the Short North, and the OSU University District.
INTRO sits at the intersection of two of Columbus's most active zones.
INTRO Columbus is positioned along the High Street corridor, putting you within walking distance of the OSU University District to the north and the Short North Arts District to the south. The location was selected to maximize daily walkability to campus and minimize reliance on a car.
Getting to campus
| Walking (Recommended) | A 10-minute walk along High Street puts you at Graves Hall, Hamilton Hall, and the Moritz College of Law. Flat, well-lit, and student-trafficked the whole way. |
|---|---|
| COTA Bus (Free with BuckID) | The COTA bus stop is directly outside. Free for OSU students with BuckID. |
| CABS (Free Campus Bus) | OSU's free on-campus bus system. Best for moving between buildings once on campus. Track in real time via the Ohio State mobile app. |
| Biking | On-site bike storage. Under 10 minutes to campus through highly bikeable streets. |
Food and dining near INTRO
Coffee and breakfast, a Short North institution.
Locally roasted, study-friendly atmosphere.
Build-your-own tacos. Popular for group dinners.
Healthy, locally sourced meals.
Local vendors under one roof. Excellent variety.
Classic Columbus pizza, open late.
Groceries, entertainment, healthcare
Groceries. Kroger is a 2-minute walk. Target OSU is a short distance further on High Street. Lucky's Market in Victorian Village covers specialty and organic.
Entertainment. Newport Music Hall is steps away. Gateway Film Center is 10 minutes for indie and art films. Short North First Fridays bring monthly gallery hops and street festivals. Ohio Stadium is a 15-minute walk on game days.
Healthcare. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, one of the nation's top academic medical centers, is within walking distance. OSU Student Health Services is on campus for routine care.
Amenities, community spaces, and what to expect on move-in day.
Designed to serve the way students actually work, rest, and gather.
Community spaces
| Study Lounge & Private Rooms | Co-working stations with optimized Wi-Fi for video calls and research. Private rooms for group projects, exam prep, or solo focus, beneath exposed timber. |
|---|---|
| Penthouse Lounge & Rooftop Terrace | The social heart of the building. Movies, study sessions, rooftop views of the Columbus skyline and Short North. |
| Fitness Center | Fully equipped, on-site, open to residents at any time. No gym membership needed. |
| Courtyards | Two distinct outdoor spaces. One with a firepit and hammock garden. One with a grilling station. Both lean into the biophilic design philosophy that defines the rest of the building. |
| Coffee Bar | Complimentary. No charge for residents. |
Every apartment includes
- 10-foot exposed American mass timber ceilings
- Floor-to-ceiling low-emissivity windows
- Full furniture package: bed, mattress, desk, chair, dressers
- Sofa, entertainment center, 55-inch Smart TV
- In-unit washer and dryer
- Stainless steel appliances: refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher
- Quartz countertops with subway tile backsplash
- Kitchen island with bar seating (select units)
- Pendant lighting throughout
- Wood-style plank flooring
- Luxe wood blinds
- Wi-Fi included
- Private balcony (select units)
- Walk-in closet (select units)
Services and operations
| Office Hours | Mon to Fri 10am to 6pm. Sat 10am to 5pm. Sun closed. |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | On-site team. 24/7 emergency maintenance via the resident portal. |
| Package Room | Secured on-site package room. |
| Bike Storage | On-site bike racks. |
| EV Charging | On-site EV charging stations. |
| Trash | Chutes and recycling rooms on every floor. Included in rent. |
| Parking | Reserved garage parking available. Contact leasing. |
Key terms every student renter should understand before signing.
A lease is a legally binding document. Treat it that way.
At Ohio State, Student Legal Services offers free lease reviews to enrolled students. It is the single most underused resource on campus, and it can catch problems before you sign anything.
Core lease terms, defined
| Lease Term | The length of the contract. INTRO offers 12-month leases. Know your start and end dates before signing. |
|---|---|
| By-the-Bed / Individual Lease | Each resident signs separately and is responsible only for their own portion of rent. INTRO's model. |
| Joint and Several Liability | The opposite of by-the-bed. All roommates share full responsibility for total rent. Not INTRO's model. |
| Security Deposit | Money held against damages. At INTRO, the deposit equals 2 months' rent and is one of several qualification options, not always required. |
| Guarantor | A financially responsible co-signer, typically a parent. Required if you do not qualify on your own income and credit. Must be a US resident at INTRO. |
| Early Termination Clause | The penalty for breaking a lease before the end date. Read carefully. |
| Subletting Policy | Whether you can rent your apartment to another person temporarily. Check before making summer plans. |
| Renewal Notice Period | How far in advance you must notify the property if you are not renewing. INTRO does not auto-renew residents. |
| Pet Addendum | If you have a pet, make sure a pet addendum is included and signed. Pets without documentation can result in fees or lease violations. |
| Renters Insurance | Required at INTRO. Covers your personal belongings. The building's insurance does not cover your laptop, furniture, or clothing. |
A 30-minute review can catch problematic clauses, explain your rights, and confirm what you are agreeing to. Find them at studentlegal.osu.edu.
Questions to ask before signing any lease
- What is the exact move-in date, and when can I pick up keys?
- When is first month's rent due?
- What utilities are included, and what will I be billed for?
- What is the early termination penalty?
- What is the subletting policy?
- How is the security deposit returned, and what can it be deducted for?
- What is the noise and guest policy?
- Is there a renewal notice deadline, and when is it?
- What is the maintenance response time?
- Is there parking, and what does it cost?
- What is the pet policy, and what documentation is required?
What to bring, what to do on day one, and how to set yourself up right.
Because INTRO is fully furnished, your list is significantly shorter than a traditional apartment.
Bedroom Essentials
Full-size bedding (fitted sheet, flat sheet, comforter or duvet). Pillows and pillowcases. Towels and washcloths. Hangers and closet organizers.
Kitchen & Bath
Dishes, bowls, cups, glasses. Silverware. Basic pots, pans, cooking utensils. Dish soap, sponge, paper towels. Toiletries and storage. Shower curtain (confirm with leasing office).
Electronics & Study
Laptop and charger. Power strip with surge protector. Headphones. Desk lamp.
Documents on Hand
Signed lease. Government ID or passport. BuckID. Renters insurance policy number. Emergency contact info.
Day one, what to do immediately
- Document the apartment condition. Photograph every wall, floor, appliance, and window. Email the photos to yourself to create a timestamped record. This protects your security deposit at move-out. Residents receive a condition form via the portal.
- Set up the resident portal. You will pay rent and submit maintenance requests here. Do this before your first payment is due.
- Connect to building Wi-Fi. Get the network credentials from the leasing office. Wi-Fi is included.
- Test all appliances. Run the washer, check the dishwasher, test the stove. Report anything broken within 24 hours.
- Introduce yourself to the leasing office and pick up welcome materials, access cards, and fobs.
- Locate emergency exits and the fire extinguisher on your floor.
- Register your bike if you brought one, and use a quality lock.
Seven steps. Most can be done remotely.
Step-by-step application process and what to expect.
- Schedule a tour. In-person, virtual (FaceTime), or pre-recorded video tour. Mon to Fri 10am to 6pm. Sat 10am to 5pm. Walk-ins welcome.
- Choose your floor plan. Studio, 1BR, 2BR, 3BR. Ask the leasing team what is currently available and what is likely to fill first.
- Select your qualification method. Guarantor, self-qualify, security deposit, or Guarantor Waiver Program.
- Submit your application online. You will need your ID (passport for international students) and documentation for your qualification method.
- Sign your lease. Individual leases are signed digitally. You can sign from anywhere, including before arriving in the US.
- Pay any required upfront fees. Application and admin fees, which are sometimes waived during promotions.
- Receive your move-in confirmation and get ready to move in.
Contact the leasing team
| Website | introcolumbus.com |
|---|---|
| Office Hours | Mon to Fri 10am to 6pm. Sat 10am to 5pm. Sun closed. |
| OSU Off-Campus Network | offcampus.osu.edu |
The numbers and dates you will actually use.
Key dates to remember
| Start Your Search | September, one year before move-in |
|---|---|
| Ideal Lease Signing | November to January for best selection and rates |
| Latest to Sign | February to March (limited floor plans remain) |
| Typical Move-In | August, start of fall semester |
| Renewal Notice Deadline | Ask your leasing agent at signing. Mark your calendar. |
Useful OSU resources
- OSU Off-Campus Housing Search: offcampus.osu.edu
- Student Legal Services (free lease review): studentlegal.osu.edu
- CABS Bus Tracking: Ohio State mobile app
- COTA (free with BuckID): cota.com
- OSU Student Health: studenthealth.osu.edu
- OSU Off-Campus Living Guide: offcampus.osu.edu/resources
Live beneath 10 feet of exposed American mass timber.
Schedule your tour at INTRO Columbus. In person, virtual, or video. Walk-ins welcome.