As students at The Ohio State University head into the new year, conversations about politics are shifting away from national headlines and toward everyday realities. Between finals, holidays, internships, and breaks, students are faced with the harsh realities of increasing cost of living and lack of affordable housing near campus. These issues have pushed students to focus less on what happens in Washington, and pay closer attention to the local decisions that directly shape their lives.
From walking home safely after a late class, to affording rent, groceries, and gas, city and state policies increasingly influence students’ sense of security and stability. For many on campus, these issues feel deeply personal, raising questions about public safety, cost of living, and whether local leaders are doing enough to address the concerns of college students.
As the new year begins, OSU students are speaking up about the political issues that matter most to them.
“I’m worried about living off-campus next year because of reports of high crime, including theft and car break-ins,” says Armaan Chaudhary, a second-year public policy student. “I wouldn’t feel safe walking back to my house on Summit if it’s dimly lit and I’m alone, and that shouldn’t be the case for a college student living just two or three blocks away from campus.”
While affordability remains a major national issue, many Columbus students say safety is an even more immediate concern. Chaudhary pointed to what he sees as a lack of coordination between the Columbus Police Department and The Ohio State University Police Division, noting that their differing priorities can lead to gaps in communication when incidents occur near campus. According to Chaudhary, this lack of collaboration has contributed to stagnant progress on crime prevention and highlights the need for policy changes that better protect students.
These concerns raise broader questions about local governance and accountability. With a significant portion of the student body living off-campus, public safety has become a shared issue among students, parents, and university staff alike.
Chaudhary plans to take an active role in advocating for change through Undergraduate Student Government (USG) next semester. He believes USG plays a critical role in amplifying student voices, and creating meaningful connections between the university and city leadership.
Other students, like second-year aerospace engineering student Lauren Winter, say that the biggest concern for them is affordability.
Winter explains the biggest issue for her is looking for affordable housing off-campus. She said some apartments run for $1,200 per month, which is not sustainable for a student.
Winter went on to address the lack of access to parking, and the broader affordability concerns for students. She explains that the issue lies in local businesses and landlords driving up prices for students, which makes it difficult to focus on academics and the college experience, and places more worry on the cost of living.
Prices on the rise have been a national issue, but can be especially hard for students who already have so much on their plates. Affordability and safety seem to be the top concerns for OSU students heading into the new year, and it shows that politics that matter most to students are the ones happening close to home.