The size of Ohio State University can certainly be daunting, especially for students just starting out there. As one freshman puts it, “There are approximately 6000 freshman at Ohio State. That means if you are here for 300 days, you could meet 20 other freshman EVERY SINGLE DAY and never have to talk to the same person again.” Although the ability to meet new people constantly can be thrilling, most students find ways to whittle down the student body or to bond with the student body as a whole.
Sports are the easiest and most exciting way to join hands with the thousands of other undergraduates. This Big Ten School takes athletics seriously, football most of all. “Another great thing about Ohio State is the number of traditions that we have. From jumping in Mirror Lake to yelling "O-H! I-O!" at each other around campus, football season at Ohio State is definitely an exciting time to be a Buckeye,” says one senior. A sophomore concurs, “How can you come to Ohio State and not be a fan of the Buckeyes? I bet there are a lot of people here who came here for the reason, shallow as it is. But look at the bigger picture—people come here because they want to be known as Buckeye, as part of the biggest school in the land with the best damn band in the land and one of the best football teams—and to get an excellent education.”
As Ohio State’s star has risen over the past few years, its academic reputation has improved. Still, students give the generally large classes mixed reviews. As one senior history major says, “Academics is sorta secondary at OSU after sports. Some professors will know your name, most probably won't. Unless you go into office hours, they don't really care what you do or how you do.” A senior sports management major differs on instructor quality: “We have access to some of the best professors.” But she agrees that “The out-of-class experiences at OSU have been my favorite part of being here.” Just as most Buckeyes are at OSU principally for sports, traditions, and events, students warn that most professors are more focused on research than teaching; many will be less than proficient in English.
In general, putting in effort—academically and socially—will net results. “The best thing at OSU is all the opportunities. You can do so much here. All you have to do is go to an office of research, study abroad, career advice, whatever, and they will set you up. Just showing a little interest in any of these things can get you a long way” says one senior. There are hundreds of clubs and organizations to join, as well as frats and sororities, sports teams, and political groups. So many that it can seem overwhelming. According to one freshman, “There are plenty of activities and buzz around campus all the time because OSU has so much life. It is wild and crazy.” But joining up, like choosing the right dorm, helps students find their niche.
Although the winters are harsh, most students consider the university’s location in Columbus, Ohio, with its shows, concerts, art galleries, and nightlife, a plus. Says one junior, “There are so many opportunities on campus and throughout Columbus. It's easy to get a flexible job and to find an apartment.” The cost of living isn’t high either, which students appreciate. Crime in certain areas can be a problem, but most partying happens on campus—in dorms, at frat houses, or, in warmer weather, on the Oval that’s the heart of the OSU.
Lots of international students study at OSU, which makes this Midwestern school more diverse than many in its class. It also has sizable populations of Jews, Asians, and LGBTQ students. But, as one junior points out, “People of the similar political affiliations, religions, and races still form cliques together. Frat boys still shout homophobic slurs at gay couples walking by. Kids who are living off scholarships and student loans still grudgingly serve coffee to their carefree peers who get their rent and bills paid by their wealthy parents. Still, I have a suspicion that, despite such differences, most alumni will smile and strike up conversations with other alumni in OSU sweatshirts they encounter later in life.” Other students insist that no one could feel out of place at OSU and that Buckeyes are unfailingly friendly to each other, no matter what their differences may be.
Although the administration at OSU faces charges of being overly bureaucratic and uncaring, students there get the benefit of a president they love. “We have a kick-ass president...I just had a beer with him at a local bar during a meet-and-greet put on by the student council," writes a senior (Gee himself does not drink). "He [is] much more student-oriented and is a cool guy in person.” Just another reason to feel fortunate to be a Buckeye.
