Going into my college search I had a checklist of things I wanted in my new school, my future home away from home. This experience was going to help shape me into the adult I wanted and needed to be. To say the least, I was picky!
After visiting Capital, I knew they understood that the college experience was more than just classes. In addition to offering the major I wanted with faculty who were ready really to jump in even before I committed, the campus provided things to do, people to see and memories to be made.
Nestled in the welcoming neighborhood of Bexley, Capital has strong ties with the community and the charming main street that connects campus to dining, entertainment, and more. From the neon of the Drexel movie theater to the cozy feeling of Gramercy Books, there’s something for every student.
While I love the small-town feel, I still wanted to be close to a major city. One that offered nightlife, professional sports teams, access to the arts, history, and live music. As a student at Capital, I’m only a 15-minute drive away from Columbus, one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest.
Once I moved onto campus, I realized just how much fun Columbus really is! My friends and I love to head downtown and explore new areas. Below you’ll find a few of our favorite ways to enjoy and experience the city.
Enjoy Nightlife
Located just a short car or bus ride away from Capital, the Short North Arts District is home to art galleries, dining, nightlife, fashion, and unique shops. The Short North also holds a Gallery Hop event on the first Saturday of every month, featuring expanded art exhibitions, street performers and vendors.
Expand Your Network
Columbus is home to a variety of higher education institutions (there are 11 in the area!), meaning Capital students have a unique opportunity to connect with other college students all across Central Ohio.
There are a variety of events and groups shared between different institutions. Students can join a National Pan-Hellenic fraternity or sorority city-wide chapter with other Central Ohio students, and Capital students are even eligible to try out for The Ohio State University Marching Band – and they make it!
Experience Sports
Head to the Arena District to catch a Columbus Crew soccer match, chill at a Columbus Blue Jackets hockey game, or relax at the ballpark with the Columbus Clippers.
The city also features major athletic events like the The Memorial Tournament, Arnold Expo and Sports Festival, and the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon. And, lace up your skates – Columbus is hosting the S. Figure Skating Championships in 2024.
Escape Reality
A hotbed for performing arts, Columbus is known for small venues housing local bands and community theatres all the way up to major venues like the Ohio Theatre – which features full-scale Broadway in Columbus productions – and Kemba Live!, whose stage has hosted talents like Lizzo, Maren Morris, and more.
Explore Attractions
As the 14th largest city in the United States, Columbus is the home of numerous major attractions. Spend some time with nature by visiting Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay, or one of the many metro parks throughout the area.
If you’re looking for an indoor activity, consider heading downtown to visit the Columbus Museum of Art, COSI, the Ohio Statehouse or a public library (Columbus is home to the #1 library system in the U.S.)
There’s so much that my friends and I can do just minutes from our residence hall! We’re excited to start planning our next Columbus adventure! Do you want to come with us?
To learn more about Capital, visit and see for yourself!
To learn more about what makes Columbus one of the Best Places cities, visit Experience Columbus.