Look, it's easy to rarely leave the bubble that is Campus. But you shouldn't fall into that trap, not when there's so much amazing happening just outside those walls. Maybe then you'll understand why so many OSU students stick around after graduation.
11. WHIP IT GOOD WITH THE OHIO ROLLER GIRLS
717 E. 17th Ave., East Side
614-264-5422
ohiorollergirls.com
Indie culture and fast-paced action collide (literally) during flat track roller derby bouts. Cheer on the hometown Ohio Roller Girls as they battle teams from around the country
12. BLIND YOURSELF WITH SCIENCE AT COSI
333 W Broad St., Downtown
614-228-2674
cosi.org
You don't have to go to school to have fun learning a thing or two at the city's signature science center. With exhibitions, shows and hands-on activities, COSI is a blast for people of all ages.
13. BUST YOUR GUT FOR BREAKFAST AT JACK & BENNY'S
2563 N. High St., Campus
614-263-0242
If you're looking for hot, greasy breakfast relief, you can't go wrong at this classic diner. And don't worry if you can't pick just one morning favorite: Jack & Benny's signature Gut Buster piles an egg, bacon, hash browns, potato pancake, sausage, toast and gravy all on one plate.
14. SHOP FOR COOL DECOR YOUR PARENTS WOULD'VE LOVED AT FLOWER CHILD
989 N. High St., Short North
614-297-8006
flowerchildvintage.com
Spruce up your dorm room or apartment with some vintage finds in this Short North shop. Flower Child could almost double as a museum - there are plenty of fun and kitschy collections to browse through from the past decades.
15. FLEX YOUR MUSCLES AT THE ARNOLD FITNESS WEEKEND
400 N. High St., Downtown
614-431-2600
arnoldsportsfestival.com
This annual event takes over the Greater Columbus Convention Center each March. It's the largest multi-sport fest in the country, with hundreds of exhibits and competitions - including the signature bodybuilding event - and visits from Arnold Schwarzenegger himself.
16. PICK UP A PAIR OF FRESH NEW KICKS AT SOLE CLASSICS
765 N. High St., Short North
614-299-2290
soleclassics.com
Columbus' premier sneaker and streetwear boutique is one of the only shops licensed to carry Nike Sportswear and Vans Vault. Stop by to pick up your limited-edition footwear.
17. GET A FRESH PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA SANDWICH AT KREMA NUT COMPANY
1000 W. Goodale Blvd., Grandview
614-299-4131
krema.com
If nostalgia sets in and you're craving that peanut butter and jelly sandwich that Mom used to pack in your lunch, try this fun alternative. Krema makes their own natural peanut butter products, and serves creative and classic sandwiches in their cafe.
18. ENJOY AN ACTUAL MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH FROM GERMAN VILLAGE COFFEE SHOP
193 Thurman Ave., German Village
614-443-8900
gvcoffeeshop.com
Serving breakfast and lunch all day long, the German Village Coffee Shop's grub might not be fancy, but it sure is good. Don't miss the real Monte Cristo sandwich, deep-fried the way nature intended.
19. ROOT FOR YOUR FAVORITE HORSE DURING THE TRIPLE CROWN OF HARNESS RACING
236 Pennsylvania Ave., Delaware
740-363-6000
littlebrownjug.com
Since 1946, the Little Brown Jug has been one of the country's premier venues for harness racing, taking over the Delaware County Fairgrounds each year during the middle of September.
20. CELEBRATE THE CITY'S ARTISTIC FREEDOM AT INDEPENDENTS' DAY
16 E. Gay St., Downtown
thisisindependent.com
There's a reason Columbus is known as the Indie Arts Capital of the World, and it's on display in September at Gay Street and Pearl Alley. The now three-day fest features the best in independent music, art, food and more.
100 things to do before you graduate: 21-30 >>