Ohio State Students Rely on Inherited Names and DIY Decor to Customize Rentals

Students renting in Columbus's University District often begin their leases in empty structures, but many use established traditions to create a sense of belonging. A common practice involves inheriting houses from previous tenant groups, a custom frequently seen in Greek life organizations and close friend networks.

Emma Geesling, a third-year actuarial science student, lives in a house currently named Love Shack. The property was passed down from seniors in her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma. The name has a documented history dating back to Madison Lasso and her peers, who graduated from Ohio State University in 2022. Lasso noted that her group originally called the residence Kappa Krypt, a title derived from their group chat.

Lasso said the house had been occupied by Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow prior to her time there. She stated that knowing the previous residents created a familiar atmosphere, distinguishing the space from a random rental. Geesling expressed appreciation for the lineage of the name, even though she wished her group had coined it themselves. She noted that evolving names based on inside jokes helps bind new groups together.

Not all houses follow this inheritance model. Paige Sommerfeld, a fourth-year health sciences student, lives in a residence her roommates named Red Rocket. The group chose the name after observing the house's red interior. Sommerfeld said the name reflected the large personalities of the residents. She emphasized that bringing personal items from home helps the space feel less like an old rental and more like a personal dwelling.

Camille Zitney, a fourth-year architecture student, focuses on interior customization. She lives in a house her older brother previously occupied, having passed the lease to her group two years ago. Zitney said she created her own headboard and bed valance using DIY methods to save money for rent and groceries. She noted that collecting fridge magnets and keeping old posters adds personality to the space.

Zitney said the physical objects help, but the primary goal is creating an environment where residents feel safe and comfortable. She described the atmosphere as a feeling that is evident when entering the home, distinguishing it from a standard university rental.