Learn by Experience

Hands-on Opportunities for Real-World Success

Finding your route to success starts with developing the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to thrive in a world full of new possibilities and different ways to live, think, and grow. 

As students discover their place at Ohio State and build connections across campus, ROUTES Unlimited helps them put their learning into practice beyond the classroom. By exploring new environments, engaging with communities and organizations, and reflecting on real-world experiences, students strengthen the skills and perspectives that prepare them for success during college and beyond. 

Through Experiential Learning-Focused Opportunity Paths RU participants: 

• Learn through direct engagement, observation, and service.
• Guided reflection connected to identity, values, and social systems
• Applying classroom and residential learning to complex, real-world settings  

Featured opportunity path program experiences include: 

OH-IO Connections 

• Bringing It Home    
  On-campus engagement experiences—such as The Roommate Game, Strange Foods, and Are You Afraid of the Oval? that spark early reflection on wellness, learning, and action within residence halls and master lease communities.    

• Experience Columbus    
  Campus-area learning opportunities (e.g., North Market, COSI, Easton, Columbus Greek Festival) that help students build navigation, planning, and logistical skills related to transportation, access, and professional preparedness.    

• Explore Ohio    
  Statewide experiences highlighting Ohio’s diverse histories, cultures, opportunities, and challenges. Participants examine how place shapes lived experience and societal outcomes. Programs include the Circleville Pumpkin Show, Ticket to Ride experiences, the Ohio Fall Retreat, and more.    

Educational Road Trips and Study Abroad

Provide intentionally structured, immersive learning beyond Columbus and serve as the culmination of RU skill-building throughout the year and feature destinations such as New York City, Memphis, Tennessee, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Rome, Italy and more.  

Global Gateways     
Bring domestic and international students together to practice cultural humility, examine assumptions, and build authentic relationships across difference—strengthening global awareness and inclusive community-building skills. 

View the ROUTES Unlimited Programming Calendar  to explore more about these and other upcoming programs, experiences, and engagement opportunities.