Ohio State Students Report Foul Stench on Campus

Ohio State Students Report Foul Stench on Campus

We take fresh air for granted. Having to deal with a horrible stink like this can ruin your day.

The Lantern reports:

‘What’s That Smell?’: Students Report Stench on Campus

As students moved through campus this semester, some caught whiffs of an odor they couldn’t quite put their noses on — a sour and sewage-like smell, strong enough to spark confusion on social media.

The mixed reactions have created a split on campus, with some students saying the odor is unmistakable, popping up on routes to class on North campus and discussed online, while others insist they haven’t smelled a thing.

For some students, the odor isn’t an isolated event. Damionna Roberts, a fourth-year in moving image production and Korean, said she’s noticed it repeatedly on her walks to class.

“I definitely have noticed, like, some strange smells around campus while I’m walking to class,” she said. “It’s just unpleasant — and sometimes garbagey.”

With student experiences varying widely, the university is beginning to look into what might be behind the mysterious scent. Dan Hedman, a university spokesperson, said the issue wasn’t on the university’s radar until a report was submitted on Nov. 18.

“This information has been shared with our facilities team, and they have opened a work order and will investigate the issue,” Hedman said.

Roberts said the unfamiliar scent sometimes makes her wonder whether it’s safe.

“Sometimes I’m a little concerned, because is this safe to be ingesting or is it okay?” Roberts said. “Whatever it is, you never really hear anything about what the smells are. It just happens as you come and go.”

She said the smell has become a quietly shared experience among her inner circle and peers.

Donations tax deductible
to the full extent allowed by law.