Try looking into Clintonville for living arrangements. It's just north of OSU. It's safe, quiet, and relatively inexpensive.
The Guardtower is your best bet for gaming. Ravenstone is...average.
Finster pretty much nailed the restaraunts. Especially Thurmans. Although I have to disagree on...
It's an excellent field to get into. It may be somewhat difficult to get into without schooling, though. I had the advantage of knowing someone who was well-established in the field. If you don't have that luxury, you may need to take some Terminology classes at your local Community College...