Most student apartments in Columbia SC offer 12-month leases, which align with the academic year. Some options for off-campus housing in Columbia SC listed by amber also provide 9-month or semester-based leases, especially in student-focused housing communities near the university.
It depends on the student living Columbia SC. Many off-campus student housing Columbia SC options include internet, water, trash, or cable, while electricity may be billed separately. Some all-inclusive student housing options bundle utilities into the monthly rent for convenience.
Yes, many providers of apartments for rent in Columbia SC require a guarantor (co-signer) if you do not have a strong credit history or sufficient income. International students may sometimes use a guarantor service instead.
Most student apartments near University of South Carolina Columbia (USC) are fully furnished, typically including a bed, desk, chair, and living room furniture. Some student housing Columbia SC also includes appliances such as a refrigerator, microwave, and washer/dryer.
Many student housing communities are located within walking distance or a short bike ride of the University of South Carolina campus, and some are less than 1 mile away. There are also options slightly farther out that offer shuttle services or easy public transport access.
Some student apartments in Columbia SC are pet-friendly, allowing cats or small dogs. However, there may be breed restrictions, pet deposits, or monthly pet fees, so it’s best to confirm the policy with the specific apartments in Columbia SC near USC.
Yes, certain off-campus apartments Columbia SC, providers offer short-term leases or subleases, particularly during summer or semester breaks. However, most purpose-built student apartments Columbia SC still prioritise full academic-year leases.
Yes. At the University of South Carolina, all first-year students are generally required to live on campus, as it helps them integrate into campus life and access academic resources easily.
Yes, Columbia is considered a student-friendly city with a relatively affordable cost of living, a lively college atmosphere, and plenty of dining, entertainment, and outdoor activities. Its large student population and proximity to the University of South Carolina make it a popular destination for students.
Student housing in Columbia SC, typically ranges from about $650 to $1,500 per month, depending on the property, resort-style amenities, and room type. On average, off-campus student apartments in Columbia SC around $1,100 per student per month.
Columbia, South Carolina, offers a wide range of student apartments thanks to its large and growing student population. With thousands of students attending the University of South Carolina and other nearby institutions, the city has developed many housing options designed specifically for student living. On-campus housing at the University of South Carolina often fills up quickly, making off-campus student apartments in Columbia SC a popular choice. These apartments typically include amenities such as furnished bedrooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, study areas, gyms, and social lounges.
Students can choose from studio apartments, 1-bedroom units, and shared 2- to 4-bedroom apartments, depending on their budget and lifestyle preferences. Popular options include The Roost and The Row At The Stadium, with rents typically ranging between $600 and $1,500 per month, depending on location and amenities. Platforms like amber simplify the process of finding student apartments in Columbia SC by offering verified listings, flexible lease options, and personalized booking assistance. Students can easily compare houses for rent in Columbia SC near USC campus and secure housing near campus.
Located in the heart of South Carolina, Columbia is the capital and largest city in the state. This beautiful city was founded in 1786 at the convergence of the Saluda and Broad Rivers. Today, Columbia is home to nearly 50,000 college students and offers a great balance of Southern charm and student life. According to this city guide of Columbia, the city offers many beautiful spots to explore, such as the swampy trails of Congaree National Park or Lake Murray for a refreshing swim and boat ride. Additionally, Columbia offers a great student life with many events and festivals, including the St. Pat’s in Five Points music festival and the weekly Soda City Market on Main Street. These events allow students to easily immerse themselves in the local culture and mingle with other students. Columbia provides a good lifestyle with Shandon and Rosewood being mentioned as good and safe areas to live in for young people.
Columbia is an excellent place for students to pursue their studies due to its excellent student life and good employment opportunities. The city offers good employment opportunities in various fields, including business, healthcare, and engineering. The University of South Carolina has a global ranking of #628 in the QS World University Rankings for 2026. The university offers excellent social mobility and allows its students to begin their careers with good salaries, averaging about $62,180 at the beginning of their careers. There are other excellent educational institutions in the city, including Columbia College and Benedict College. These institutions offer good returns on investment with median salaries of about $42,036 for new college graduates.
The best student apartments in Columbia SC, manage to find a good balance between giving students their own private space while keeping them connected to university life. Amber makes searching for student living apartments in Columbia SC a breeze. With amber, you can filter your search based on your specific preferences. This means that you’ll have access to verified apartments with photos and reviews from students. If you’re a student on a tight budget, then Columbia SC is a great choice. Amber helps you find affordable apartments without breaking the bank or adding to your student loans. Here are some of the cheap student apartments Columbia SC:
1. The Roost - This property features 1 to 4-bedroom townhomes with private bathrooms and offers high-end amenities like a sparkling pool, full-size basketball and volleyball courts, a 24-hour study lounge, and a direct shuttle to campus. From $639 per month.
2. The Row At The Stadium - These modern 3, 4, and 6-bedroom townhomes include private bathrooms, walk-in closets, and luxury perks like an exclusive lazy river, an oversized hot tub, and a private campus shuttle. From $1333 per month.
3. Station At Five Points - These fully furnished 1 to 4-bedroom apartments feature private balconies and high-end community amenities, including a two-story fitness centre, a resort-style pool, and a golf simulator. - From $819 per month.
4. Greene Crossing - This premium property offers fully furnished studios and 1 to 4-bedroom apartments with private bathrooms, featuring a resort-style pool with a swim-up sun deck, a hammock swing lounge, and a state-of-the-art iMac and PC lab. - From $1070 per month.
Columbia offers several student-friendly neighborhoods that provide easy access to universities, restaurants, parks, and entertainment. Here’s a brief overview of the best places for student living Columbia SC:
| Area | Student Vibe | Commute to nearest Uni | Avg Rent (p/w) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Five Points | Lively, village charm, near bars | 5-10 mins walk (USC) | $190–$230 |
| The Vista | Artsy, urban, upscale nightlife | 10 mins bike (USC) | $215–$255 |
| Downtown | Business hub, near Main Street | 5 mins walk (USC/Allen) | $230–$270 |
| Shandon | Quiet, historic, tree-lined | 15 mins bike (USC) | $175–$210 |
| Olympia | Sports-centric, near stadium | 10 mins bus (USC) | $185–$225 |
Columbia SC, has a variety of student housing options to suit various lifestyles, budgets, and preferences. The following is a detailed description of various types of rooms available for student housing in Columbia South Carolina:
1. 1-Bed or 2-Bed Apartments
What you get: One or two private bedrooms, a shared kitchen, bathroom, and lounge area.
Privacy: Private bedrooms.
Shared areas: Kitchen, bathroom, and lounge area.
Best for: These 1-bedroom student apartments Columbia SC are best for students who need a private area but still want to access social areas.
2. Private Rooms
What you get: Private room in a student apartment in Columbia SC
Privacy: Private bedroom, private bathroom.
Shared spaces: Kitchen and lounge areas are shared spaces.
Best for: Students who want independence while at the same time staying connected to others.
3. Studios
What you get: This student housing Columbia SC consists of a fully self-contained unit with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
Privacy: It provides complete independence.
Shared spaces: No shared spaces.
Best for: Students who want independence.
4. 4 Bedroom Apartments
What you get: Bedrooms are provided, and there are shared spaces such as the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms.
Privacy: Private bedroom
Shared spaces: The kitchen, living room, and bathrooms are shared spaces.
Best for: A group of students or those looking for affordable student rentals Columbia SC with a personal space.
5. Shared Apartments
What you get: Bedrooms are provided, while the bathrooms, kitchen, and lounge areas are shared spaces.
Privacy: Private bedroom.
Shared spaces: Emphasis is on shared spaces.
Best for: Students who like community living and the company of others.
The cost of living in Columbia, South Carolina, is relatively low when compared to the cost of living in many other college towns throughout the U.S. Most students should budget about $1,000 to $1,600 each month for student living apartments Columbia SC, meals, transportation, and other expenses. The following are the general monthly expenses students may encounter:
1. Housing: $700–$1,200/month
2. Groceries & Food: $200–$350/month
3. Transportation: $50–$120/month
4. Utilities & Internet: $150–$200/month
5. Leisure & Personal Expenses: $100–$250/month
The city has a reliable and student-friendly transportation system that connects various universities and popular student hangouts. The city is also quite compact, making it very easy to get to classes from your student housing apartments Columbia SC, or explore the nightlife in various downtown areas.
1. The COMET Bus: It is a primary transportation service that covers a vast majority of the Midlands. Students from various partner universities, such as the University of South Carolina, can travel for free using their valid student IDs. Other students will find it very affordable.
Cost: $10.50 per week (7-Day Pass), $42.00 per month
Nearest Bus Stops: Sumter St at Greene St, Assembly St at College St, Blossom St at Main St.
2. University Shuttles: All major universities have their own shuttle service that runs through various campuses and student housing. These shuttle services are usually available for free to students.
Cost: Free with a valid student ID.
3. Cycling: Columbia is becoming a very cycling-friendly city, and a majority of students make good use of it. Students can choose Blue Bike SC, a share program that allows them to pick up and drop off their bikes at various convenient locations in the city centre.
Cost: $8.00 per week (based on a monthly membership).
4. Rideshare and E-Rover: Students can also take a free ride through the 36-block Main Street District using the E-Rover. Students can also travel late at night using Uber and Lyft.
Cost: Free using E-Rover.
Distance of Allen University from the nearest properties:
1. The Roost - 15 minutes away by car
2. The Row At The Stadium - 13 minutes away by car
3. Station At Five Points - 4 minutes away by car
4. Greene Crossing - 10 minutes away by car
Student Transit Tips: As a University of South Carolina student, your CarolinaCard acts as your universal pass for all COMET buses and campus shuttles; there is no need to pay extra fares or carry a separate transit card.
Columbia, South Carolina, is a great college town offering a mix of academic excellence, cultural richness, and outdoor recreation, all in one package. It is a great place to live, especially for students. Here is a complete list of famous restaurants, cafes, clubs, parks, and tourist attractions in the city that you cannot miss.
| Category | Popular Spots & Locations |
|---|---|
| Famous Cafes | Drip Coffee (Five Points), Indah Coffee (Cottontown), Sweet Cream Co. (Main Street), Arista Coffee, and Kaminsky’s Dessert Café. |
| Top Restaurants | Blue Marlin (The Vista), Publico Kitchen & Tap (Five Points), Motor Supply Co. Bistro, Gourmet Shop, and Village Idiot Pizza. |
| Clubs & Bars | Tin Roof (The Vista), Art Bar, The Joint @ 1710 Main, New Brookland Tavern, and Prohibition Columbia. |
| Shopping Centers | Columbiana Centre, Trenholm Plaza, Mast General Store (Main Street), and the local boutiques along Devine Street. |
| Tourist Attractions | South Carolina State House, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia Museum of Art, Koger Centre, and the Soda City Market. |
| Parks & Nature | Finlay Park, Congaree National Park, Saluda River Trail, Riverfront Park, and Sesquicentennial State Park. |
Columbia, South Carolina, is a great college town offering a mix of academic excellence, cultural richness, and outdoor recreation, all in one package. It is a great place to live, especially for students. Here is a complete list of famous restaurants, cafes, clubs, parks, and tourist attractions in the city that you cannot miss.
| University | QS Ranking | Popular Programs |
|---|---|---|
| University of South Carolina | #651–700 (QS World University Rankings 2026) | Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Public Health |
| Columbia International University | Not Ranked | Theology, Business Administration, Counselling, Education |
| Benedict College | Not Ranked | Cybersecurity, Mass Communication, Business, Biology |
| Allen University | Not Ranked | Liberal Arts, Education, Business Administration |
| Columbia College | Not Ranked | Nursing, Psychology, Business, Education |