Student accommodation, flats, and rooms for rent in Columbia

Are you going to study at one of their universities, like the University of South Carolina? Then you’re surely looking for student housing in Columbia. In this article we tell you everything you need to know to make your search for an apartment or a room easier. We’ll also read about the best areas to live as a student, and the different residences available. You can also find the most frequently asked questions from other students who went to Columbia to study.

Student apartments for rent in Columbia

The truth is that in this American city, the most common accommodations are studio apartments. Meaning that complete apartments with several rooms to share aren’t usually very common to find. This is because they usually require more paperwork and have more entry requirements, so they are not the easiest to rent for exchange students.

Studio apartments give privacy and independence. These are compact spaces in which the bedroom, kitchen, and living room are all in the same space, also having a bathroom. The cost usually ranges from USD $1,200 per month onwards, although it depends a lot on your location in the city.

Student rooms for rent in Columbia

In the capital of South Carolina, the most common type of room are single rooms. Many have a private bathroom, which can be a plus if you prefer not to share that space in the house.

The rooms can be part of private buildings, residences, or complexes with houses. It’s important that you pay attention to both the characteristics of the room and the location where the flat is, because they may offer access to facilities such as a gym, balcony or even an outdoor pool. This surely makes a difference in your choice!

Student Accommodation in Columbia

The following are some of the best neighbourhoods you can consider living in this American city:

Flats for rent in Five Points

Five Points is the heart of nightlife in Columbia. It’s full of bars, restaurants, shops, and cafés. In addition, it’s located east of the city centre, very close to it. It’s also just minutes away from the University of South Carolina campus, making it a good option for its students.

Apartments in Olympia-Granby

Being close to the university, Olympia-Granby has a large student population. Thanks to this, it has a wide variety of accommodation available, as well as a good youth atmosphere. Furthermore, it’s close to parks, shops, and restaurants, offering everything necessary for a comfortable and pleasant life.

Rooms for rent in The Congaree Vista

Known simply as “The Vista”, it’s one of the most modern neighbourhoods in the city. It’s another of the centres of nightlife, with a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. It also has art galleries, theatres, and cultural centres, as well as green spaces and parks to enjoy. Plus, it's just a few minutes away from the USC campus by foot, bike, or public transportation.

Student accommodation near the University of South Carolina (USC)

Some of the neighbourhoods that you can consider living near the institution are:

• Five Points, known for its lively atmosphere and nightlife.
• The Vista or The Congaree Vista, a modern district with nightlife, cultural sites and parks.
• Olympia-Granby, a historic neighbourhood with renovated industrial-style houses.
• Rosewood, a quiet and affordable residential area.
• Shandon, another residential area with tree-lined streets and historic homes.

Through this link you can access a map of the USC campus.

Student Residences in Columbia

In Columbia you’ll find both private and university student residences.

The university residences are those offered by the institutions and are usually divided by the year of study and by gender. Furthermore, they are usually on-campus, that is, within the same campus.

For their part, the private residences can have various locations but often have good connections to the city's universities. The positive thing about them is that other residents can study at different institutions, which will allow you to expand your circle of friends even more.

Frequently asked questions about studying in Columbia