Student Housing Columbia, SC

The capital of South Carolina, Columbia, is a vibrant college city with most student apartments located near university campuses such as the University of South Carolina (USC) and Benedict College. The housing market here has a high occupancy rate of 94%, which makes it hard for people to find a good place to stay. This is where University Living comes in. We offer verified student housing South Carolina ranging from studios to shared apartments, all priced from $495 per month.. Designed with the "live-work-play" lifestyle in mind, we provide amazing amenities such as swimming pools, 24/7 fitness centres, and volleyball courts.

Well-lit areas, communal courtyards, and study centres enhance the overall living experience here. In addition, we keep the safety of the students our top priority. That is why we provide secure gate access, 24/7 CCTV surveillance, and on-site staff in case of emergencies. With all-inclusive pricing, our booking process is easy. Some of the top student housing in Columbia include The Roost, Redpoint, and 21 Oaks, which are known for providing an ideal balance of study and social life.

Also referred to as the “Soda City”, Columbia provides a fascinating mix of grand Greek Revival buildings and historic red-brick campuses. As modern residences continue to grow, the city beautifully blends southern charm into Columbia student apartments. When you step in for the first time, you will come across large glass balconies, industrial-style interiors, and smart-home technology. This ensures that one can easily balance their studies and social activities. While exploring your options for student housing in the USA, you will find two categories:

Student Housing (PBSAS): Made specifically for the university lifestyle, these properties provide an all-inclusive rental model. This makes it easy for you to manage your budget, as the costs of utilities such as Wi-Fi, electricity, water, and trash are bundled into a single, predictable monthly price. These are further categorised into four types:

• Ensuite Rooms: As a premier choice for student living Columbia, it provides students with a private bedroom that is attached to a bathroom. The rest of the areas, such as the living room and kitchen, are shared with other residents. They are priced between $195 and $280 per week.

• Studios: Fully independent units featuring a bed, bathroom, and kitchen. Acting as a gold standard for those who love privacy and independence, these student housing Columbia SC, generally range from $295 to $390 per week.

• Non-Ensuites: With a more accessible price point, these units provide a private bedroom, while bathroom, kitchen and living areas are all shared by other flatmates. These costs range from $170 to $210 per week.

• Shared Apartments: Ideal for those who want to maximise their savings or have a close-knit friend circle, you will be sharing everything from the bedroom and bathroom to the kitchen and living area with your friends. So, if you don’t mind sharing, then this is your jam. Their rates start from as low as $160 per week.

Private Apartments: Operating as conventional rentals, you will secure an entire flat, including a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and living area. While you have to manage your utilities separately, the level of freedom and variety of locations make them a favourite option for both students and couples who want to live together.

Founded in 1786, Columbia is one of the first planned cities in the US. Its academic roots go back to 1801, with the University of South Carolina serving as the hub of education. The city has around 139,000 residents living here, with more than 850,000 in the metro area. Popular for its courses in Public Health, International Business, and Engineering, the city attracts thousands of students from all over the world. Furthermore, Columbia sits at the “Fall line”, where the Piedmont plateau meets the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Featuring scenic landscapes, including the Congaree River and the Congaree National Park, it is home to some of the highest temperate deciduous canopies. Some of the popular attractions here include Riverbanks Zoo & Garden and the South Carolina State Museum.

The economy here thrives on sectors such as State Government, Healthcare, and Insurance, with major employers including Prisma Health and BlueCross BlueShield, keeping unemployment at 3.2%. Safety is emphasised in both Columbia student housing and the surrounding areas, including Cottontown, the Vista district, and Five Points. Major universities here include Anne Frank Center and Davis College, which further make Columbia a vibrant academic city.

Having a great student housing Columbia, South Carolina, means choosing a place that easily combines academics with a great lifestyle. The best student accommodations here include world class amenities such as volleyball courts, outdoor grilling areas, cafes, and parking services. One can also enjoy perks such as yoga and spin studios with virtual classes, along with game rooms. With a focus on safety, they are conveniently located near major campus shuttle routes, making it easy to travel across campuses. Most of the student accommodation in Columbia ranges between $495-$ 1,280/month. Below are some of the best Columbia student housing:

• The Roost

• Redpoint

• 21 Oaks

• Rivers Edge at Carolina Stadium

• Station at Five Points

• SAGA Columbia

• Empire Columbia

• Cayce Cove

Check out your ideal homes and book your student housing in Columbia, SC, today!

The estimated cost of living in Columbia ranges from $2,100 to $3,100 per month. This means that you will be having high quality lifestyle, all while being 12% more affordable than the national average. As a capital city, Columbia provides a great financial advantage. Just keep in mind that your monthly expenses are all dependent on your personal lifestyle and choice of student apartments in Columbia. Below is the breakdown of the estimated monthly cost of living in Columbia:

To get a more accurate estimate based on your personal habits and the university area, try our Cost of Living Calculator.

As one of the “top 50 best places to live” in the US, Columbia has got a strong academic scene, contributing over $1.2 billion to the economy each year. Over time, the city has witnessed 20% growth in its young professional population, creating a youthful atmosphere. Its focus on safety and warm climate makes it one of the best choices for student housing in Columbia, SC. The following are some of the best areas to live in Columbia:

• Forest Acres: As a peaceful and upscale area, it is often called a “city within a city.” Having several parks and green spaces, this makes it a calm place to be. Located around 3 to 5 miles from downtown, it is around 10-15 minute drive to the USC campus. Students living here enjoy the Trenholm Road area, with popular spots like Poogan’s Courtyard and Lowes Foods. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is $1,250 to $1,600 per month. This makes it a premium option for student housing in South Carolina.

• Shandon: It is one of the most popular historic areas in Columbia, known for its big oak trees and unique architecture. Located around 1 to 2 miles from downtown, it takes around a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk to USC. The area is close to Five Points, a famous student social hub where students visit places like Drip Coffee and Yesterday's. Shandon has a high walkability score, and over 60% of residents are students or young professionals. Rent for apartments or houses here usually ranges from $1,100 to $1,550 per month.

• Elmwood Park: Having colourful Victorian homes and a strong community feel, it is located about 1.5 miles north of the city centre. Having a 7–10 minute commute to USC, this area is especially popular among medical and nursing students. It also has cultural spots like Indah Coffee and is near the Columbia Museum of Art. Property values here have increased by 15% in the last five years, showing its growing demand. Rent in this area usually ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month.

As a well-planned city and a major transportation hub for the South Carolina Midlands, Columbia is known for efficiently connecting thousands of students with the downtown area. This means you can easily access to student housing Columbia. In recent years, the city has invested over $30 million in its "Vision Zero" initiative to improve pedestrian safety and bike lane connectivity. Following are some of the best transportation options for students in Columbia:

• The COMET: As one of the major bus systems in Columbia, it runs on 40+ routes across the city. Connecting student housing areas to the city centre and universities, this is especially made for students at the University of South Carolina (USC) and Benedict College. Its routes 101 and 301 are the most useful. These buses arrive every 20 to 30 minutes and go directly to campus and the State House. One-way ticket costs about $2.00, but USC students can travel for free using their CarolinaCard. Others can buy a 10-day pass for $14.00, making it affordable.

• Cocky’s Cruiser (USC Shuttle): This is the official shuttle service used by USC students. It carries over 2 million passengers every year and runs on color-coded routes like Red and Blue. These buses operate from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM after every 10 to 15 minutes, with an Evening Shuttle running until midnight. It is completely free for students and connects key places like the Horseshoe and Russell House to nearby student housing Columbia, South Carolina.

• Blue Bike SC: A bike-sharing system with 135 electric bikes across 15 hubs, mainly in downtown and Five Points. It is perfect for short trips, like the 1.5-mile distance between campus and the riverfront. Students can get an annual membership for $25.00, which includes unlimited 45-minute rides, while casual users pay about $2.00 per 30 minutes. It can reduce a 20-minute walk to a 7-minute ride.

• Walking & Ridesharing: Walking is very common in areas like the Innovista district. Around 35,000+ students live within 2 miles of campus, so many prefer to walk. As for longer distances or late-night travel, students can use several apps like Uber and Lyft. A typical ride here costs about $8.00 to $15.00, depending on demand.

Attracting more than 15 million visitors every year, Columbia is the topmost regional travel destination. With a mix of historic sites and beautiful riverfronts, the city offers easy access to amazing wildlife and cultural attractions. Following are some of the best tourist attractions in Columbia:

• Riverbanks Zoo & Garden: Ranked among the top 10 zoos in the US. It covers 170 acres of land and is home to over 2,000 animals and a beautiful garden. Entry fee is $25 to $30.

• Congaree National Park: Just 20 minutes away from downtown, this park is home to the largest stretch of old forest in the Southeast. It's perfect for kayaking and hiking. Entry is free for students looking for outdoor activities.

• South Carolina State Museum: Located in a historic 1894 textile mill, this museum offers four floors of art, history, and a planetarium. Entry fees are about $10-$15, and it’s a popular spot for students living in Columbia.

• Columbia Museum of Art: Situated in downtown Columbia, this museum features an international collection of art spanning 5,000 years. General entry is around $10, but students can often visit for free on special days.