All information provided courtesy of the Office of Off-Campus Living and Neighborhood Relations.
Types of Housing
Finding the right housing fit can be challenging. Consider these options when you are determining what type of housing option best fits your needs.
Click here for information about communities around USC-Columbia campus.
Cost
Off-campus rental amounts will vary greatly and will depend on the number of roommates and amenities provided. Living off campus can be very affordable, especially if you share costs with roommates. You should contact properties and landlords to get the costs as Off-Campus Living and Neighborhood Relation does not provide information on rental amounts for specific properties. When researching housing options, you need to consider not only the rent amount but also what is included and what additional costs you will incur each month. Keep in mind that rent might not be the only thing you have to pay. You may have to make separate payments for utilities (electricity, water, cable and Internet).
Click here for an amenities chart featuring properties right here in Columbia.
Budget
When you move off campus, budgeting your money becomes crucial, because you will have regular bills to pay. Making sure you set enough money aside to pay rent, utilities, cable and internet is vital for a successful off-campus living experience. Here are some things you should take into consideration before determining where you will live:
Your budget should reflect your values and will be personal and unique to you. No one else can tell you how to spend your money -- those decisions are yours alone. A budget helps you be intentional about where you spend your funds, and this ensures you do not accidentally spend too much money on less important items. The Student Success Center Financial Literacy Program offers a college budget guide to help you get your spending on the right track, as well as complementary one-hour Moving Off-Campus consultations for students. Request a consultation.
Finding a Roommate
Relationships with roommates are similar to any other relationship -- they have their ups and downs. Some relationships fit perfectly and others need extra attention. Take the time to establish clear expectations and maintain open lines of communication to ensure harmony.
When picking a roommate, it is important to find someone you can see yourself getting along with and someone you feel comfortable sharing an apartment or house with. You should ask your prospective roommate questions about his/her cleanliness, apartment and house preferences, price range and personal habits prior to agreeing to live together. Ideally, your future roommate will be someone who has similar preferences and interests as you do.
Understanding Your Lease
Leasing or renting a place to live off campus can be a very exciting and positive experience, as well as confusing and overwhelming. Click here to see information and resources to help you understand your lease.
If you are a student at the University of South Carolina, you can meet with a lawyer through the Office of Off-Campus Living and Neighborhood Relations at no additional cost. If you are having trouble or difficulties with your landlord and it cannot be remedied between the tenant and landlord, you can schedule an appointment online.
Parking & Transportation
All vehicles that will be parked at University of South Carolina reserved spaces and lots should be registered with Vehicle Management and Parking Services. There are numerous lots around the area where a full-year pass to park is approximately $100. However, students also may choose to buy a garage parking pass. Garage and reserved spaces are reserved 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Garage passes are approximately $400 per semester. For more information about parking passes and decals, visit the Vehicle Management and Parking Services website.
Being a Good Neighbor
As a student at the University of South Carolina, you are expected to be a role model in and out of the classroom. Here are a few tips on how to be a good neighbor and enhance your off-campus experience:
Tips for Responsible Party Hosting:
Behavior
Remember that whether you are on or off campus, you are always a representative of the University of South Carolina and are held to the same standard as students living on campus. All incidents that occur off campus may be reported to the university by the police, a landlord, business owner and/or neighbors. Please take a few minutes to review the University of South Carolina Student Code of Conduct.
Rent Safe
Before moving in, make sure that your new place is safe to live in. The City of Columbia has minimum standards that properties are required to meet. Keep these requirements in mind and personally check for the following before moving in:
If you have any questions or concerns, take pictures and address them immediately by doing the following:
General Safety
Be sure to sign up for Carolina ALERT, the University's emergency notification system.
Download the free Rave Guardian Safety app that turns any smartphone into a personalized protection network.
Here are a few reminders and suggestions for practicing good safety procedures.
Law Enforcement Agencies
