On-Campus Housing

First year undergraduate students are required to live on-campus. After that, on-campus housing is available on a limited basis for undergraduate students. There is no graduate student housing available. 

On-campus housing offers many conveniences, such as close proximity to classroom buildings and easy access to libraries, computer labs, and sport and recreation facilities. Many on-campus residences provide basic furnishings such as a bed, dresser, desk and chair as well as food services, Wifi, and free cable. Living on-campus allows you to fully embrace the life and culture at USC. Residence halls provide many opportunities for friendship and community involvement, as well as communities specifically designed for certain majors or interests.

Off-Campus Housing

The majority of international students live off-campus during their studies at USC. There are many nearby apartments in Columbia that offer a variety of services to help with your adjustment to life here in South Carolina. Off-Campus Living and Neighborhood Relations provides a wealth of resources on apartment options near campus and other off-campus living needs.  Additionally, there are many other types of websites you can use to find housing, such as ApartmentGuide.com or Rent.com. Always verify that the websites you use to find housing information are legitimate and are not scams.

Tips for Living Off-Campus

• It is very important that you review your lease in full and be aware of your responsibilities, financial obligations, and rights as a tenant. Specifically, ISS recommends that you familiarize yourself with the terms of your lease: how long the lease is, can the lease be broken and if so what's required, etc. 
• If you do not have a social security number, apartments may charge you a higher security deposit when you sign a lease.
• For more information, see the Off-Campus Living and Neighborhood Relations website.