Off-Campus Living & Neighborhood Relations

Many students opt to live off-campus at some time during their education. Our resources help you find off-campus accommodations, sublease or roommate options, and assist local residents with off-campus living related issues.

Off-Campus Living Module

We've created a 20-minute educational course that can help you better understand how to find housing, off-campus safety, tenant's rights and responsibilities and much more.

All first-year freshman students are required to live on campus during their first academic year (two semesters). After living on campus, some students elect to live in off-campus housing. Columbia is full of student-friendly housing from downtown apartments to suburban houses.

If you're considering off-campus living, be aware of the extra responsibilities that come with it. The Student Code of Conduct applies to every student enrolled in the university whether they live on campus or off.

Secure your home for holiday breaks:

Lock your room, apartment or house doors and windows.
Remove all portable items from your vehicle. If you must leave something in your car, lock it in the trunk.
Take valuables with you, if possible. Keep your bicycle in your room during the holidays.
Ask a neighbor to watch your house and suspend home deliveries and mail.
Set indoor and outdoor lights on an automatic timer.
Leave a light, a radio or television on so your house looks and sounds occupied.
Park a car in your driveway so your house looks occupied.
Add your property to a law enforcement watch list during the period you are away.
Move your vehicle off public streets.

Can you help me find...

Housing? The Daily Gamecock's Find Your Nest is a searchable listing of available, student-friendly off-campus housing options. Filter by the number of bedrooms, proximity to campus and other preferences.

A roommate or sublet? Our free online message board can help you connect with potential roommates and find sublease or housing options.

Student Apartment Communities

There are many privately-owned apartment communities in Columbia that cater primarily to USC students. These properties, which are wholly independent of the university, often house a large number of USC students all year long.

Get the guide!

Our annual Off-Campus Living Guide [pdf] is a how-to for more successful off-campus residency. Learn about communities and what they offer, the ins and outs of contracts, transportation and parking options for commuting students and much more.

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