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Student Housing in Columbia, SC
About Student Housing in Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina is the state capital and home to the University of South Carolina, where roughly 35,000 students give downtown a steady collegiate hum. The campus centers on the historic Horseshoe, and student life spills into Five Points just south, the classic bar-and-restaurant district most undergrads gravitate toward. The Vista along the Congaree River leans more polished and draws seniors and grad students, while Shandon offers leafy streets and old houses. Beyond the bars, you've got the State House grounds, the riverfront greenway, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, and a busy slate of festivals and Gamecock game days. It's a mid-size capital city with a big SEC heartbeat and easy access to lakes and rivers.
Best Neighborhoods for Students in Columbia
Five Points
The undergrad favorite, walkable, social, and packed with the widest selection of student apartments just south of the Horseshoe.
The Vista
Along the Congaree River, this district runs more upscale and draws seniors and grad students who want a polished riverfront vibe.
Shandon
Tree-lined streets and older houses, popular with students who want a calmer residential feel close to campus.
Getting Around Columbia as a Student
Here's what you need to know about getting around Columbia.