Student Apartments in Columbia, SC: A Guide to Off-Campus Living Near USC

For University of South Carolina students, Columbia offers plenty of off-campus housing options, from older houses to brand-new student communities. Choosing the right one can shape your whole college experience. Here’s what to consider when comparing student apartments in Columbia, SC.

Start with Location

Living close to campus saves time and makes it easier to stay involved. VERVE Columbia sits at 450 Blossom Street, at Blossom and Huger Streets, about two blocks from the USC campus and directly across from Founders Park.

Understand Your Lease Options

Most student communities offer individual leases, so you’re responsible only for your own bedroom and share of rent. Traditional rentals often use joint leases, where all roommates share responsibility. Ask about guarantor requirements and lease dates. Our FAQ page covers the basics.

Pick the Right Floor Plan

VERVE Columbia offers studios through five-bedroom floor plans. Studios and one-bedrooms offer privacy, while larger layouts let friend groups live together and often lower the cost per person.

Compare Amenities

Amenities can replace gym memberships, study spots and weekend plans. VERVE Columbia includes a 24/7 fitness center, outdoor fitness stations, a sauna and meditation rooms, basketball and pickleball courts, a resort-inspired pool courtyard with a hot tub, sun shelf, poolside jumbotron, cabanas and hammock swings, fire pits and grilling stations, a club room with TV and game lounges, a multi-sport simulator, study pods and booths, a content creation studio, a lobby coffee bar with cold brew on tap, a pet spa and dog park, EV charging, and bike and scooter storage with repair stations. See all amenities.

Plan for Game Days and Traffic

Blossom Street is one of the main routes into campus, and traffic picks up on game days. Living within walking distance means you can skip the parking and traffic entirely. If you drive, ask about garage access and parking availability so you always have a spot waiting.

Ask About What’s Included

• Is the apartment furnished?
• Which utilities are included in rent?
• Is parking available in the garage?
• How are maintenance requests handled?
• What study spaces are available on site?

Read What Residents Say

Learn more about life at VERVE in our post on why VERVE Columbia is the new standard for USC living.

Frequently Asked Questions

How close is VERVE Columbia to USC?

VERVE Columbia is at 450 Blossom Street, about two blocks from the University of South Carolina campus.

What floor plans does VERVE Columbia offer?

VERVE Columbia offers studio through five-bedroom floor plans.

Does VERVE Columbia have study spaces?

Yes. VERVE Columbia includes group and private study spaces, study pods and booths, and a content creation studio.

Find Your Place

Browse the gallery or contact our leasing team to schedule a tour.