University of South Carolina - Off-Campus Housing

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Many students will choose off-campus housing at some point in their college career. Whether it’s because of the greater freedom, the price, or just because they’re ready for a new phase in their lives, some prefer living off campus in spite of the removed distance. There are a multitude of student-living communities, with The Retreat and University Oaks among the favorites. The prices depend on the location, size, and quality of the apartment—off-campus housing is not always cheaper than on campus. The price of gas and a reserved garage space are also a factor, since both are necessary for anyone who commutes. To help out with this, most complexes offers a shuttle that runs to and from campus. Other additional costs include the cost of furniture, utilities, and groceries.

The main problem with living off campus is that students often feel secluded from the action. The convenience of the campus activities right outside your door is gone, and you can no longer venture to the library any time you need to or walk to the Russell House for a late-night meal with friends. It is all a question of whether your priority is freedom or convenience—a choice between freedoms with added responsibility or convenience with less flexibility. However, the option of quality off-campus housing is definitely there for those who decide to go that route.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

On-campus housing is very... On-campus housing is very convenient, and I would have to say that it is worth it for at least another year. About your junior year, the rules and regulations of dorm life can get weary. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

There are many places to stay that... There are many places to stay that are close to campus, but you have to find one that has a lease available, which is hard to come by. But if you get a garage space and live away, I think you will be okay. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

I’m not sure about the convenience... I’m not sure about the convenience of living off campus; I’m going to be a sophomore next year. However, the traffic and parking present great problems from what I hear. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

I lived at the University Commons... I lived at the University Commons for the last three years since I wasn’t a big fan of sharing a small dorm room with someone else. I personally think that I needed the freshman experience of living on campus, but after one year, I decided that I had enough. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

Freshmen are required to live on... Freshmen are required to live on campus their first year unless they have family within 50 miles. I live off campus now and have done so since second semester. Off-campus living is nice, but at times, you miss out on some of the things that are happening on campus. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Did You Know?

Almost every off-campus student living community provides a free shuttle system that runs students to and from campus.

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