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Apartments Near Columbia College

Your 2026 guide to finding affordable, student-friendly housing in Columbia, SC — with real prices, best neighborhoods, and tips to avoid common mistakes.

Average 1BR Rent

$900/mo

Best Neighborhoods

Columbia Heights · Near North

Walk to Campus

5–20 min walk

Housing Near Columbia College: What to Expect

Columbia College enrolls 1,245 students, creating steady demand for off-campus housing in Columbia, SC. Most students move off-campus after their first or second year either to save money or gain more independence.

Rent near campus ranges from $750/mo for a studio to $1,200/mo for a 2-bedroom — with 3 and 4-bedroom shared units often bringing individual rent down to $500–$750/person/mo.

The area is one of the more affordable student markets in the U.S., with strong value for renters willing to shop around.

Apartment Listings Near Columbia College

Representative listings — prices reflect current market rates for Columbia, SC.

College Place

Best Value

Quiet residential complex with off-street parking, covered bike storage, and a community garden.

$641–$750/mo

Studio · 1 BA · 0.3 mi from campus

Riverside Residences

Most Popular

Gated community with resort-style amenities — pool, gym, and on-site maintenance.

$740–$850/mo

1 BR · 1 BA · 0.5 mi from campus

Collegiate Heights

Steps from the light rail stop, ideal for students who commute to internships.

$1,103–$1,250/mo

2 BR · 1 BA · 0.7 mi from campus

Grove Square

Low-rise townhomes arranged around a central green — perfect for small groups.

$1,222–$1,400/mo

3 BR · 2 BA · 0.9 mi from campus

Heritage Court

Urban living with walkable access to restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores.

$779–$900/mo

1 BR · 1 BA · 1.1 mi from campus

Midtown Residences

New Building

Newly built riverfront complex with floor-to-ceiling windows and kayak storage.

$1,002–$1,150/mo

2 BR · 2 BA · 1.4 mi from campus

Park Court

Quiet residential complex with off-street parking, covered bike storage, and a community garden.

$1,309–$1,500/mo

4 BR · 2 BA · 1.6 mi from campus

Best Areas to Live Near Columbia College

Columbia Heights

The closest neighborhood to Columbia College's main entrance. Walk to class in minutes — coffee shops and convenience stores line the main strip.

$900–$1,500/moFreshmen

Near North

A lively area with bars, restaurants, and weekend activity. Ideal if you want a social scene steps from your apartment.

$850–$1,450/moSocial students

East Side

Quieter residential streets with single-family homes converted into multi-unit rentals. More space, lower prices, a short bike ride to campus.

$650–$1,100/moGraduate students

Westgate

Downtown location with walkable access to the transit hub, employers, and city amenities — best for students with internships or part-time jobs.

$850–$1,350/moCommuters

Cost of Living Near Columbia College

Rent (1BR)$900/mo (1 BR avg)
Food & Groceries~$250/mo (mix of dining hall + groceries)
Transportation~$60/mo (bus pass or bike)
Utilities~$80/mo (as a separate charge if not included)
Estimated Monthly Total~$1,290/mo estimated

Student Housing Tips

Start Early

The best apartments near campus get leased 6–9 months before move-in. If you want August housing, start searching in January–February.

Read the Lease

Check: who pays utilities, guest policies, subletting rules, and what happens if a roommate leaves. Never sign anything you haven't fully read.

Choose Roommates Carefully

Split a 3–4 bedroom and each person's share drops by 30–40%. Use a roommate agreement to align on noise, guests, cleanliness, and bills.

More About Columbia College

Columbia College Admissions & ProfileTuition & ROI CalculatorFind My Match Schools

FAQ — Apartments Near Columbia College

What is the cheapest housing near Columbia College?
The most affordable option is typically a studio at around $750/mo. Sharing a 3–4 bedroom apartment brings individual costs down to roughly $500–$750/person.
What are the best student neighborhoods near Columbia College?
Top areas include Columbia Heights, Near North, East Side, Westgate. Each has its own vibe — some are walkable and social, others are quieter and more affordable.
What is the average rent near Columbia College?
Expect $750/mo for a studio, $900/mo for a 1BR, and $1,200/mo for a 2BR. Prices vary by proximity to campus and building amenities.
Is it safe to live off-campus near Columbia College?
The neighborhoods immediately around campus tend to be well-lit and student-friendly. Always tour in person, check entry security, and read tenant reviews before signing a lease.
How far are apartments from Columbia College's campus?
Most student apartments are 0.3–1.5 miles away — a 5–20 minute walk. Bus routes allow students to live 2–3 miles away without needing a car.